US Open 2025 | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: The Grounds of Greatness in Flushing Meadows

For more than four decades, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has served as the home of the US Open—a place where champions emerge, rivalries are defined, and the sport of tennis thrives in the heart of Queens, New York. Set within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, this expansive complex has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the most prestigious venues in the sport. More than just a site for matches, it holds decades of memories, milestones, and shifting eras, all built into the very courts and corridors that host tennis’s final Grand Slam of the year.

From Forest Hills to Flushing: The Venue’s Evolution

Until 1977, the US Open was held at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills. By the mid-1970s, growing attendance and the need for modernization led tournament organizers to look for a space that could better accommodate spectators and reflect the professional era of the sport. In 1978, the event relocated to Flushing Meadows, adapting the disused Singer Bowl from the 1939 World’s Fair into a functional tennis stadium. This transformation laid the groundwork for the future expansion of the grounds and the eventual emergence of a world-class tennis center.

The venue grew steadily, culminating in the construction of Arthur Ashe Stadium in 1997, which would become the central court of the tournament. In 2006, the facility was renamed in honor of Billie Jean King, a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most influential figures. Today, the complex encompasses over 46 acres, housing over 20 courts and serving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year during the US Open. Its location within the park adds to its character, merging urban vibrancy with a sense of open space and accessibility.

Where the Matches Happen: Stadiums and Their Legacy

Arthur Ashe Stadium, the crown jewel of the complex, seats over 23,000 spectators and has hosted nearly every men’s and women’s singles final since its debut. This is the stage where Serena Williams captured her first major title in 1999, where Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi battled in the twilight of their careers, and where countless dramatic matches have unfolded under the lights. In 2016, a retractable roof was added, transforming the stadium into an all-weather arena capable of hosting matches non-stop by rain delays.

Louis Armstrong Stadium carries its own legacy. Originally repurposed from the Singer Bowl, it was the main show court until Ashe Stadium opened. In 2018, it was completely rebuilt to include a partial roof and modernized facilities while preserving its reputation for close-up viewing and intense match atmospheres. With seating for over 14,000 and a more intimate feel than Ashe, it often features top-tier matches, particularly during the day sessions.

The Grandstand, introduced in 2016, offers fans a chance to watch elite tennis in a closer, more personal setting. With a capacity of around 8,000 and a design that prioritizes proximity to the court, it has become known for emotional contests and breakout performances. Matches that may not draw the global spotlight often generate the most raw excitement here.

The outer courts—Courts 4 through 17—form the core of the early rounds. Here, fans roam freely between matches, often just feet from the players. These courts are where legends begin their runs and upsets begin to take shape, where New York’s late-summer heat combines with fan enthusiasm to create an atmosphere both energetic and grounded in tennis tradition.

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Seating and Spectator Experience

The layout of Arthur Ashe Stadium offers several tiers of viewing experiences. Courtside seats bring fans closest to the action, while loge and promenade sections provide elevated perspectives with expansive views. Even the highest seats are designed with steep angles to maintain clear sightlines, and large video boards assist with visibility and scoring.

Louis Armstrong Stadium is structured to provide shade and airflow, offering a more open design while maintaining excellent views from all levels. The Grandstand is designed without a roof, favoring natural light and close proximity over grandeur. On the outer courts, seating is mostly first-come, first-served, making these areas a favorite for fans who want to explore and discover matches organically.

Hospitality Across the Grounds

The hospitality program at the US Open reflects both the global nature of the event and its place in New York’s cultural calendar. Inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, premium ticket holders can access private lounges such as The Overlook, where indoor seating, curated menus, and craft beverages provide an elevated experience. The 1968 Room offers a more formal setting with plated meals, refined interiors, and a quieter atmosphere—serving guests who want comfort while remaining close to the action.

Luxury suites inside Ashe offer private viewing areas with climate control, personal attendants, and catered meals, often used by corporate partners or large groups seeking an exclusive environment. The Moët & Chandon Terrace and other rooftop spaces allow visitors to enjoy skyline views while savoring cocktails and lighter fare.

Throughout the tennis grounds, fans will also find a wide variety of food and drink options, from New York classics to international offerings. These are placed strategically between courts and plazas, providing space to relax, refuel, and enjoy the communal spirit of the tournament. Casual seating areas and shaded spots are integrated into the fan zones, while merchandise shops and interactive booths line the walkways between major courts.

A Setting Built for the Game and the Moment

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is not simply a place to watch tennis—it is a place where the sport’s history lives and continues to unfold. Its design balances functionality with experience, giving each visitor the opportunity to engage with the game on their own terms. Whether seated in a luxury suite above Ashe or leaning against the rail on Court 10, fans become part of the same tradition.

From the concrete walkways to the blue courts, every part of the venue reflects the growth of the US Open as both a sporting event and a cultural landmark. It is not defined by a single building or stadium, but by how those spaces come together to host players, fans, and moments that echo far beyond the tournament’s two weeks.

For the ultimate experiences, contact us to learn about the hospitality packages!