An internationally famous Queens gem is about to host music, sports, food, giveaways, and celebrity moments.
US Open Fan Week 2023 will unfold at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park from Tuesday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 27. All are invited to the the world’s largest public tennis facility — 46.5 acres, 45 courts — for a series of events, activities, entertainment, and – believe it or not – tennis.
Attendance is free, however some food and merchandise are for sale. Click here to register for a Fan Week Access Pass which connects holders to activities and seating areas while also entering them into a contest for tickets to the 2023 Men’s and Women’s Singles finals.
Here are some details. (Oh, by the way, the official, two-week, 143th annual Grand Slam tournament starts on Monday, Aug. 28.)
Free Qualies
The U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament runs from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25. A total of 128 men and 128 women who aren’t ranked high enough to receive direct invitations battle for 16 open spots in each main draw. (England’s Emma Raducanu went through the qualifying rounds on her way to winning the 2021 women’s tournament.)
Racquet Giveaways
To celebrate 45 years of partnership with the US Open, the Wilson sporting goods company will donate 10,000 junior racquets during Fan Week. Adults must register for a free Fan Access Pass and reserve a time to pick up the gifts.
Exhibitions
On Aug. 22, six-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters and 1996 US Open finalist Michael Chang will play an exhibition match against former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and former No. 4 James Blake at Armstrong Stadium at 7 pm.
On Aug. 23, Stars of the Open is at Armstrong Stadium at 7 pm. Presented by Moderna, this ticketed exhibition features 2022 US Open Men’s Champion Carlos Alcaraz, former No. 3 Elina Svitolina, current No. 29 Chris Eubanks, and John McEnroe, the only player ever to be No. 1 in singles and doubles at the same time. It’s also a fundraiser for Ukrainian relief efforts.
Food
On Aug. 24, Flavors of the Open is at Armstrong Stadium’s Concourse Level at 6:30 pm. Watch players practice and sample food from such chefs as Alex Guarnaschelli, Josh Capon, David Burke, Pat LaFrieda, Masaharu Morimoto, Kwame Onwuachi, Melba Wilson, and James Kent. Attendees must be at least 21 years old and they must purchase tickets here. A portion of the proceeds benefit the USTA Foundation.
On Aug. 25, U.S. Open Media Day starts at noon. Fans can watch players – including Alcaraz, current No. 1 Iga Swiateck, current No. 10 Frances Tiafoe, and current No. 7 Coco Gauff – field questions from journalists.
Editor’s note: The Sounds of the Open concert on Aug. 25 is sold out. Presented by Chase in South Plaza, the event features Latin pop artist Sebastián Yatra.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
On Aug. 26, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day returns at 9:30 am. Powered by Net Generation, this daylong event mixes activities (i.e. face-painting, hair-braiding, balloons) with appearances by such stars as Alcaraz, 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, Gauff, and current No. 40 Ben Shelton. YouTube sensations Dude Perfect perform at Armstrong Stadium at 2 pm.
Tickets are NOT required. Click here for the full day’s schedule.
Extras
Heineken will host daily Happy Hours during fan week from 5 pm to 7 pm. Music, tennis, and drink specials. Plus, a different surprise player will make an appearance at Fan Week Center Stage in South Plaza daily from 1 pm to 5 pm. Fans can ask questions and get autographs.
Images: USTA