Look, let’s be real. Tennis can be an incredibly expensive sport to watch in person. If you’ve ever looked at the prices for a courtside seat at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the finals, you know it’s basically the price of a used sedan. That’s why the US Open Fan Week Pass has become this sort of legendary "hack" for New Yorkers and die-hard tennis fans who want the vibe without the crushing credit card debt.
Most people think the US Open is just a two-week tournament. It's not. There is this frantic, high-energy week right before the main draw starts where the gates at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center swing open, and honestly, it’s often more fun than the actual tournament.
What the US Open Fan Week Pass Actually Is (And What It Isn't)
The term "Pass" is a bit of a misnomer that trips people up every single year. You don't necessarily need a physical ticket to enter the grounds for most of Fan Week. Entry to the grounds is free. However, the US Open Fan Week Pass is a digital QR code—basically a glorified registration—that unlocks specific perks like reserved seating for certain events, entry into giveaways, and access to the practice court viewing platforms.
Registration usually happens through the official US Open website or their app. If you just show up without it, you can still walk around, but you’ll be the person standing behind a fence trying to peek at Carlos Alcaraz while the people with the "Pass" are sitting in the bleachers ten feet away from him.
The USTA (United States Tennis Association) started pushing this digital pass a few years ago to collect data and manage the massive crowds. It’s a trade-off. You give them your email; they give you the ability to see the world's best athletes sweat through a practice shirt.
The Practice Court Goldmine
This is the real reason you go. During Fan Week, the stars aren't just hiding in the locker rooms. They are out on the P-courts (practice courts).
Imagine standing five feet away from Novak Djokovic while he works on his backhand return. In the main tournament, that view costs thousands. During Fan Week, with your US Open Fan Week Pass, it’s free. You can hear the ball hit the strings. You can hear the players joking with their coaches. It’s intimate in a way that professional sports rarely are anymore.
One thing people get wrong: they think they can just stroll up to Court 17 at 2:00 PM and see a star. No. You have to check the Practice Schedule, which is usually posted on the big screens near the South Gate or updated in the app. The schedule is fluid. Players are notoriously picky about when they practice based on the heat or how their legs feel.
The Events That Require More Than Just a Free Pass
While the grounds are free, some events held during Fan Week are ticketed. This is where the confusion peaks.
- Stars of the Open: This is usually a charity exhibition. In past years, we’ve seen legends like John McEnroe and Andre Agassi play alongside current stars like Coco Gauff. You have to buy a separate ticket for this. Your free pass won't get you in the gate for this one.
- The Arthur Ashe Kids' Day: A chaotic, high-energy mix of music and tennis. While there are free activities, the stadium show requires a paid ticket.
- The Qualifying Tournament: This is the soul of Fan Week. Players ranked outside the top 100 are fighting for their lives to get into the main draw. The intensity is insane. It's free to watch, and it’s some of the "grittiest" tennis you’ll ever see. These athletes are playing for a paycheck that could change their entire season.
Navigating the Grounds Without Losing Your Mind
The Flushing Meadows-Corona Park site is massive. If you’re taking the 7 Train—which you should, because parking is a nightmare and costs a fortune—you’ll walk across the boardwalk.
Keep your US Open Fan Week Pass ready on your phone’s digital wallet. Service can be spotty when 30,000 people are all trying to upload Instagram stories at once. Screenshot the QR code. It’ll save you five minutes of frustration at the scanning kiosk.
Hydration is another thing. They let you bring in one plastic water bottle (sealed). Use it. A bottle of water inside the grounds is priced like it was sourced from a magical glacier. There are hydration stations to refill, so don't throw your bottle away.
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Is the Pass Still a Secret?
Not really. Over the last two years, Fan Week attendance has exploded. We’re talking over 150,000 people over the course of the week.
Because of this, the "free" experience is getting crowded. If you want to see a top-five player practice, you need to get to that specific court at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time. If you show up right when they start, you’ll be staring at the back of someone’s head.
The complexity of the schedule is a hurdle. The USTA often releases the practice schedules late. You basically have to live on the app. But for a fan who loves the technical side of the game, seeing a coach break down a player's service motion is worth the logistical headache.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Qualifying Rounds
People assume "Qualies" means "Bad Tennis." That is a massive mistake.
The players in the qualifying rounds are often former top-20 players coming back from injury or the next generation of superstars. To get into the main draw, they have to win three matches in a row. It is high-stakes, high-stress, and completely free to watch with your US Open Fan Week Pass.
The atmosphere on the outer courts during the final round of qualifying is arguably more electric than the first round of the actual tournament. There is more at stake for those players.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you're heading to Queens for Fan Week, follow these specific steps to actually enjoy yourself:
- Register Early: Don't wait until you're at the gate. Go to the US Open website weeks in advance to secure your digital pass.
- The "South Gate" Hack: Most people pour in through the main entrance near the 7 Train. The South Gate (near the Unisphere) is often much faster if you’re being dropped off by a rideshare.
- The Sun is Your Enemy: Most of the seating during Fan Week is in direct sunlight. Court 17 has some shade in the late afternoon, but otherwise, wear a hat. You will bake.
- The Food Village: It’s open! You can get the famous Honey Deuce cocktail even during Fan Week. It’s expensive, but the souvenir glass is the unofficial trophy of the tournament.
- Check the Weather: If it rains, practice is cancelled or moved indoors to the practice facility where fans generally can't go. Always check the radar before making the trek to Queens.
The US Open Fan Week Pass represents the last "democratic" part of major professional sports. It’s a way for the kid from Brooklyn or the fan on a budget to see world-class athletes without needing a corporate sponsor. It’s messy, it’s hot, and it’s loud, but it’s the purest way to experience the US Open.
Go for the tennis, stay for the energy, and make sure your phone is fully charged before you hit the boardwalk. Once you see a 130 mph serve from five feet away, you'll get why people obsess over this week. It’s just different.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download the US Open App today and create your fan profile. This automatically sets you up for the Fan Week Pass notification as soon as registrations open for the 2026 season. If you are planning to attend the ticketed "Stars of the Open" event, mark your calendar for the early July pre-sale, as those seats usually vanish within 48 hours. Finally, check the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) schedule as an alternative to the 7 Train; it’s faster, cleaner, and drops you right at the stadium.