A packed Arthur Ashe Stadium makes for a striking picture, but it doesn’t tell the whole story of US Open attendance. The tournament takes place across many courts and sessions, and its headline total counts far more than the people in the biggest stadium at one moment.
How many people attend the US Open?
The US Open drew 1,048,669 admissions in 2024, setting a tournament attendance record at the time. That was up from 957,387 in 2023 and 776,120 in 2022. The totals show how sharply the event’s crowds grew as attendance rebounded after pandemic-era disruption and demand strengthened.
| Year | Reported attendance | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 737,872 | Last tournament before the pandemic interruption |
| 2022 | 776,120 | Strong return after the 2020 event was held without spectators |
| 2023 | 957,387 | Then a tournament record |
| 2024 | 1,048,669 | Record at the time |
These figures are total admissions over the tournament, not a count of different individuals. A fan who attends on three separate days contributes three admissions. So the annual number can exceed the number of unique people who visit, and it should not be confused with how many spectators are inside the grounds at once.
What does “attendance” count?
The US Open is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. During the main draw, matches run across multiple courts, with separate daytime and evening sessions. Attendance totals add up entries across those sessions and tournament days.
That distinction matters when comparing the event with a single match or stadium capacity. Arthur Ashe Stadium holds roughly 23,700 spectators, but the tournament has many other courts, including Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, and smaller outside courts. A fan with access to the grounds can watch tennis in different locations, subject to court capacity and the terms of their ticket.
Attendance figures are also affected by the schedule. A marquee night match can fill Ashe while crowds elsewhere are thinner; a sunny afternoon with popular players spread across the grounds can create a very different flow of people. Rain delays may push spectators indoors or shift matches, and rescheduled play can change which sessions feel busiest.
Why has US Open attendance grown?
Several things help explain the rise. The US Open combines top-level tennis with a big-city event atmosphere: fans can spend the day moving between courts, food areas, and fan activities rather than watching just one match. The stadium sessions also make it possible to plan around specific stars. Someone who works during the day might buy an evening ticket in the hope of seeing a major match under the lights.
Star power can have a noticeable effect on demand. A deep run by a popular player creates extra interest in later rounds, while a highly anticipated rivalry can make a session feel like an event in its own right. The 2023 men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, for example, closed a tournament that had already set a then-record attendance figure. Strong crowds can also build across the fortnight as the stakes rise and the remaining matches become harder to see in person.
Availability and ticket policies matter, too. The tournament offers different ways to attend, from stadium-session tickets to grounds admission for selected sessions. The exact options and rules can change from year to year, so check the official US Open ticket information before making plans.
What to expect if you attend
The grounds can feel busy even when the largest stadium is not full. Popular outside-court matches have limited seating, and spectators often move between courts after a match ends. If seeing a particular player is your priority, check the day’s schedule and arrive early enough to account for queues and court capacity. A grounds ticket does not guarantee a seat at every match.
For a first visit, a daytime session is often a good way to sample the event. You may be able to watch several matches on outside courts and get a feel for the wider grounds. Evening sessions offer a different atmosphere, especially for a major match in Arthur Ashe, but the ticket may give you less time to explore other courts. Session details vary, so read exactly what your ticket includes.
Allow time for travel, entry screening, and walking between courts. The National Tennis Center is in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, and the closest subway and rail options can be busy around popular sessions. Checking the match schedule and transport updates before you leave can spare you a rushed arrival.
Is the US Open the best-attended Grand Slam?
Attendance comparisons between Grand Slams are not always straightforward. Each tournament has a different number of days, courts, ticketing arrangements, and ways of reporting its totals. The US Open’s large grounds and multiple sessions make its cumulative attendance a substantial figure, but a fair comparison needs to account for those differences rather than looking at one number alone.
For fans, the more useful question is often how busy a particular day or session will be. The final weekend and sessions featuring major names tend to attract intense demand. Earlier rounds can offer more chances to explore the outside courts, though crowd levels still depend on the draw, weather, and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attend the US Open each year?
Recent totals have varied considerably. The tournament reported 1,048,669 admissions in 2024, then a record, compared with 957,387 in 2023. These are cumulative admissions across the event, not unique visitors.
Does US Open attendance count qualifying matches?
Attendance reporting can depend on the tournament’s published measure and the sessions included. Check the US Open’s release for the specific year if you need a precise comparison. Do not assume that a headline total counts only main-draw matches or only stadium spectators.
Can a grounds ticket get me into Arthur Ashe Stadium?
Not necessarily. Ticket access depends on the session and ticket type. Grounds admission may allow access to general grounds areas and selected courts, but reserved stadium seating normally requires the appropriate stadium ticket. Check the current ticket terms before buying.
When is the US Open least crowded?
There is no guaranteed quiet day, but early-round daytime sessions can be a better opportunity to roam the grounds than the final weekend or a high-profile night session. Popular matches and weather changes can affect crowds at short notice.
Final Thoughts
US Open attendance is best understood as a running total of admissions across a multi-court tournament, not a snapshot of one full stadium. The 2024 figure of 1,048,669 shows just how large the event’s crowds have become, while the day-to-day experience still depends on your session, ticket, and the matches on the schedule. If you’re planning a visit, focus less on the overall record and more on what your ticket lets you see—and leave enough time to enjoy the tennis beyond the main court.
