A handy list of the things you should, and shouldn’t, bring to the US Open tennis tournament.
1. Be aware of what you can’t bring
The US Open is strict in terms of what you can’t bring. They only allow one bag per person, which must only have one strap (it can’t be a backpack with two straps) and it must meet the size requirements.
You also can’t bring alcohol, video cameras, laptops, flags or banners. And only limited quantities of food are permitted.
Read the full list of what may not be brought on to the premises.
2. Tickets
3. Schedule of Play – it’s handy to have a printed version so that you can see who is playing on what court and in what order. This information is available on the US Open iPhone App but so far, when I have been able to use the free wifi, it hasn’t been strong enough to power the App.
3. Sunscreen / Hat / Sunglasses / Chapstick – The US Open is hot and there are only a few shaded seats near some courts. If you’re planning to watch a lot of tennis during the day session, be prepared for sitting in the sun.
4. Cold drink or empty water bottle (make sure it’s not glass or metal) – there are water fountains around the grounds where you can refill your water.
5. Camera
6. Metro Card – if you’re getting the Subway to and from Flushing Meadows have your ticket handy so you don’t have to buy one on your way home. If you do need a ticket though there is a booth where you can buy 2 trip tickets for $4.50 just before you enter the station, and the line hasn’t been very long.
7. Earphones – If you have seat in the Arthur Ashe promenade, expect the crowd to be noisy, and I don’t mean noisily cheering on the players. There is a lot of load non tennis chatter so you may like to play some music on your iPod to drown out the back ground noise.
8. Binoculars – The promenade seats in Arthur Ashe are quite a distance from the court so binoculars will let you get a closer look.
Did I miss anything? What other essentials do you bring to enjoy a day at the US Open.
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal
Thanks Pro Pelican, great tips 🙂
Small snacks also seem to be allowed. Sometimes the food lines are way too long when I’m eager to get to a match. Last time I brought carrots/celery, trail mix & an apple and it did not seem to be a problem.
If you have top level seats at Ashe or are just planning to stay through the evening, def plan to bring a sweatshirt or wrap. It can get windy up high and sometimes matches run till after midnight. There temperature can really drop.
Some rain gear can’t hurt. I’ve been caught in the rain at the Open a handful of the times in the past few years.