US Open Thoughts- Positive Version. A LOT of thoughts.

[nelslus]

Hey, I posted this in another site. Thought I'd offer the same US Open info/thoughts here. Indeed, this does not focus on how they have REALLY gone over-the-top this year with ticket prices for this year. Nevertheless.....

OK, just some additional notes. IF I end up repeating info already provided, I apologize in advance. I am fairly brain-frazzled currently. I have been going to the US Open tennis, except for 3 years (one being the COVID year), since 1999. And, I went to the Open a few times in the 1970's. I have never had anything but a great time. Go to the Qualies, go to any main draw matches, go to any finals.....It still freaks me out to see major Slam matches. I got to see Venus, Serena, Roger, and Coco Gauff win US Open singles titles. And, yes, I am bragging.

It WOULD appear that prices have gone up considerably this year, especially for the Finals. I am gonna have to do some serious thinking about keeping costs down however (and if) I can, if I do go this year.

*You can for sure bring one string transparent bag with you. The size limit that I just googled from the US Open site is listed as 12"W x 12"H x 16"L. To be honest, I think one bag I had might have been a bit larger than that listed size. But, I don't think they're gonna bring out the tape measure, unless you go obviously larger than that.

*I cannot emphasize enough- bring plenty of sunscreen- lotions, creams. NO sprays. If you bring any spray items, they are gonna take them, and kiss them goodbye. So, I always first sunscreen spray myself like crazy before I leave for the Open. And then re-apply sunscreen lotions and creams every 2 hours or so.

*There is a terrific and very affordable food and soft drink kiosk next to the main entrance of the US Open, where you can get terrific lunch and breakfast options. There are benches right outside if you want to eat there, and I have never had any problems bringing in excellent sandwiches/burgers, fruit, water and/or sodas. I always bring in an empty plastic water container- there are tons of places to get water re-fills. NO booze. Don't bring any glass containers- if you do, kiss them goodbye.

*Drink as much water as you can. Hydrate.

*Folks have already mentioned the American Express lounge. Even if you do not have an AmExp card- unless they are having swanky Am Exp events going on- you can at least go in for some much needed air conditioning. There are plenty of places to sit, even some lounge chairs, and sometimes, they have somewhat amusing stuff going on. If you have an AmExp card- sometimes they have some other freebies. For example, once you presented your AmExp card last year- and I only did this when the wait time line wasn't too ridiculous- I got some funky-sounding cold air-spray massages- which ended up being pretty terrific. And, the massage folks were really sweet and gave terrific massages. Failing that- get air conditioning by going into any of their clothing sales locations or whatever. Get out of the heat a few times per day.

*For the main stadiums, with the way things are now- my favorite is Louis Armstrong. The new Louis Armstrong stadium is built in a way where, even during hellish weather, you can get some cross-breezes. Any ticket will get you into the upper level of Armstrong. And, on the last week Thursday and Friday sessions, we all were able to get any available seat in the lower levels, which was beyond cool. Ashe can be very stifling, and yes, unless you spend a ton of money- you will be in the nosebleed sections. That part I have never minded- but, some don't like these seats. You will also get major cardio workouts going up and down the Ashe freakin' stairs. Grandstand and Court 17 are great locations- and get you much closer to the players. But, especially with Court 17- they can feel like ovens. Find seats that are shaded whenever you can. Other than that, all of the courts IMO are very cool. When you can, get yourself to courts 4-6. Incredible location to watch close-up tennis, and if there are any breezes, you will get all of them with these open courts. And, you can view at least 2 matches if you want.

*For a while now- the second Thursdays- this year, that will be Sept. 5th= the free day to see, generally, day-session only SF doubles matches (often in Armstrong), wheelchair tennis, juniors tennis, etc. TOTALLY worth it to go. If you want, you can also buy an Ashe ticket if you want to see the women's SF matches, which usually start, I think at 7 p.m. IF you go for the free day, you can also watch the women's SF matches on the big screen in front of Ashe.