Five reasons why Fan Week is an awesome way to enjoy the US Open

In case you haven’t heard, this year’s US Open is the richest in tennis history, with the men’s and women’s singles champions set to pocket $3.85 million each. You can bet that competition is incredibly fierce—which means that the Qualifying Tournament will be extra thrilling. It’s your chance to see world-class athletes for free; plus, you might just catch a tennis star in the making. At the outer courts, you can be so close to the action that you’ll be able to hear the ball whistle as it smacks the racquet.

Don’t be embarrassed if you lose it a little bit when you see a world-famous tennis champion appear on the court. At US Open Fan Week, you won’t need to pay for this unforgettable experience—you can catch players in daily featured practices and ‘Legends matches’. On Wednesday, witness John McEnroe and Jim Courier; Thursday will see Andy Roddick play James Blake, and on Friday, watch a women’s double match with Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Lindsay Davenport and Aranxta Sanchez Vicario.

From 8pm on Wednesday to Friday, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will play host to a brand new concert series, Chase Sound Check. Once the sun sets over the courts, a stage will light up with live music. Big names include LANY (8/21), Brett Eldredge (8/22) and Leon Bridges (8/23) – how will you decide which one to see? 

Tiny tennis fans will have a lot to celebrate at US Open Fan Week. Throughout the week, kids can participate in a variety of sports at the Net Generation Kids’ Zone presented by Emirates (who knows, you might just spot the next Federer or Williams). Then, on Saturday August 24, there is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a  free kids’ festival, complete with face painting, activities, prizes and stadium show featuring chart-topping musical acts.

You didn’t think they’d skip out on fun for grown-ups, did you? From 6-8pm from Tuesday to Friday, there’ll be Heineken Happy Hour (two for one drinks!) which will take place on the Fan Week Center Stage and feature top DJs including DJs Coco and Breezy and DJ Niks. You better believe there’ll be sweet drinks specials.

Plan your trip to the US Open now. Fan Week is held from August 19-25 and is free to attend.