You've finally decided. This is the year you're heading to Queens to smell the tennis balls and sip a $24 Honey Deuce. But then you look at the screen. Your jaw hits the floor. Why does a seat in the "nosebleeds" of Arthur Ashe cost more than a month of car payments?
Honestly, figuring out how much are us open tennis tickets is like trying to predict a five-set tiebreaker. It is chaotic. It's expensive. But if you know where to look, it’s not always a total bank-account-killer.
👉 See also: Why the Depth Chart New York Giants Strategy is Shifting Right Now
The 2026 US Open is shaping up to be another record-breaker, following the 2023 and 2024 seasons where attendance numbers basically went vertical. If you want to be there, you need to understand that "face value" is often a myth for the average fan. Most of us are living in the resale world.
The Ground Rules: Types of Tickets and What They Cost
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the dollars, you've gotta know what you’re actually buying. There isn't just one "ticket."
Grounds Passes are the "entry-level" option. Sorta. For about $70 to $200, depending on the day, these get you into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. You can wander. You can sit in the unreserved sections of Louis Armstrong (the upper bowl) or the Grandstand. You can press your face against the fence of Court 17. What you can’t do is get into Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Arthur Ashe Stadium tickets are the golden tickets. They give you a reserved seat in the big house—the one with the roof. They also act as a grounds pass. In the early rounds, a "cheap" seat in the Promenade (the very top) can run you $100 to $300. By the time the semifinals roll around? Expect that number to jump to $600 or way, way more.
Louis Armstrong Reserved is the middle child. You get a guaranteed seat in the lower bowl of the second-largest stadium. These often hover around $150 to $500 in the first week. It’s a great move because the atmosphere is way more intimate than Ashe.
💡 You might also like: Why Listening to the Chicago Cubs on 670 The Score Still Hits Different
Breaking Down the Cost by Round
Prices don't stay still. They climb like a mountain.
The First Week: The "Best Value" Phase
In the first few days (Sessions 1 through 10), the grounds are packed with matches. You might see a Top 10 player on an outside court for the price of a Grounds Pass.
- Day Sessions: Usually start around $150–$250 for Ashe.
- Night Sessions: Can actually be cheaper early on—sometimes $100–$180—because people have to work the next day.
- Grounds Passes: Often around $75–$150 if you buy early.
The Second Week: The Luxury Phase
This is when the celebrities show up and the prices go nuts.
- Quarterfinals: You're looking at $250 for the worst seats in the house. Lower bowl? You're talking $1,000 to $5,000.
- Men’s Final: This is the peak. In 2026, expect the "get-in" price for the Men's Final to be at least $600–$800 for the furthest seat from the court. If you want to see the trophy presentation from a decent vantage point, you’re looking at $3,000+.
Why the Price Fluctuates So Much
It’s all about the "Who" and the "When."
If a superstar like Carlos Alcaraz or Coco Gauff is scheduled for a night match, the resale prices for that specific session will double in twenty minutes. The schedule of play usually comes out the day before. That’s when the secondary market (StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster Resale) goes into a frenzy.
Weather matters too. Arthur Ashe has a roof. If the forecast says "100% chance of thunderstorms," the price of Ashe tickets will skyrocket because it’s the only place where tennis is guaranteed to happen. Grounds passes become almost worthless if it’s a washout.
Getting the Most for Your Money
If you’re on a budget but still want the experience, aim for Fan Week. This is the week before the main draw starts. Historically, it’s been free to enter the grounds. You can watch the qualifying matches, see the pros practicing on the practice courts, and soak up the vibe without spending a dime on entry.
Another pro tip: look for the "Session 2" (Evening) tickets for the first Monday or Tuesday. Everyone is hyped for the opening day, but by 7:00 PM on a weeknight, the casual crowd thins out. You can often find Promenade seats for under $150.
Hidden Costs of Attending
Don't just budget for the ticket. NYC is expensive, and the National Tennis Center is a vacuum for your wallet.
- The Honey Deuce: The signature cocktail is now $24. Yes, really. But you keep the cup.
- Food: A burger or a decent sandwich will run you $15–$22.
- Merch: A standard US Open hat is usually $35–$45.
If you're coming from out of town, remember that hotel prices in Manhattan and Long Island City surge during these two weeks. You might pay $400 a night for a basic Marriott.
How to Buy Without Getting Ripped Off
Stick to the official channels first. The Amex Presale usually happens in late May, with general public sales following in early June. If you miss those, you're at the mercy of the resale market.
💡 You might also like: 2025 NBA Draft Picks: What Most People Get Wrong
When using resale sites, look for "Verified" tickets. The USTA uses digital-only ticketing through the US Open app. If someone tries to sell you a paper ticket or a "PDF" via email, run. It’s a scam. Everything is transferred through the Ticketmaster/US Open portal.
Quick Summary of Expected 2026 Prices
| Ticket Type | Round 1-2 (Early) | Quarterfinals | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grounds Pass | $75 - $150 | N/A (Week 1 only) | N/A |
| Ashe Promenade | $120 - $300 | $250 - $600 | $600 - $1,500 |
| Ashe Loge | $350 - $700 | $800 - $1,800 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Courtside | $1,000 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To actually get tickets without losing your shirt, you need a strategy. Mark your calendar for late May 2026 for the initial sale. That is the only time you will see "face value" prices. If you miss that, wait until the day of the match—specifically about 2-3 hours before the gates open. Desperate sellers often drop prices on StubHub just to get something back.
Also, consider taking the 7 Train or the LIRR. Parking at Citi Field or the surrounding lots can cost $40 or more, and the traffic is a nightmare. Spend that money on an extra cocktail instead.
Start by downloading the official US Open app now so you're ready for the notification pings when the 2026 schedule and ticket drops are announced.