Opening day's the only time the whole field is alive — all 256 players, before a single upset thins the draw. Dozens of first-round matches run at the same time, so you can drift court to court and catch tomorrow's headline match from a first-come bench a few feet away. The 2026 edition stretches to 22 days, but no other day gives you this much simultaneous tennis on one grounds pass.
What to expect
The grounds sprawl across 46 acres, and the field courts are where opening day earns its reputation — first-come seating close enough to hear the strings. Benches at the best outside matchups fill within minutes, so pick a target and commit. Most seating's uncovered and the food village backs up at midday, so plan around both.
Good to know
- The 7 train to Mets-Willets Point drops you right at the gate
- LIRR's Port Washington branch serves the same station, though that platform isn't accessible
- A grounds pass covers the field courts but not Arthur Ashe — that's a separate ticket
- Armstrong and the Grandstand need their own reserved tickets too
- Airport-style security and clear-bag rules — pack small and light
- Most seating's uncovered, so dress for a full day in the sun
More sports this weekend
Common questions
When does the 2026 US Open main draw start?
Main draw play begins Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. That's the first of 15 competition days. Grounds play starts at 11am, Arthur Ashe at noon, and the evening session at 7pm — day and night sessions are sold separately.
What is the difference between a grounds pass and a stadium ticket?
A grounds pass gets you the field courts, where seating's first-come. Arthur Ashe isn't included — that's its own ticket — and Armstrong and the Grandstand are separate reserved tickets too.