US Open 2025 | 1968 Room: A Historic Venue of Grand Slam Prestige 

Each year, as summer begins to wane and New York swells with anticipation, the US Open returns to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. More than just a location on the calendar, this venue is a living archive of tennis history. Among the finest of these is the 1968 Room, an offering that brings guests courtside and into the heart of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Since its move from Forest Hills in 1978, it has grown into a purpose-built stage for legendary matches, groundbreaking moments, and one of the most vibrant atmospheres in global sport. Central to this experience is not only the architecture of competition—its courts, its stadiums, its fan walkways—but also the hospitality experiences that elevate a match into a day of indulgence and immersion.

A Grand Slam Home Built on History

The US Open’s home was born of necessity and vision. By the mid-1970s, the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills could no longer contain the ambitions of the modern game. Seeking space to grow, the United States Tennis Association repurposed the Singer Bowl—a relic of the 1964 World’s Fair—and transformed it into Louis Armstrong Stadium. The move to Flushing Meadows in 1978 not only introduced hard courts to the tournament but laid the foundation for the expansive, multi-court complex we know today.

In 1997, Arthur Ashe Stadium was unveiled, quickly becoming the centerpiece of the grounds. Named after the inaugural US Open men’s champion of the Open Era, the stadium now holds over 23,000 fans and is where the sport’s most significant matches play out. From Serena Williams’ early breakthrough to Novak Djokovic’s late-night triumphs, it’s here that champions are crowned and history is made. The stadium’s addition of a retractable roof in 2016 ensured play could continue regardless of weather, a practical advancement that preserved the energy of packed evening sessions.

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A Seat by the Court: The 1968 Room Experience

Among the best ways to take in a match at Arthur Ashe is through a courtside seat paired with access to the 1968 Room. Named to honor the first year of the Open Era—a moment when professional and amateur players were unified into a single competitive field—this hospitality space offers a refined yet inviting experience steps from the court. It’s a nod to the year tennis broke tradition, now reimagined as a space for those who want to savor the sport in elevated comfort.

With this experience, guests settle into a courtside seat just a few rows from the action, watching serves and rallies at eye level in one of the most prestigious stadiums in tennis. But what sets the 1968 Room apart is not just where you sit, but how the rest of your visit unfolds.

Cuisine, Comfort, and Courtside Culture

Inside the 1968 Room, guests are treated to a full-service hospitality setting. Depending on whether you’re attending a day or evening session, a curated lunch or dinner is included. The culinary program features chef-attended stations and seasonal dishes designed to balance flavor, freshness, and variety. From expertly prepared entrées to pass-around small plates, the menu invites relaxed exploration between matches.

The 1968 Room open bar offers a range of top-shelf spirits, fine wines, and house-crafted cocktails, making the space as ideal for toasting with friends as it is for pausing between sets. Whether you seek a multi-course meal or a glass of champagne with a canapé, the offerings reflect the attention to detail and quality that have become hallmarks of the US Open’s hospitality program.

The space itself offers both indoor and outdoor lounge areas, blending polished finishes with relaxed seating. While access is shared among guests, tables are unreserved, allowing for movement, mingling, and a sense of discovery throughout the day. The location—just a six-minute walk from the stadium gates—keeps it connected to the main flow of the event while offering a reprieve from the crowds.

Layouts That Serve All Fans

Arthur Ashe Stadium was designed with sightlines in mind. The vertical structure ensures even those seated at higher elevations remain visually connected to the match. The courtside level, where 1968 Room guests are seated, offers proximity like no other—players’ expressions, footwork, and strategy play out in full view. Above, loge and promenade levels create tiers of access while maintaining intimacy with the court.

Louis Armstrong Stadium, completely rebuilt in 2018, offers its own blend of comfort and excitement. With a seating capacity of over 14,000 and a retractable roof, it balances scale with atmosphere. The Grandstand, introduced in 2016, is a fan favorite for its close views and natural acoustics, often hosting dramatic early-round matches that become tournament highlights.

The outer courts form the core of the US Open’s exploratory charm. With bench seating and general admission access, these areas of 1968 Room encourage fans to roam, discover rising talent, and witness the intensity of early-round battles. It’s in these outer rings that stories begin—where the next great champion might first catch the attention of an eager New York crowd.

A Modern Landmark with Deep Roots

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is more than the sum of its courts and corridors. It’s where tennis past and present meet—a site built for the rigor of Grand Slam play but alive with the voices and footsteps of generations of fans. From the colossal structure of Ashe to the curated calm of the 1968 Room, every element of the venue has been designed to reflect the complexity and culture of the game.

For fans looking to immerse themselves fully—not just in tennis, but in the experience that surrounds it—the 1968 Room offers a window into the sport’s most prestigious moments. It’s courtside drama paired with culinary craft, all within the architectural legacy of one of tennis’s most storied homes.