US Open Grounds Pass (2025): What It Is, What’s Included, and How to Buy

When are Grounds Passes sold?

In 2025, Grounds Passes are listed throughout the opening week and into early week two (for both day and some evening sessions, depending on the date). The US Open Tennis Championship event page shows Grounds Pass availability from Sunday, Aug 24, through Tuesday, Sep 2 this year (subject to change as inventory moves).

Finals weekend note: There’s also a Finals Fan Fest “grounds” option—great for the atmosphere and watch parties—but it doesn’t include a stadium seat for finals matches. It’s more of a fan experience pass.

What to expect by Tournament Stage (with a Grounds Pass)

Fan Week (the week before the main draw)

• The grounds are free and open during Fan Week—you can watch the Qualifying Tournament, practices, and special events without a ticket. It’s a fantastic (and free!) way to warm up for the Open.

Opening Sunday–Wednesday: Round 1 (now spread across 3 days)

• Because the main draw starts Sunday in 2025, Round 1 stretches Sun–Tue, which means more matches on outer courts, which is prime Grounds Pass territory. Expect wall‑to‑wall singles, doubles starting up, and a constant buzz on Armstrong, Grandstand, and the field courts.

Late Week 1: Rounds 2 & 3

• Still tons of action across Armstrong, Grandstand, and field courts. The biggest names may gravitate to Ashe, but there’s usually excellent value and great sightlines with a Grounds Pass at this stage. (Check the official daily schedule of play the night before to see where matches are assigned.)

Early Week 2: Round of 16

• Singles matches increasingly concentrate on Ashe and Armstrong. Grounds Passes are still useful, especially for Armstrong/Grandstand GA, doubles, and other events (just keep an eye on the schedule to confirm what each session includes).

Late Week 2: Quarterfinals → Finals

• From the quarterfinals onward, most marquee singles matches move into Arthur Ashe Stadium. Grounds Pass availability and on‑court options taper off. Finals weekend “grounds” options center on Fan Fest experiences and viewing parties rather than live match seats.

Bonus for Week 2: The US Open Junior Championships (Aug 31–Sep 6) and Wheelchair Championships (Sep 2–6) run on outer courts—terrific matches you can catch with a Grounds Pass.

Best ways to buy US Open tickets (and Grounds Passes)

1. Buy from the official source
   • The US Open’s official ticketing partner is Ticketmaster. You can purchase primary tickets and Verified Resale tickets there (resale listings are verified and show up right alongside standard inventory, so be sure you know the difference so you know what is face value and what isn’t).
   • You can also reach tickets through the US Open tickets hub on USOpen.org.
2. Legitimate Secondary Ticket Marketplaces
   • Secondary sites like TickPick offer a BestPrice Guarantee with no hidden fees, and their BuyerTrust Guarantee ensures that all tennis tickets sold for the US Open are 100% legitimate. You can even get last-minute US Open ticket deals when sellers may drop their prices just before a session starts or shortly thereafter.
3. Use Verified Resale wisely
   • If a session is “sold out” or you’re hunting for a deal, check Ticketmaster’s Verified Resale within the US Open portal (prices are set by sellers and can be above face value).
4. Mobile‑only tickets
   • Tickets are mobile in your Ticketmaster account; that’s how you’ll scan in. (Handy if you’re sharing or transferring.)
5. Box Office (on‑site)
   • During the tournament, you can buy tickets at the US Open box office at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (hours vary each year—check the official site).

Day vs Evening: Which Grounds Pass should you pick?

• Day Grounds Pass: Enter by the day‑session gate time and no later than the evening session start (the US Open notes before 6:00 p.m.; always verify daily gate times). Once inside, you can roam as long as matches continue on the grounds.
• Evening Grounds Pass: Great if you’re working daytime—cooler temps, electric atmosphere under the lights. The evening schedule varies (some courts won’t run at night), so check the schedule of play to make sure the courts you care about are active that night.

Grounds Pass vs. Stadium Seat: how to choose

• Pick a Grounds Pass if you want to court‑hop, sample rising stars up close, and get great value early in the tournament. (Armstrong/Grandstand GA often delivers fantastic tennis without the stadium price tag.)
• Pick a stadium ticket if you must see a particular headliner on Ashe or want a reserved seat guaranteed in a specific stadium. (Ashe day tickets also include GA access to other courts for that session.)

Pro tips for maximizing a Grounds Pass

• Arrive early for popular outer‑court matchups—GA seating is first‑come, first‑served.
• Watch the schedule drop (the official order of play posts the evening before). If you’re flexible, this helps you pick the most action‑packed day or night.
• Know the gates and re-entry basics: entry times can differ for day vs evening; the US Open notes evening entry begins at 6 p.m., and that evening ticket holders may leave and re-enter up to 10 p.m. (policies can change, so always double-check).
• Plan your breaks: Food, beverage, and shopping options are everywhere—use changeovers to grab what you need without missing big points of the tennis matches.

US Open Frequently asked questions

Can I get into Arthur Ashe Stadium with a Grounds Pass?
No. Ashe requires a reserved stadium ticket. A Grounds Pass gets you GA access to Armstrong, Grandstand, and field courts only.

Are there Evening Grounds Passes?
Yes—on select dates. The evening slate varies, so always check the schedule to confirm which courts will be active that night.

Do Grounds Passes sell out?
They can and usually do, especially on holiday weekend dates and big‑name days. If your dates aren’t flexible, buy early from USOpen.org/Ticketmaster, and keep an eye on US Open resale inventory if your first choice is gone.

Is Fan Week really free?
Yes—Fan Week is free to enter, with qualifying matches, practices, and special on‑grounds events all week. (Some evening exhibitions are separately ticketed.)

Final word

A US Open Grounds Pass is the most flexible, budget‑friendly way to see loads of live tennis, especially during the expanded opening rounds this year. Buy through US Open channels, study the daily schedule the evening before, and arrive early for the matches you’re targeting. With a bit of planning, you’ll catch rising stars, five‑set epics, doubles drama, and a uniquely New York atmosphere without ever stepping into Arthur Ashe.