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The SPARK Guide to the 2026 U.S. Open: Tickets, Free Fan Week and What to Know
The U.S. Open returns to Queens Aug. 23-Sept. 13, with free Fan Week access, Roger Federer’s return, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, mixed doubles and ticket options for every level of fan.
The U.S. Open is one of those late-summer New York events that works whether you’re a tennis fanatic, taking the kids for the day or simply looking for a reason to trade the Hamptons for Queens.
And you don’t necessarily need a pricey Arthur Ashe Stadium ticket to get into the action.
The 2026 U.S. Open runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, with the main draw beginning Aug. 30. Before that, Fan Week offers seven days of free access to the grounds, qualifying matches, player practices, family activities and the chance to see some of the biggest names in tennis surprisingly close up. Adults will need to register for a free Fan Access Pass for entry this year.
Once the main tournament begins, the options range from Grounds Passes and reserved stadium seats to premium tickets for the biggest matches. In other words, there’s more than one way — and more than one price point — to experience the Open.
What’s New and Notable at the 2026 U.S. Open
The tennis remains the main attraction, but this year’s calendar stretches well beyond the main draw.
Roger Federer Returns to Arthur Ashe
Five-time U.S. Open champion Roger Federer returns to the court Tuesday, Aug. 25, for Roger Federer: An Icon Returns to New York, a special 7 p.m. exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer, who last competed at the U.S. Open in 2019, will be joined by fellow tennis legends Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. This one requires a separate paid ticket.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
Sunday, Aug. 23 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Free with Fan Access Pass
One of the best family days at the Open is also free. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicks off Fan Week with player appearances, tennis clinics, games, art activities and entertainment throughout the grounds.
This year’s Stadium Show adds an unexpected crossover: members of the Savannah Bananas take the court from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
See the Qualifying Tournament for Free
Aug. 24-29 | Free with Fan Access Pass
For serious tennis fans, this may be one of the best deals in New York sports. Players battle for spots in the main draw on the outer courts, where spectators can often get much closer to the action than they can once the tournament officially begins.
It’s also where tomorrow’s stars can suddenly emerge. Emma Raducanu famously entered the 2021 U.S. Open through qualifying before going on to win the women’s singles championship.
Catch the Stars at Practice
Another Fan Week advantage: watching top players practice throughout the grounds, including scheduled sessions at Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums.
Practices are free with a Fan Access Pass, and the schedule is posted daily.
Mixed Doubles Takes Center Stage
Mixed doubles returns with an expanded 16-team competition Aug. 25 and 26, with a lineup that includes some intriguing pairings: Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The mixed doubles championship sessions require paid stadium tickets.
Stars of the Open
Thursday, Aug. 27
The exhibition event brings ATP and WTA players onto the court in a looser setting than tournament play. This year’s announced lineup includes João Fonseca, Alexandra Eala, Learner Tien and Iva Jovic.
The Lumineers Kick Things Off
Before Fan Week officially begins, The Lumineers play Louis Armstrong Stadium on Friday, Aug. 21. The Grammy-nominated band takes the stage at 8 p.m., rain or shine. This is a separately ticketed event.
And Zedd Closes Out Finals Weekend
The tennis-meets-music lineup continues Saturday, Sept. 12, when Grammy-winning DJ and producer Zedd headlines the U.S. Open’s third annual finals-weekend concert beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are sold separately.
The Ticket Question: How Much Does the U.S. Open Cost?
This is where a little planning matters.
U.S. Open tickets went on general sale May 28. Grounds Passes provide access to Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, the outer courts and practice areas, but do not include Arthur Ashe Stadium. Arthur Ashe requires its own stadium ticket.
Ticket prices fluctuate considerably depending on the session, round, matchup and demand. And the secondary market can get expensive fast. CBS News reported that the face value of a Grounds Pass increased from $60 to $65 this year, while high demand had pushed some secondary-market prices close to $400.
SPARK tip: Before paying hundreds on resale, check what’s available directly through the U.S. Open’s official ticketing channels — and don’t overlook Fan Week if what you really want is a day of great tennis rather than a particular marquee match.
The Best Deal at the U.S. Open: Free Fan Week
You read that correctly: free.
From Aug. 23-29, fans can enter the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center without buying a regular tournament ticket and watch qualifying matches and player practices, explore the grounds and take part in daily entertainment and family programming.
There is one important change for 2026: Adults must register online for a free Fan Access Pass before entering. Children under 18 can enter with a registered adult and do not need individual passes.
Some special Fan Week events — including the Federer exhibition, mixed doubles championship sessions and Stars of the Open — require separate paid tickets.
NEED TO KNOW
2026 U.S. Open
Aug. 23-Sept. 13
Main draw begins Aug. 30
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
Fan Week: Aug. 23-29
General grounds access is free, but adults must register for a Fan Access Pass.
Tickets: Grounds Passes provide access to Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and the outer courts, but not Arthur Ashe Stadium. Arthur Ashe requires a stadium ticket.
Bag policy: Guests may bring one bag measuring no more than 12 by 12 by 16 inches, with exceptions for medically necessary bags. Glass bottles and cans are prohibited. Reusable metal or plastic water bottles up to 24 ounces are permitted.
Getting there: Public transportation is the way to go. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point or the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington Branch to Mets-Willets Point. The LIRR trip can take roughly 19 to 25 minutes from Manhattan, while the 7 train generally takes about 35 to 45 minutes from Midtown.
IF YOU GO
U.S. Open schedule and tournament information:
USOpen.org
Free Fan Week Access Pass:
fanpass.usopen.org
Official tickets:
Purchase through the U.S. Open’s official ticketing links/Ticketmaster.
Daily player practice schedule:
Check USOpen.org during Fan Week; practice schedules are posted daily.
Whether you spring for seats under the lights at Arthur Ashe, spend the day roaming the outer courts with a Grounds Pass or take advantage of a completely free Fan Week, the U.S. Open remains one of New York’s great end-of-summer traditions — and one you don’t have to be a tennis obsessive, or a big spender, to enjoy.
