The connoisseur's ticket. On a third-round day the site runs matches on a dozen courts at once, and the outer courts put you close enough to hear players talk to their boxes, which no seat in Ashe can do. The doubles draw is still deep, so four world-class players trade volleys ten feet away. If you would rather see six matches close than two from the upper deck, buy this.
What to expect
You wander. Courts fill and empty as matches finish, the good ones draw standing crowds three deep, and the marshals rotate people in at changeovers. Louis Armstrong Stadium admits grounds-pass holders to standing-room and unreserved upper areas depending on capacity. Between matches the food village near the fountains is the natural regroup point.
Good to know
- 7 train to Mets-Willets Point; the LIRR Port Washington branch also stops there during the tournament.
- Arrive at the gates early, because the best outer-court matchups get called first and the standing crowds build fast.
- The grounds pass does not include a reserved seat in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Almost all outer courts are uncovered, so a rain delay stops your day even though Ashe keeps playing.
- You will walk several miles across the site; wear shoes you can stand in for six hours.
- Best value option for a family or a group that wants flexibility rather than assigned seats.
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Common questions
Can I get into Arthur Ashe Stadium with a grounds pass?
No. The grounds pass covers Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Grandstand and the outer courts, but a reserved Arthur Ashe seat is a separate ticket.
How many matches can I realistically watch?
On a third-round day a dozen courts run at once, so it is normal to see parts of six or more matches, including doubles and junior play.
What happens if it rains?
Most outer courts are uncovered and play stops until they dry, so a grounds pass carries more weather risk than a roofed-stadium ticket.
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