A US Open day session can mean a full day of tennis—or a long wait for the match you came to see. The difference comes down to the ticket, the order of play and how you use the grounds. Here’s what to expect, how day tickets work and how to make the most of your time at Flushing Meadows.
What is a US Open day session?
The US Open divides play into day and evening sessions, most clearly at Arthur Ashe Stadium. A day-session ticket gives you access to the matches and areas covered by that specific ticket during the daytime session. It is not automatically a ticket for the night session, which usually begins in the evening and requires a separate ticket.
On Ashe, the day session typically features two scheduled matches, with the first usually starting around midday. The night session generally begins around 7 p.m. and has its own match program. Exact start times, match counts and ticket rules can vary by date, so check the official schedule and ticket details for the year you plan to attend.
There is plenty of tennis beyond Ashe, too. Matches are played on other stadium courts and on smaller courts around the grounds. Those matches may begin earlier than the main-stadium program, making a daytime visit especially appealing if you want to see a range of players rather than spend the whole session in one seat.
What does a day-session ticket include?
There isn’t just one kind of day ticket. An Arthur Ashe ticket gives you an assigned seat for the listed Ashe session and typically includes access to the grounds. Other tickets may provide grounds access or access to another stadium, subject to that ticket’s terms and available seating.
Read the specific ticket description before buying. A grounds ticket should not be assumed to include an assigned seat in Ashe or another stadium, and access to popular courts can depend on capacity and event rules. Session tickets also generally cover the session shown on the ticket—not both the day and night programs.
| Ticket type | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur Ashe day session | An assigned Ashe seat for the daytime program, plus access described in the ticket terms | Fans who want to watch the scheduled top matches in the main stadium |
| Grounds admission | Access to the grounds and eligible courts, subject to capacity and ticket rules | Fans who want flexibility and a mix of matches around the site |
| Another stadium session | Access tied to the named stadium and session, with details varying by ticket | Fans who want a particular court or a balance of stadium and outside-court tennis |
Day session vs. night session
Day sessions suit people who want to explore the grounds, catch several matches and make a daytime outing of it. You’ll see the tournament in changing light and often get a better chance to watch players on outside courts. The trade-off is that heat, sun and a busy schedule can make the day tiring.
Night sessions have a different feel: the crowd is often louder, the lights make the stadium feel more intimate and the evening can be cooler. But an evening ticket is not simply an extension of a day ticket. If you hope to attend both, make sure you have the right tickets for both sessions and leave enough time to manage the changeover.
| Day session | Night session |
|---|---|
| More daylight for walking between courts | Stadium atmosphere under the lights |
| Often a good fit for watching multiple matches | Usually a more focused evening program |
| Plan for sun, heat and time outdoors | Plan for a late finish and evening travel |
How to plan a good day at the US Open
Check the order of play the night before
The order of play lists which matches are scheduled on each court and when they are expected to begin. Use it to make a shortlist, not a minute-by-minute itinerary: tennis matches have no fixed length. A tight three-set contest can finish quickly, while a five-set match may run for hours. Delays, weather and earlier matches can shift the schedule.
Don’t buy a ticket assuming a particular star will play in a particular session unless the event has confirmed it. Draws and scheduling change, and the tournament does not promise a specific player simply because their name is prominent on the entry list.
Mix stadium tennis with outside courts
If your ticket permits it, consider watching one featured match in a stadium, then spending part of the day on smaller courts. There you can get closer to the action, hear the ball strike the strings and see how players build a point. A top-ranked player might use height and heavy spin to push an opponent behind the baseline; another might step in early and take time away with a flat backhand. Those patterns are easy to spot from a closer vantage point.
Keep your priorities realistic. If you leave your stadium seat, you may not be able to return to the same view or get into a different court right away. Check the current re-entry and seating rules, and allow time to move around the grounds.
Prepare for weather and walking
New York can be hot and humid during the tournament, and you may spend a lot of the session outside. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection and check the event’s current rules on bags, food and drink before you leave. A refillable water bottle can be useful if permitted. The Arthur Ashe Stadium roof provides protection when closed, but conditions and roof decisions depend on the day and tournament procedures; the rest of the grounds remain a separate consideration.
Plan your journey home, too. A day session can run later than expected if matches are close or interrupted. Check transit options before you arrive and leave room in your schedule rather than counting on a precise finish time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many matches are played during a US Open day session?
Arthur Ashe day sessions typically list two matches, while many more matches may take place on other courts. The exact program depends on the date and the tournament schedule.
Can I use a day ticket to attend the night session?
Usually, no. Day and night sessions are separate ticketed programs. Check your ticket’s terms if you are unsure, and buy both sessions if you intend to attend both.
Does a grounds ticket include Arthur Ashe Stadium?
Do not assume that it does. Grounds access and stadium seating are different things, and stadium access rules can depend on the ticket and capacity. Check the official ticket description for the session you are buying.
When should I arrive?
Arrive early enough to pass through entry checks, get oriented and reach the court you want. If outside-court tennis is a priority, arriving near the published grounds-opening time gives you more options before the main stadium matches begin.
Final Thoughts
A US Open day session is best for fans who want daylight, choice and time to experience more than one court. Start with the ticket details, check the order of play, and leave space for matches to run long. With a loose plan and comfortable shoes, you can enjoy both the big-stadium moments and the close-up tennis that makes a day at Flushing Meadows special.
