A US Open ticket is not always a pass to every match on the grounds. The session, court and seat printed on it determine where you can go—and a few practical rules can affect whether you make it through the gate, keep your seat or get any help if rain interrupts play. Here’s how to read the rules before you head to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
What your ticket gets you
US Open tickets are generally sold for a particular session and date. The main distinction is between day and evening sessions: they have separate start times and admission, and an evening ticket does not usually let you enter earlier to watch the day’s matches. Check the date and session on your ticket, not just the player or court you hope to see. Match schedules can change, and a player’s appearance is not guaranteed.
An Arthur Ashe Stadium ticket includes an assigned seat in Ashe for the session shown and access to the grounds during that session. It does not automatically give you the same seat—or admission—for another session on that day. If you buy a ticket for an outside court, read its terms carefully too: the ticket may include a reserved seat for that court, but it is still tied to its stated session.
A grounds-admission ticket is designed for watching matches on the grounds rather than from a reserved Ashe seat. It can provide access to available courts and general viewing areas, subject to capacity and tournament rules. A grounds ticket does not mean you can enter a sold-out stadium or claim a reserved seat. Court access can be limited when a venue fills up.
Think of it this way: an Ashe ticket is the safer choice if seeing a particular match in that stadium matters most. A grounds ticket offers more freedom to wander, but you may have to wait, choose another court or watch from a standing area.
Sessions, seats and getting around
Arrive with enough time to pass security and find your court. The grounds are large, and a match can start sooner than expected if the preceding match ends quickly. Your ticket’s seat location matters: use the section, row and seat shown rather than assuming you can move into an empty spot. Ushers may ask you to return to your assigned seat, and a seat that looks vacant may belong to someone arriving later.
Outside courts often provide the most intimate viewing. You can be close enough to hear players call the score or see how they adjust between points. But that proximity does not make every seat open to everyone. Follow posted signs and staff instructions, and do not block aisles or sightlines while looking for a view.
Check the official schedule on the day you attend. The order of play can shift because of long matches, weather or other delays. If your main goal is a particular player, plan for the possibility that the match moves to a different time—or that the player does not play at all. Tickets are generally admission to a session, not a promise that a named player will compete.
Entry, bags and prohibited items
Every visitor must go through the tournament’s security screening. Bag limits and prohibited-item rules can change from year to year, so review the current US Open venue policy shortly before your visit. Do not rely on last year’s allowance or assume that a bag that fits under a seat will be accepted at the gate.
Pack light. Security staff may inspect bags, and items that are not allowed can delay you or require you to take them back to your car or accommodation. If you need medication, medical equipment or an item for a disability-related reason, check the tournament’s current guidance in advance and allow time to explain it at entry.
Plan to keep your phone on silent during points. Follow court signs and staff directions about photography, recording and when you may enter or leave a seating area. On many courts, spectators are expected to wait for a changeover or another break in play before moving. A quick walk across a row during a rally can distract players and fellow fans.
Re-entry, transfers and resale
Do not assume you can leave the site and come back in. Re-entry rules are set by the tournament and can be strict; check the current policy before leaving the grounds, even if you expect to return shortly. If you have a long day planned, bring what you need within the permitted bag rules and arrange meals or breaks inside the venue.
Use the official ticket account or the ticket provider’s authorized transfer and resale tools. A screenshot or forwarded image may not work if the ticket uses a changing mobile barcode, and unofficial sellers can leave you with an invalid or duplicated ticket. Make sure a transfer is completed in the account—not merely promised in a message—and check that the ticket appears on your phone before you travel.
Ticket terms also govern refunds and resale limits. Read them before buying, especially if you are purchasing from another fan. Avoid paying for a ticket that cannot be transferred through an accepted method, and never share account passwords or a one-time security code with a seller.
Rain delays and refunds
Rain does not automatically mean a refund. The tournament’s weather policy determines what happens if play is delayed, moved or cancelled, and the outcome can depend on how much play takes place and which session is affected. Arthur Ashe Stadium has a retractable roof, but a roof does not prevent every weather-related delay elsewhere on the grounds or guarantee that the schedule will run as planned.
Keep your ticket and watch official event updates if play stops. Do not leave on the assumption that the session is over: matches may resume, and the tournament may announce a revised schedule. For refund eligibility, rely on the terms attached to your ticket and the official policy for that year rather than a general rule heard from another attendee.
Accessibility and children
The tournament offers accessible seating and visitor services, but arrangements should be made through official channels before the day where possible. Check current details for accessible entrances, companion seating, mobility devices and any services you may need. If you have a question about a particular seating location, ask before purchasing; not every area has the same access features.
Check the current age and ticket policy before bringing a child. Even when a young child is admitted under a particular rule, they may need their own ticket for a seat or for certain areas. Consider the length of the session, the heat and the noise, and bring only items allowed under the venue’s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a grounds ticket to enter Arthur Ashe Stadium?
Do not count on it. Grounds admission generally does not include an assigned Ashe seat, and stadium entry may be restricted or unavailable. If watching a match in Ashe is essential, buy a ticket that specifically includes Ashe admission.
Can I attend both the day and evening sessions with one ticket?
Usually, a ticket is valid for the session printed on it, not both sessions. Check the ticket details for the exact date, session and admission window before you buy.
Will I get a refund if my match is rained out?
Not automatically. Refunds or other remedies depend on the official weather policy and the amount of play or cancellation involved. Keep your ticket and consult the policy for your specific event date.
Can I leave the grounds and return later?
Re-entry may not be allowed. Confirm the current rule before leaving, because returning to the gate with the same ticket may not be enough to get back in.
Final Thoughts
The simplest way to avoid ticket trouble is to confirm three things before you go: the session on your ticket, the court access it includes and the current venue rules for entry and bags. Use official ticket channels, arrive with time for screening and treat the schedule as subject to change. That leaves you free to focus on the tennis—whether you have a reserved seat in Ashe or are hunting for a close view on an outside court.
