The US Open’s center court can feel like its own city: nearly 24,000 fans, a roof that can close over the action, and enough noise to make a routine point feel like match point. The court is Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament’s main stage and the place where the biggest US Open matches are played.
What is the US Open center court?
Arthur Ashe Stadium is the centerpiece of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City. It opened in 1997 and was named for Arthur Ashe, the American champion, humanitarian, and first Black man to win the US Open men’s singles title.
With a capacity of about 23,771, it is the largest tennis stadium in the world. The US Open is played across many courts, but Ashe is where the tournament’s most anticipated matches usually land: late-round singles, marquee evening sessions, and the finals. Scheduling is decided by the tournament, so a star player is never guaranteed a particular court or session.
Ashe is sometimes called “center court” because it is the main court of the US Open. The venue’s official name, however, is Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is one of several major courts at the tennis center, alongside Louis Armstrong Stadium and the Grandstand.
Arthur Ashe Stadium at a glance
| Court | Approximate capacity | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur Ashe Stadium | 23,771 | Main stadium; high-profile matches and finals |
| Louis Armstrong Stadium | 14,061 | Major matches and a more intimate stadium setting |
| Grandstand | 8,125 | High-level matches with a closer-to-the-court feel |
Capacities are approximate and can vary slightly by how seating is counted. Ashe’s scale is the defining difference: it can host a crowd larger than many professional sports arenas, while the smaller stadiums often put fans closer to the players.
The roof and what it means for matches
A retractable roof was completed over Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2016. It allows play to continue when rain threatens, a significant advantage at a tournament held in late summer, when New York weather can change quickly. The roof takes several minutes to close, and play may pause during the process.
Closing the roof changes the conditions. The court is protected from rain and direct outdoor weather, but Ashe is not a sealed indoor arena: the stadium’s airflow and conditions are different from those in a fully enclosed venue. Players may need to adjust to changes in temperature, humidity, and how the ball moves. A player who relies on heavy topspin or a high-bouncing ball, for example, can find that the feel of the court changes as conditions shift.
The roof also affects the rhythm of the crowd. With the stadium covered, sound can seem especially intense. That can energize a player who feeds off the audience, but it can also make concentration harder during a tight service game.
What it feels like to watch tennis there
Ashe is enormous, and the experience depends partly on where you sit. Lower seats put you closer to the pace and force of the ball; from higher up, you can see more of the court’s geometry and follow how a player opens space. Either way, it is a large venue, so a player’s movement and tactical patterns may be easier to appreciate than their facial expressions or fine touches.
The crowd is part of the show. A packed night session can build from steady applause into a roar after a long rally or a momentum-changing break. The noise can be thrilling, but expect a lively atmosphere rather than the hush of a small club court. Players still need to wait for points to finish before serving, and the chair umpire manages disruptions when needed.
Ashe has hosted plenty of memorable tennis. In the 2001 quarterfinals, Pete Sampras beat Andre Agassi in four tiebreak sets in a match that showcased the drama of serving under pressure. The stadium has also been the setting for defining US Open finals and late-night contests across generations. Its history is not just about the champions; it is also about the way a huge audience can turn a close match into an event.
Choosing a ticket and planning your visit
If seeing a specific match on Ashe is your priority, check the session and ticket details carefully. An Ashe Stadium ticket is generally tied to a particular day or evening session and includes an assigned seat. A grounds pass can provide access to the tennis center and many outside courts, but it does not normally include admission to Ashe. Ticket rules, court access, and available seating can vary by session and year, so confirm the current terms before buying.
Day and evening sessions are separate experiences. Day sessions often include multiple matches, while evening sessions tend to feature a smaller slate of high-profile play. The schedule is announced close to each day, and match duration is unpredictable: a contest listed for the evening can run late if the earlier match goes long.
- For a particular player: Wait for the order of play before choosing a session if your plans allow. A tournament draw alone does not tell you which court or time a player will receive.
- For a full day of tennis: A grounds pass can be a good way to explore smaller courts and watch matches from closer range, subject to that session’s access rules.
- For comfort: Check the weather, allow time for security and travel, and bring only items permitted under the tournament’s current bag policy.
- For a night match: Leave flexibility in your schedule. A long opening match can shift the start of the later contest.
The National Tennis Center is served by public transit, including the 7 train and the Long Island Rail Road at Mets–Willets Point. Event-day crowds can make the walk and station approaches busy, so build extra time into your trip. Check the tournament’s official visitor information for current entry procedures, transportation guidance, and prohibited-item rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the center court at the US Open called?
It is Arthur Ashe Stadium, named for the American tennis champion Arthur Ashe. “Center court” is a common way to describe its role as the tournament’s main stadium.
How many people can Arthur Ashe Stadium hold?
Its capacity is approximately 23,771, making it the largest tennis stadium in the world. Published figures may vary slightly depending on how seating capacity is counted.
Can you enter Arthur Ashe Stadium with a grounds pass?
Usually, no. A grounds pass generally does not include admission to Ashe; you typically need a ticket for the relevant Ashe session. Always check the current ticket terms, since access rules can change.
Does Arthur Ashe Stadium have a roof?
Yes. Its retractable roof was completed in 2016 and can be closed when weather interrupts play. Closing it changes the playing environment, though the stadium is not a fully enclosed indoor arena.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Ashe Stadium is more than the US Open’s biggest court. Its roof helps protect the schedule, its scale gives major matches a distinctive atmosphere, and its history connects today’s players with generations of champions. For fans, the key practical point is simple: if you want to watch tennis in Ashe, check the session ticket details—not just the tournament schedule—and leave room for the match to take its own time.
