Ashe at night is why the US Open has a reputation the other three Slams do not: the roof traps the noise, the crowd has had all day to warm up, and a fifth set can still be running near midnight. Third-round Saturday night is the slot the tournament saves for a name that sells. If you care more about atmosphere than volume of matches, take the night.
What to expect
You arrive as the day crowd is walking out, so the boardwalk runs in both directions. Inside, the stadium fills late and slowly, the lights make the blue court read almost neon, and the noise between points is closer to a ballpark than a tennis club. Typically two singles matches, with the second one often finishing very late.
Good to know
- The night session is a separate ticket from the day session; a day ticket does not roll over.
- 7 train to Mets-Willets Point runs late, but check the exit crowd and give yourself extra time on the platform.
- It gets cool by the water after dark; bring a layer even if the afternoon was hot.
- The roof is closed for weather and the noise inside is noticeably louder when it is.
- Not the best choice for young kids, since the second match regularly runs past midnight.
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Common questions
Is the night session the same ticket as the day session?
No. Day and night sessions in Arthur Ashe Stadium are sold separately, and a day ticket does not admit you to the night.
How late does it go?
Night sessions are scheduled for two singles matches and often run past midnight if either goes long, so plan your ride home accordingly.
Are the outer courts still playing at night?
Outer-court play generally winds down as the night session begins, so a night ticket is about the stadium rather than roaming the grounds.
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