USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Two words: US open. And next year it’ll have a roof that closes. What?! How cool!

Amazing tennis center now just during the US Open tournament. It offers so many opportunities to clubs from the nation to host their tournaments, host charity events and so much more. I think prices of food and parking could be adjusted a bit, but in general it is worth every penny.

I had the greatest opportunity to volunteer for the Arthur Ashe Kids Day event and I was able to bring along my sister who had the chance to play with Vasek P, and Taylor Townsend. She had no clue who they were until we told her haha. Afterwards, we watched th event from the Arthur Ashe Stadium and we saw Serena! I was so happy to be able to experience this. I may consider volunteering again in 2016!
Not to mention, although it was crowded and scorching hot, the employees working within the stadium kept their cool and that was totally admirable! Highlight of my summer!

Things to remember:
— you can park your car at the Citi field if there isn’t a baseball game that day
— expect to pay $ 22 for parking. I suggest taking the subway
— food and drinks are ridiculously overpriced inside the center. $ 9 for a stupid lemonade and you’ll still buy it because it’s freaking hot!
— experience of watching live is well worth the ticket price, imo

I’ve only experienced the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the US Open and I must say that I love going to the US Open. It’s probably my favorite live sporting event and I try to go every year if I can. It’s classy, everyone is happy, and you get to see some of the best athletes in the world. The grounds are very clean and aesthetically pleasing. There are many food options but I think the food is a bit overhyped and definitely overpriced, especially if you go with some of the sit down options (ie. the mojito bar/​restaurant where you need to take out a small mortgage to pay for your low alcohol content mojito (s) and cubano). It gets very crowded and it can be very painful when you pay top price for seats at Ashe and they put the best day matches on Armstrong where there is a line of 300 people trying to get in to get a seat… yes, that happened yesterday. I know they are doing some renovating which will hopefully help with some of that congestion and frustration. Regardless, I will be back. I can’t comment on anything else that happens at the Tennis Center.

I’ve gotten the opportunity to check out the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center two years in a row now when I’ve attended the U.S. Open practice day (the Sunday before the tournament begins they offer free entry to watch all of the players practice and to check out the U.S. open grounds). It’s a pretty cool experience that tennis fans and folks @just curious about what it’s all about” would enjoy. You’ll get the chance to see some of the top players up close and personal (and perhaps grab an autograph or two if that’s your thing).
The facility is easily accessible via public transport (LIRR or 7 train on the subway). It’s located basically across the parking lot from the Mets Stadium (the subway stop separates them) so it’s a mini sports Mecca in the middle of queens which is neat.
I’m not a huge tennis fan myself, but I find the facility to be impressive, with over 20 outdoor courts. There are a number of practice courts, which are probably superior to most high level courts at other facilities. There’s also numbered courts that are a step above the practice courts (are separated and have their own mini seating areas), and the larger courts (Armstrong, grandstand, and Arthur Ashe-​the largest) where the «big» matches are played. All the courts are in fantastic shape.
Besides the courts, there’s a number of different food offerings you can peruse during the open, from pizza to Mexican to burgers to Ben and Jerry’s. They have some sit down restaurants as well but I think you need some sort of special access to enjoy these! Beer and other alcoholic drinks are for sale during the tournament! They also bring in many fancy cars (this year was a lot of Mercedes) during the open which many people seem to enjoy taking pictures with. There are a handful of tennis shops (selling clothing, giant autograph balls, and other tennis must haves) as well as tons of ESPN broadcasting booths.
You can also see the worlds fair globe from the grounds which is impressive in its own right and is a great photo op!
One thing to check before heading over here (for the practice day or the tournament itself) is their bag policy (available on the U.S. Open website). Basically any sort of backpack (except small drawstring ones) will be turned away and you’ll have to rent one of their lockers on site. For some reason though, you can bring a pretty large purse and that’s ok? Not sure how that all works out… If you can avoid bringing a bag at all, you’ll also be expedited through their no-​bag security line (which I imagine pays off during busy times).
They also allow you to bring in «limited quantities» of beverages and food (which can save you some money at the expen$ive concession stands).
Maybe sometime I’ll treat myself to enjoying a real U.S. open match at this tennis facility, but for now, the free practice day suits me and I catch the big matches from my couch!

Such a great place. Worked the U.S. Open there 5 years in a row and always enjoyed myself! So much to do here! Best part is watching the tennis. There’s really not a bad seat in the house! Can’t wait to go back!

The original review for this contains more information on why I like this center so much. The new review contains more info about my personal experience here and some silly song lyrics. You may want to read both of them. Or, if you know me, you’ll probably prefer to read neither. ;)
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, also known as the BJK NTC. Which is what you might say to someone who is leading you on and teasing you. «BJ, K? Need To C…» Oh is that the time? I better get on with the review. After wards, I might be up for a BJK.
To summarize the positives (more detail is in the older review version):
(1) You can drive right onto the grounds and explore, (2) lovely leafy area, (3) next to several highways, easy access, (4) close to world’s best food choices in Jackson Heights-​Flushing, (5) next to amazing Unisphere, (6) Andy Murray won the US Open here, and great atmosphere here always, (7) heart of American tennis, one of the four most iconic places in world Tennis, and on the other hand (8) Jordan from Unilocal has played Tennis here, but other than that, it’s all positive.
This is the greatest Tennis arena I have ever been to. I was last here about 3 months ago. Wimbledon is awesome, but I only gave it a four because in some ways it remains underwhelming. The BJK center and especially the center court, are anything but underwhelming. They are simply magnificent and enormous. I’m talking about the tennis center, not about your b… oh crap is that the time? Next paragraph.
I’ve been to the BJ, K on about 15 occasions now. Twice was to actually watch Tennis (including during my first ever year in the states, and then again a couple of years ago), and the other times were all just to visit. I’ve taken my brother here, exs here, hell I even took a guy here that I was about to do the wild thing with. But we didn’t do it. If you must know, it just ended with a BJ, K? I mean it ended here at the center. Nothing happened. What do you mean I implied something happened? That’s just in your dirty mind. I never did such a thing.
My greatest memory of this place is not the Agassi matches, although those were amazing. It’s the recent Andy Murray US Open win! Now that really meant a lot to me. Brits just don’t win this things, but Andy changed all that at Flushing Meadows at the BJ, K?
I love this grand and sensational tennis complex so much, and it’s so world famous, that Michael Jackson himself, the King Of Pop, once wrote a song for BJK, and I am the only person who has ever heard it (I used to hang with MJ. Quite literally, hang with him. He was into auto-​er… oh wait. Is that the time?
So here’s the song.
She was more like a sporting Queen from a movie scene
I said hey Serena what d’you mean you are the one
Who would serve, and would ace, and would win
And people always told me, be careful who you play
Don’t go around facing Williams sisters (hee)
And mama always told me, be careful how you serve
Be careful what you do, and remember Venus too (hoo)
Billie Jean does not give BJs
She’s just a girl
Who won Tennis trophies for fun
And Larry King is not her son
For 40 days and for 40 nights, she was under lights
Skipping her sleep to practice her serve, making her plans
To be crowned, as the Queen, of the court
And people always told me, be careful who you play
Don’t underestimate those girls (don’t face those girls!)
But she came and asked to play me, and I smelled her own-​brand perfume
It was then I thought «I’m doomed», and her service game blew me away (hoo!)
Billie Jean does not give BJs
As for Serena
She asked if my name is Juan
And she says I look Mexican (hee hee, oww)
Billie Jean, oh how I love her
Just like Serena
She’s still ranked world #1 (you know she is)
And Stephen King is not her son
(Scary books baby)
And her hair weighs a ton
(You know it does)
But Don King is not her son
She makes speeches for fun
But Dr. King was not her son

I’ve taken lessons at NTC, play tennis with my friends and must say you will meet the nicest people and coaches. I come for US Open as well this is like my second home! NTC is very well organized and clean. Locker rooms are clean with showers.

This center is very much like a tennis amusement park. Your match ticket will get you entry to the center and from there you can wander around as long you want. I wouldn’t say I’m a huge tennis fan but do follow it enough as a sports fan, and have to say schedule a NYC visit during the US Open.
We got morning Quarter-​Final tickets thinking we would watch a match (note players are unknown when bought so it’s a guess as who you will see) and then have to leave. But nope, we could see all morning QFs: men’s, women’s, doubles, mixed doubles! The popular and higher seeded players get to choose and usually choose the night timer QFs since it’s cooler.
Anyway, we walked around the center most of the time and saw up and coming junior tennis players with their own concurrent tournament bracket. You can also see the big names practice if you wanted to. The rest of the time were for picture-​taking, eating, and shopping for tennis souvenirs.
And, we somehow still had the time to see two QFs before having to leave in the evening. While we could not stay to watch the nighttime matches, we could remain within the center itself. Looked like lots of locals came here after work to watch the night matches on the big screens all around the center.

If you have a chance to attend the US Open which is held at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center — YOU HAVE TO GO!
I am a big tennis enthusiast and have gone to the US Open for 13 of the last 15 years. The tennis is wonderful and you do not need to buy the pricey tickets into the two biggest stadiums to enjoy good tennis. In the early rounds some of the best tennis is being played on the smaller courts all around the center. You have admission to all the courts except Arthur Ashe with a grounds pass. There is a lot of other things to do while at the US Open. There is a «Tennis Experience» this year sponsored by American Express. There are a lot of food choices, most of it is pretty good or very good. Autograph hunters spend a lot of time close up to the players on the practice courts. There is definitely shopping if you like tennis or sports apparel.
My only complaint about spending a day or more at the US Open is that you will have money fly out of your wallet. Parking is $ 22, a bottle of water is $ 6. The food as I said is varied and most of it is good but it all over priced.
The advertisement for the US OPEN says «NOTHING BEATS BEING HERE». I 100% concur!

WOW! This place was absolutely amazing. Not only was the facility and place in itself stunning, but the staff were all so professional and helpful, they had free phone charging stations that allowed you to look them in there and walk away, they had many food vendors and restaurants, they had beautiful fountains and sitting areas, plenty of clean bathroom with sweet attendants. Being at this year’s US Open was such a memorable experience and being at this Tennis Center was super cool!

NOTHING BEATS BEING HERE. This was my first time to the US Open (surprisingly since I’ve been a huge tennis fan for years). I will admit I was expecting something a little more grand and pristine when it came to outside the facility. I was a bit surprised to see graffiti on the unused, old trains, and the worn wooden walk-​way that you trek to make it to the stadium. All of that can be forgiven though.
After walking across the walk-​way, you curve around to your left then your right and queue up behind the other patrons – then you see it. A glimpse of Louis Armstrong stadium. Then you walk in and it’s like 0 to 60 in an instant – there are tons of shops, restaurants, things to do, things to see, people to greet, drinks to savor – I kinda stood and just took it all in. You get a sense of just how big Arthur Ashe stadium is as you wind around a corner to your right and there it is, towering over you and everything else with his name in big, bold, CAPITAL letters. Very impressive.
As a first-​timer, I wasn’t wise enough to get my tickets super early, so I ended up sitting in the nose bleeds and thought the players would look like ants – they didn’t. I was pleasantly surprised that I could still make out faces and facial expressions without looking on the big screen. I must say it so different being in the action as opposed to watching it on television. On television, you get the sensation of following the camera angles and all that – in person, you find your eyes watching the camera that gives the television viewers all those angles. It’s just a different experience. This is not my first tennis tournament but certainly of this magnitude.
I am coming back next year to the magnificent grounds of the US Open, and I can’t wait. My hotel was only one stop over (could’ve walked), and I know this is going to be annual event for me. I’m already getting my bearings together for next year!

I think I am becoming a more serious tennis fan because this year I went to the Men’s US Open Final Match and found it much harder to focus on the game than when I I had watched the semi-​finals on TV. Because when you watch on television, you are on the court and have the player’s view, you get the zoom-​ins and replays, you have the commentators and there are no distractions. Whereas this year I cared more and I felt I took in the people arriving late, people getting up/​down for more food and alcohol, the shouters (one who shouted right before a serve and was met with a chorus of boos), and the planes from La Guardia flying nearby *way* too distracting. I kept losing focus on the game itself and started more passively watching the game like I do baseball games. It helped to have the AMEX radio ear piece so make sure you retrieve it when you walk in to the stadium.
All that said, I’m still looking forward to them building that retractable roof over Arthur Ashe, which is suppose to be done by 2016. It is much needed after the soaring heat and humidity this year that seemed to put the players through heat stroke. I think I would be far more inclined to attend the blistering hot afternoon matches if there was a roof. They built bleacher seats by the practice matches this year in 2014, which were a really nice addition.
As far as whether you take the LIRR or the 7, I don’t think it matters that much or will depend on where you live. I timed it and the 7 from Penn Station to Mets-​Willets took 30 minutes. LIRR runs a special US Open schedule and is 16 minutes. Either way, you have to add in time it takes to get to Penn Station or where a 7 line is running from where you live as well as any wait time at the stations.

Got tickets to last years US Open and we were able to see one match before it started raining. Due to the rain, we got replacement tickets for this year. It’s really easy to request replacement tickets (you fill out some form and mail it in) and they emailed me tickets for the same seats a few weeks before this years tournament.
We got there at 9:15 am or so and got great parking easily. It actually worked out great as we found out the gates opened at 9:30. Definitely get there early if you want to see a match on one of the smaller courts with open seating. We went in around maybe 9:45 and there was no line and we got awesome seats. My sister-​in-​law came in closer to 11 when the tournament actually starts and had to wait in a huge line (almost an hour) even though we saved her a seat. I personally prefer to watch matches on Grandstand or Louis Armstrong over Arthur Ashe, at least unless you have really good seats in Ashe as otherwise it’s pretty hard to see. You can still see great matches– we saw the Bryan brothers, Djokovic, Eugenie Brouchard, Makarova, Tommy Robredo, Stan Wawtinka among others (Andy Murray, Tsonga, and Serena Williams were playing in Ashe).
There is one big issue I think that makes this a 4 star venue for me. If you are sitting in a court without reserved seating and leave, you will likely encounter a long line to get back in even if someone is saving you a seat. It was almost 100 degrees and they were only selling ice cream and some water inside so two of us went to get food. Getting back in involved standing in an almost 40 minute line which was insane. They should either have more food available inside or let you re-​enter within a certain time frame without standing in line (maybe 20 minutes). Aside from this, I like this venue. Various food and drink options, you can watch a variety of matches especially in the earlier rounds, it’s easy to get to (subway, LIRR, or driving). I’ve been to Wimbledon as well and found it to be a little pretentious; I definitely prefer the atmosphere here.

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is absolutely beautiful. Incredibly well maintained courts, grounds, and plants around the stadium.
The US Open is a great time. I have been going out annually for the past couple years to the qualifying tournament which is FREE to the public for the entire WEEK before the tournament starts. Other than that an affordable day would be the FREE Sunday practice session the day before the tournament starts, which I want to check out next years.
Other than that, the first week of the main tournament is the only affordable possibility for the average Joe. You can shop around Stubhub, Ticketmaster Ticket Resale exchange, and
to find the best price out of the various markets. I have found tickets for around $ 35 for first round or two.
One star off for overpriced generic stadium food and overpriced tickets after the first round. They claim to have improved the food lately, but most of the stands are still your generic hot dog and beer. They should make deals like Citi Field and MSG did recently and get the big guys like Shake Shack, etc. to open up shop. If you’re gonna pay a lot might as well get quality.
The overpriced tickets are really limiting the live action to the Hamptons/​celebrity crowd toward the end of the tournament which is a shame. Maybe they could set something up like Wimbledon does on Henman Hill and have some way for a mass audience to view semi-​live?
Pros:
Beautiful, huge arena
intimate up close seating in outer bleacher courts
FREE qualifying tournament annually
FREE practice session annually
1^st through 2^nd round tickets reasonable
Cons:
Overpriced generic food (-.5 star)
Ridiculous ticket prices (-.5 star)
Tip — If you are watching at home the
is now your best option. Pick any court and watch mostly commercial free.

I leave the glowing accolades to the tennis lovers on Unilocal.But, as a casual fan who will watch a bit of Grand Slam tennis, and had the good fortune to get a couple of tickets to the semi finals last weekend at an amazing price, I can comment that this campus is quite amazing.
It is very much the progeny of the old World’s Fair — a place where the world comes to hang out and watch great tennis for as long as they can afford to stay in the vicinity and make their way into the outer and inner sanctums of what is very much the Temple of Tennis.
It may not be my faith, but I can appreciate a beautiful cathedral.

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has won my heart this year after the U.S. Open. Awesome giveaways, free food and beer being served all night long.
…Oh yeah and some great tennis action.
I didn’t get to see my boy Novak Djokovic but I did Serena go into beast mode and Roger Federer LOSE! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
The Open is awesome! Chase card holders get bracelets to the Chase Lounge which will have catered food, wine, alcohol and beer, for free. You can catch all the different matches on television. All of this just for being a Chase card member… or stealing someones card. Which ever is more convenient for you.
The center has tons of unique food vendors. All different types of food for all the diverse groups of people coming from around the world to try the best commercialized American version of their culture’s food. The melting pot of America indeed.
The grounds are spacious, lots of room to chill, watch a game on the big screen and you can even get some shopping in at the Polo store.
While in your seat, you will have a great view of the action wherever you’re watching from. No seat is a bad seat, unless it’s in the bathroom next to the guy who ate the «authentic» Mexican cuisine. If you are a American Express card holder. (Maybe I have a black card, you’re just gonna have to wonder) you can get headphones which will provide you with all the commentary of the main match going on.
We were all concerned that if the match kept on going, we would have to see the remainder of the matches dry due to a cutoff time. When I went to the vendors they explained to me «Dis ain’t no baseball game!»
No it wasn’t. Beer served all night. Music to my ears.
Oh wait that’s just the headphones playing Set Fire to the Rain, during the rain delay.
«Even now that we’re already over, I can’t help myself from looking for you»
Shutup, you listen to Adele.

I love watching tennis and am a great fan. Had been following it for many years. So I had to watch it in person.
Got a couple of General admission tickets for a weekday ($ 70+/ticket). People with bags go in a separate line — does not take long, just a couple of minutes extra.
Once we were in, we decided to go into the Louis Armstrong stadium. This stadium has reserved as well as general free seating. We settled in a nice section but I should say that the seats are very uncomfortable — not enough leg room. I don’t have long legs but I had to sit sideways. Definitely a big deal when one has to sit for hours together.
Caught a few games on the outer courts. There are also the practice courts where one can catch a glimpse of star players. Sometimes the players walk around the stadium grounds surrounded by security.
The morning crowd was ok for a Friday before the long labor day weekend but as the day progressed people were pouring in, meaning long lines everywhere — restrooms, souvenir shop and concession stands.
There are lots of options for snacks and lunch and dinner but I felt they are outrageously priced — $ 6 for a really stale pretzel? Don’t need that. Recommend bringing your snacks/​sandwiches.
Definitely worth watching the matches in person at least once in your lifetime if you are a great fan of the game but in my opinion, its so much better watching it on TV and avoid the sun, crowds and long lines at the restroom :-)

Been here twice for the last two years. What a great venue to be at. Gorgeous place. There is constant action going on everywhere. You can watch a tennis match on the bigger courts like Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium or you can go to smaller court and be up close of the action, guarantee. Great views of each tennis match. If you can’t get into Arthur Ashe, then I suggest sitting outside at the lawn of Arthur Ashe. They have big screen for you to watch the match inside the stadium and they have a beautiful fountain.
They have some very neat merchandises at all stores. You feel like you want to buy every single one of them, but I don’t want my bank account gone. Although I do want that huge tennis ball that everyone uses to get players to sign autographs on, but where am I going to put it in my house.
They have some very classy alcoholic beverages, but expensive. They serve heineken, corona, vodka, champagne, etc. They all serve it very classy glass. They also have bars, so you can sit there and watch the matches. They have a few restaurants there, but I’ve never tried it before, plus they also your everyday fast food. They also have a few interactive games which is really neat.
Even if you are not a tennis fan, I still suggest you come here once. It is such an amazing experience. Its an all day/​night for 2 weeks straight.
Every staff member there is very friendly and helpful. They all make feel welcome.
I do not mind waking up really early to watch a tennis match.

2012 US OPEN!
The third time I’ve been to the US Open since Arthur Ashe stadium was built! We took the 7 train from the Upper East Side to Flushing Meadows (subway stop called Willets Point/​Shea Stadium).
It’s a short (less than 10 minute) walk to the main gates of the US Open. There’s a lot of things to see, do, and buy at the US Open. We had eaten lunch before heading to Flushing Meadows, so we didn’t eat any food while watching tennis, but we did get a Lemon-​lime smoothie ($ 5.00) from one of the bars.
It was great to walk around the outside courts, watch tennis (men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s singles), and visit with friends at the Yonex tennis booth!
I took a few pictures while at the 2012 Open, so please take a look. If you have a chance, you should go because the US Open is one of the four Grand Slams each year. In the future, I’d love to attend the other three (Australian, French, and Wimbledon).
The USTA does an excellent job of organizing the US Open! However, the ticket prices have gone up a lot since I first attended the US Open in the 90s. It’s a great tournament and if you’re a tennis fan (atic), then going to the Grand Slams is a must!
Xie Xie!

Le dernier Grand Chelem de l’année se déroule ici et le tournoi est toujours trop bien. Le court du stade Arthur Ashe (l’équivalent du court Philippe Chatrier à Roland Garros) a été refait a neuf en 2010. Un court très rapide, venez voir les aces de Roddick ou les coups droits puissants de del Potro, Soderling ou Wawrinka.
Of note: Even the worst seat isn’t so bad, particularly in Louis Armstrong or the Grandstand.