Everybody knows that great tennis is about to be served in Queens, thanks to the upcoming US Open. But does anybody know about the Marvel characters, giveaways, wacky racquet games, and pop stars that come first?
US Open Fan Week runs at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from Monday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 26. (The main tournament starts the next day.)
The lineup features family-friendly activities with athletes and entertainment with stars while the free qualifying rounds go on nearby. (Most of the fun is free, but some events require paid tickets.)
Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling Country musician Dierks Bentley and special guest Chase Rice start the magic a day early – on Aug. 18 at 7:30 pm – with the Sounds of the Open concert in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Then, it’s on! Some highlights follow.
Monday, Aug. 19
Legends of the Open presented by FAGE, 7 pm. Watch such champions as Garbiñe Muguruza and James Blake.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
US Open Mixed Madness presented by IHG Hotels & Resorts, Arthur Ashe Stadium, 7 pm. Expected teams include Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios; Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz; Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton; and Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Stars of the Open presented by Chase, Ashe Stadium, 7 pm. A tennis exhibition featuring top players. It’s subject to change, but possibilities include Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, Juan Martín del Potro, Gabriela Sabatini, Caroline Wozniacki, Andy Roddick, Frances Tiafoe, and Jessica Pegula.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Flavors of the Open presented by Dobel Tequila, Armstrong Stadium, 6:30 pm. Food, music, and entertainment with appearances from Juan Martín del Potro, Gabriela Sabatini, and other players.
Friday, Aug. 23
US Open Block Party, Fountain Plaza Stage, 8 pm. Dance the night away with a headline performance by DJ D-Nice and DJ Millie.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation, around the grounds, 9:30 am to 4 pm. This action-packed day includes practices, musical performances, player appearances, interactive games, and family activities.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Open Practice Sunday, around the grounds, all day. Watch players practice and get involved in Fountain Plaza Stage programming.
Three Editor’s Notes in Bullet Form
+The Marvel Character Meet-and-Greet and Comic Book Giveaway will take place every Fan Week day and all around the grounds. Organizers will hand out 15,000 copies of an original comic book whose storyline mixes such players as Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Frances Tiafoe with iconic Marvel characters. Some of the characters might just show up.
+Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience Upgrade, Aug. 20 to Aug. 23. Watch practices from the luxury suite and balcony.
+Click to get a Fan Access Pass to watch practices, get VIP seating, and compete for tickets to the women’s and men’s finals.
Images: USTA