If you've never bought US Open tennis tickets before, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming — Grounds Passes, Day Sessions, Night Sessions, Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong, Grandstand. Which one actually gets you in to see your favorite player? And why do two tickets for the same day cost such wildly different amounts? This guide breaks down exactly how US Open ticketing works, what each pass includes, and how to find the best value for your visit to Flushing Meadows — without any of the confusion.
US Open tickets fall into two main categories — a Grounds Pass, which lets you roam every court except Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Session tickets, which guarantee a reserved seat in a specific stadium (Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand) for either a day or evening session. Prices vary heavily by round, court, and demand, with resale often costing several times face value.
What Are the Different Types of US Open Tickets?
US Open tickets are split into Grounds Passes (unreserved access to outer courts) and Session tickets (reserved seats in Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand for a specific day or night session). Most stadium tickets also include grounds access for that session.
| Ticket Type | What It Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grounds Pass | First-come, first-served seating on all courts except Ashe | Budget-conscious fans, Week 1 variety |
| Arthur Ashe Session Ticket | Reserved seat in Ashe + grounds access | Marquee matchups, finals |
| Louis Armstrong Session Ticket | Reserved seat in Armstrong + grounds access | High-level matches, mid-range budget |
| Grandstand Session Ticket | Reserved seat in Grandstand + grounds access | Intimate court feel, rising stars |
The US Open uses a tiered system, so fans at every budget level can attend. Session tickets are considered the gold standard because they guarantee you a seat, while a Grounds Pass trades that guarantee flexibility and a lower price tag. Nearly every stadium ticket also functions as grounds pass for that session, meaning you can wander the outer courts before or after your assigned match.
Once you've settled on a ticket type, the next question is usually which section actually gives you the best view for your budget to check out our full US Open seating guide for a stadium-by-stadium breakdown.
What Is a US Open Grounds Pass and Is It Worth It?
A US Open Grounds Pass gives you unreserved, first-come access to every court on the grounds except Arthur Ashe Stadium — including Louis Armstrong Stadium's upper level, the Grandstand, and all outer field courts. It's typically the best value ticket, especially in the tournament's first week.
Access to 5–6 matches happening simultaneously across outer courts
No guaranteed seat inside Ashe or reserved Armstrong/Grandstand sections
Best used during Week 1, when the full field is still competing
Entry is generally available when gates open, often around 9:30 a.m.
A Grounds Pass is ideal if you want to see as much live tennis as possible and don't mind standing-room or shared bench seating on the outer courts. Tennis die-hards often say it delivers more variety per dollar than a single reserved stadium seat, since you can court-hop between top seeds playing early rounds.
What's the Difference Between Day Session and Night Session Tickets?
Day session tickets typically run from mid-morning through late afternoon and include multiple matches plus ground access into the evening. Night session tickets start around 7 p.m., usually feature just one or two headline matches, and don't grant grounds access until 6 p.m.
Day Session: More matches, more court variety, extended grounds access
Night Session: Marquee matchups under the lights, higher energy, higher price, shorter card
If catching a specific superstar under stadium lights is your priority, a night session delivers that signature atmosphere. But if you want maximum tennis for your money, a day session — paired with grounds access — usually wins.
Still mapping out dates, travel, and what else to do while you're in town? Our complete US Open 2026 New York guide covers the full schedule, transit tips, and what to pack.
How Much Do US Open Tickets Cost in 2026?
Face-value 2026 US Open tickets started around $43 for Arthur Ashe Stadium, $65 for a Grounds Pass, $139 for Louis Armstrong Stadium, and $180 for the Grandstand. However, resale prices — especially popular for sessions — can run three to ten times higher.
| Ticket Type | Approx. Face Value (Primary Marketplace) | Approx. Resale Range (Secondary Marketplaces) |
|---|---|---|
| Grounds Pass | $65–$135 | $235–$450 |
| Arthur Ashe Stadium (early rounds) | $43–$238 | $300–$1,000+ |
| Louis Armstrong Stadium | $139+ | $200–$600 |
| Grandstand | $180+ | $250–$700 |
| Finals / Marquee Sessions | Sold out at face value | $600–$2,400+ |
Note: Prices fluctuate constantly based on round, matchups, and demand. Always check live pricing before buying — figures above are directional estimates based on recent tournament data, not guaranteed rates.
Early rounds and weekday day sessions are consistently the most affordable way in. Once you move toward the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, prices climb sharply because inventory shrinks while stadium tickets become the only way to see the remaining top-seeded players.
Where Can You Buy US Open Tickets Safely?
The safest route is the official ticketing partner, which sells both face-value inventory and verified resale tickets. Reputable secondary marketplaces are a solid backup once face-value tickets sell out, but always confirm the seller offers buyer guarantees and verified listings before purchasing.
Before you buy from any single source, it's worth taking a moment to Compare Event Tickets across multiple platforms — prices for the same session can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on fees, seat location, and how close to the match date you're buying. Comparing listings side-by-side is the single easiest way to avoid overpaying for a US Open ticket. If you want to weigh price against view quality first, compare seat value by section before you commit to a listing.
A few safety tips:
Only buy from marketplaces offering verified or guaranteed tickets
Never pay through direct bank transfer or social media sellers
Check whether the price shown includes fees, or if they're added at checkout
Screenshot your order confirmation and QR code as backup
Is It Cheaper to Buy US Open Tickets Early or Last-Minute?
For most sessions, buying early (during presale or general on-sale) secures the lowest face-value price. However, last-minute resale prices can occasionally drop if a big-name player loses early, and demand for a session fades.
Early buying protects you against the steep resale markup that hits after face-value tickets disappear — which can happen within minutes for headline sessions. Waiting only pays off in narrow situations, like when a featured player is eliminated ahead of schedule, and a previously "must-see" session becomes less appealing to resellers.
Can You Get Free US Open Tickets?
Yes. The US Open typically offers free grounds of admission during Fan Week — the days before the main draw — which includes qualifying matches, practice sessions, and Kids' Day. There's also usually one "Open for All Day" during the second week with free ground access.
Fan Week (roughly seven days before the main draw): free grounds entry
Qualifying matches: real competitive tennis, smaller crowds
Open for All Day: free access during the second week, limited matches
A free digital fan access pass is usually required to enter, even on free days
These free days are genuinely underrated. You'll see rising players, doubles specialists, and qualifying rounds up close, often with a fraction of the crowd you'd find during the ticketed main draw.
Conclusion
Understanding how US Open tickets work comes down to one core choice: flexibility versus a guaranteed seat. A Grounds Pass gets you into the action affordably and lets you build your own schedule across the outer courts, while Session tickets in Ashe, Armstrong, or Grandstand guarantee your spot for specific matches — at a higher price. Whichever route you choose, buy early, when possible, verify your source, and don't forget to compare prices across platforms before checking out. With the right ticket type for your budget and priorities, you'll get the most out of your day at Flushing Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Grounds Pass worth it at the US Open?
Yes, for most fans it's the best value ticket, especially during Week 1 when the full field is competing across outer courts simultaneously.
Do US Open Grounds Passes get you into Arthur Ashe Stadium?
No. A Grounds Pass never guarantees entry into Arthur Ashe Stadium since every seat there is reserved and sold separately.
What is the cheapest way to attend the US Open?
The free Fan Weekdays before the main draw, followed by an early-round weekday Grounds Pass, are typically the most affordable ways to attend.
Are US Open Tickets Refundable?
Generally, US Open tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless a session is officially cancelled or rescheduled by the tournament.
What's the difference between Louis Armstrong and Grandstand tickets?
Louis Armstrong Stadium is larger with a mix of reserved and general admission seating, while the Grandstand offers a more intimate, entirely different viewing experience at a generally lower price point.
Can you upgrade a Grounds Pass to a stadium seat on-site?
No, stadium seating must be purchased in advance as a separate reserved ticket; a Grounds Pass alone won't allow access to reserved Ashe seating.
