The US Open, at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, is one of the best sporting events in the country. At a cheap price, visitors can spend an entire day watching tennis matches being played on 18 courts. It definitely beats sitting in the living room watching matches on TV all day. Especially because of commercials, annoying commentators, and lack of choice in what matches you get to see. The US Open is an event all fans should experience.
After spending a day at the US Open 2010 in Flushing Meadows, here are a few lessons learned:
1) Rafael Nadal loves his fans.
When on the practice courts, many of the big name tennis players will request the courts on the far end. They don't want the peering crowds interrupting their practice. While this is understandable, Rafael Nadal is an exception to this rule. His is regularly seen practicing on the very first practice court in front of the wire fence. The crowds become massive, pictures are being snapped, fans are calling to him in English and Spanish, and Nadal keeps practicing. Fans are really respectful, too. There is no crying, screaming, begging for marriage like at a Justin Bieber concert. Fans watch him practice like an animal at the zoo. And Nadal doesn't seem to mind at all.
2) Billie Jean King is not as appreciative of her fans.
Sometimes they say that your biggest heroes always disappoint. Billie Jean King is a huge role model, and remains so today, but she has seemingly forgotten her fans. A very small group of fans watched King as she made a TV segment. This group was no larger than five people. One man stood ready with a book filled with autographs from players he had spent years collecting. There was nothing but admiration on his face as he waited for King to take that Sharpie. She didn't. Instead, she finished her segment, stood around for about ten minutes chatting with people she knew, and then walked away. Not even a wave or acknowledgement of that small group of fans. Fans who did not scream, call to her, or beg. They simply waited, stared in awe, and then went home.
3) There is no shade at the Billie Jean King USTA Tennis Center.
Sure, there are trees. There are tables with umbrellas. There are seats at the Grandstand in the shade. But, there are also huge crowds at the US Open. These crowds take up every nook and cranny that rests in shadow. On hot days, with temperatures up in the high 90s, there are few places to go to get out of the sun. Which brings us to number 4:
4) Hydration costs $4 at the US Open.
On hot days, and with no shade, keeping hydrated is a necessity at the US Open. You need that water to prevent a trip to the emergency room. The folks at the center know that, and charge you $4 for a bottle of water. You have to buy it. You have to stay cool.
Small tip: Bring a few bottles of water with you. They'll allow it. Toss in some ice when you get there to keep the water cool. When you empty a bottle, refill it at one of the drinking fountains and toss in more ice.
5) Arthur Ashe Stadium is really, really high.
Once you've climbed to the top of that stadium there is no point to looking down at the small colorful dots on court. You can't see the ball. Instead, head to the very top and look at the amazing view from the peak of Arthur Ashe stadium. You can people watch, keep an eye on the score at Louis Armstrong Stadium, and check out the New York skyline. It will make you wish you had some water balloons.
6) The outer courts and Grandstand are much smaller than they appear on TV.
On TV, the smaller courts still seem big. You see the seats all around the Grandstand and figure that they fans are pretty high up from the court and players. This isn't true at all. The seats at the Grandstand get you close to the court. You can make out features on the players and really see them. The outer courts are even better. You can walk between two courts and watch two matches at once. Stand by the railing and you could lean down and touch the court. You are that close. Players will walk right up to you, lost in thought, concentrating on their game. You can really hear the 'thwacking' of the ball. The outer courts at the US Open are an amazing place to get up close and personal with your favorite players.
7) You never know who will show up for autographs or just be seen wandering around.
Players and other famous names love to just show up randomly. Many will stop what they are doing to sign autographs. As players head into the stadiums to get ready, you can ask for autographs. When they are heading to a court for a match, move out of the way. Some players set up autograph signings, and a lucky few will get the chance to meet their favorite players. The most fun comes when some celebrity is just wandering, standing, and otherwise completely unexpected. You might get to talk to Justin Gimelstob as he readies for a TV segment. Pam Shriver can often be seen heading to a court to do her commentating.