Inside the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament
9/05/2007 at 1:45 PM
Tags: US Open, Sports Travel, Sports (all tags)
Anna likes Roger, Juliana likes Roddick.
For those of you headed to the U.S. Open for the "important matches" this week like tonight's match between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick, we've put together a short list of what to expect.
Getting There
The tourney takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The best way to get there from Manhattan is of course the subway, specifically the Flushing-bound 7 train to Shea Stadium (which is next door to the center). Or you can take the LIRR to the Shea Stadium station. If you prefer to drive, parking costs $14.
MORE
Things to Do
Watch tennis of course. In the earlier stages of the tournament it's fun to go around and watch the matches with all the unknown players at the mini-stadiums. This is because you can get close to the action and more emotionally involved in the matches. However, the bigger matches are usually played at center court aka Arthur Ashe Stadium and the second-biggest court, Louis Armstrong.
What sucks is that the daily guide book that tells you who is playing who and where and when is $3. Rip-off.
Also, the US Open sells day tickets and night tickets, the latter being more expensive though they include the better matches. If you have a day ticket you can stick around at night to watch the matches on the giant screen outside Arthur Ashe.
Shopping
Ralph Lauren has a store on site which is selling cooler tennis clothes than the official U.S. Open Stores but they also cost more and make you feel like a WASP. However, we bought a fisherman's floppy hat with the U.S. Open logo on one side and a Polo label on the other but that's simply because it's hot and sunny there. So come prepared. (That should save you $35.)
Lacoste, Nike and Wilson round out the other stores on site. Plus, the sponsors--Lexus, Evian, Olympus and American Express--all have booths set up over the place.
Eat
The fare includes the typical ballgame treats like pretzels, hot dogs, polish sausages, soda and beer. Of course, a bit hit is also the Ben and Jerry's ice cream and the gelato carts. And let's not forget about Evian, the official sponsor of the U.S. Open.
The tennis center also has restaurants for a sit-down dining experience. These include:
· Mojitos, a Cuban restaurant.
· Aces, a wine bar with seafood offerings.
· Champions Bar and Grill, a "modern take on the traditional clubhouse atmosphere." Expect cheeseburgers and the like.
· U.S. Open Club, on the ground floor of Arthur Ashe stadium and is open to series ticket holders (for a fee), Silver Loge Box seat holders and Amex card holders.
There's also a Food Village with more options. Don't forget to stop by the Grey Goose bar to get the Honey Deuce cocktail people are slurping down.
Silence is Still Golden
Everyone is asked to turn off their cellphone ringers but of course, not everyone remembers this. So there is always a stray phone ring here and there. Also, this doesn't prevent people from having boring-ass conversations on their cellphone while the match is on. "Soo...what are you doing? Oh that's cool. Me? Not much. Just at the US Open. God, it's so hot! Anyways, I was thinking about what to wear to the White Party...." Ugh. If you have to make a phone call, please make sure it's an emergency. Or better yet, get up from your seat and go to the concourse so we can watch Roddick in peace.
Insider Tip
If you're an American Express card holder you can eat at the U.S. Open club which has better food and less wait. You can pick up a souvenir pin and get free pedicab rides from the subway to the stadium. You can also get complimentary radio and mini-TV sets allow you to watch all matches and hear commentaries. That also makes you a tennis loser.
Related Stories:
· Dear Anna Wintour: Roger Federer is Staying at the Carlyle Hotel [HotelChatter]
· Where the U.S Open Players are Staying in Manhattan [HotelChatter]
· U.S. Open [Official Site]
Leave a Comment
Not yet a member? Click here to become a member.
Already a member? Login below: