An Off-Court Guide to Fan Week and More
The U.S. Open has returned to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The 2024 festivities kicked off Monday with Fan Week, free and open to the public, before the main tournament ramps up Aug. 26. Here’s a look at what’s happening at and around the stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park this year.
Eat and Drink Like You’re Still in Manhattan
While the onsite dining options at sporting arenas often leave much to be desired, the U.S. Open elevates its food scene through partnerships with celebrity chefs and by bringing many of the city’s beloved restaurants out to the stadium. This year’s dining options include dishes from Simon Kim’s buzzy fried chicken concept Coqodaq, Tatiana chef Kwame Onwuachi, David Burke, Pat LaFrieda, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and more. Flavors of the Open, a public ticketed preview of the dining lineup presented by DOBEL Tequila, will held Thursday during Fan Week in anticipation of the tournament’s main draw.
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Carnegie Deli is also hosting a pop-up at the stadium, with pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on the menu starting Monday.
Moët & Chandon is the official Champagne partner of the Open, and will be served up throughout the tournament at The Clubhouse bar. Courtside premier ticket holders will have access to limited-edition offerings including cobranded “Golden Goblets” and Moët’s official tournament cocktail La Piscine, which will serve Champagne over ice with a melon ball garnish — how on-theme.
Also During Fan Week…
DJ D-Nice will headline the inaugural U.S. Open Block Party on Friday. The evening, to be held at the center’s Fountain Plaza, kicks off at 8 p.m. with a set by DJ Millie.
Art Partnerships
An unexpected pairing: Marvel superheroes and tennis superstars. Marvel has collaborated with the U.S. Open on a comic book, which will be given away for free during Fan Week to U.S. Open Fan Pass holders starting Monday. Naomi Osaka and Carlos Alcaraz are among the players depicted in illustrated form. This year’s official art for the U.S. Open, a celebration of “The Power of Tennis,” was designed by St. Louis native Chelsey Farris, who is the first American woman to be tapped for the gig in 15 years. Her design is available on posters and other merch available for purchase.
Hotels Offering U.S. Open Experiences for Guests
Ultra-luxury hotel Aman is offering a U.S. Open Tennis Experience package. Guests will get a two-night stay, two courtside seats for the men’s final, and full-day car service, among other perks — including transportation to and from the tournament on a 48-foot Daychaser yacht. The view en route is sure to be interesting.
Crowne Plaza HY36, an official U.S. Open partner, is also offering a U.S. Open Package available to loyalty members. The package includes a welcome kit with game day essentials like sunscreen, snacks, a portable fan (aka the accessory of the summer), and portable charger. The hotel is hosting several players, upping the experiential factor. Located near Hudson Yards and a quick walk from Penn Station, the hotel is well-positioned to catch either the subway or Long Island Railroad for quick transportation out to the stadium.
Still in Queens?
The Queens Museum is a short walk from the USTA Billie Jean King Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Current exhibitions at the museum include Cameron A. Granger’s “9999” featuring video and sculptures, “Lyle Ashton Harris: Our first and last love,” and the museum’s Panorama of New York, a scaled model of the city’s five boroughs created for the 1964 World’s Fair.
A Taste of the U.S. Open Back in Manhattan
Not heading out this year? Van Leeuwen is launching a limited tennis-inspired ice cream flavor in collaboration with Amex, Match Point Mint Chip x Amex. The flavor will be available at store locations throughout the city.
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