What’s New in Flushing Meadows
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

If you are one of those people who believe less is more, the U.S. Open may not be for you. In Flushing, home to the most gargantuan and grueling of Grand Slam titles, more is more. And each year there is more of it.
More food, more drink, more live music, more noise, more shopping, and more fans of more nationalities than you can count. Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis venue in the world, holding more than 23,000 people. The grounds are the largest among the Slams, too. Even the prize money is bigger than everywhere else: Two players, Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters, have a chance to double their earnings to $2.2 million, thanks to their victories in the U.S. Open series.
This year, the changes continue apace. The courts have been repainted blue (easier on the eyes and the television cameras, we’re told). There’s a new water fountain and new radio broadcasts on XM Satellite Radio. Remember the bland white sheet of cardboard that displayed the official draw, just past the food court? This year, look instead at the high walls of Louis Armstrong Stadium, home to a new manually operated scoreboard. And if you catch a ball hit into the stands, you no longer have to throw it back.
Of course, all this upheaval has led to controversy, something else the U.S. Open always does better than the other Grand Slam tournaments. Arthur Ashe Stadium has been ridiculed, the live music berated, the demanding final weekend dumped upon. And where’s that instant replay? Serena Williams wants to know. How long before a finicky player hits a ball into the stands and complains that its replacement just isn’t the same, no matter that the chair umpires will have balls of varied ages at their disposal? A week, a day, an hour? Place your bets, and enjoy the show.
WHERE TO SIT
If you are looking for the best seats on the grounds, the cozy Grandstand cannot be beat. For those uncertain of what to watch, stand on the walkway that connects Louis Armstrong and the Grandstand, and then decide which match is for you. Among the smaller courts 7, 10, 11, and 13 offer bleachers with good views, as well as a line of sight to other courts. And if you don’t mind standing, just park yourself in one of the narrow alleys dividing courts 8-10 or 14-18. A simple about-face gives you a choice of two matches (let those breaks every third game be damned).
HOW TO GET THERE
By subway Take the no. 7 Flushing subway from either Times Square or Grand Central (or take the ‘E’ or ‘F’ trains to Roosevelt Avenue and transfer upstairs to the Flushing-bound no. 7 train) to the Shea Stadium/Willets Point Station. The USTA National Tennis Center is about a three-minute walk down the ramp from the station.
By rail The Long Island Railroad Port Washington branch departs from Penn Station to the USTA Center (Shea Stadium/Willets Point Station).
By car Take the Triborough Bridge (from Manhattan) or Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (from Brooklyn) to the Grand Central Parkway (East) and take the Northern Boulevard (East)/Shea Stadium Exit (exit 9E). The NYPD will then direct you to the appropriate parking area. Public parking is relegated to Shea Stadium main parking lots except for the dates that the Mets are playing at home. These conflict dates are: 8/30, 8/31, and 9/1. During said conflict dates, public parking will relocate to various lots throughout Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. These lots are referred to as Lots 1-7. The parking fee for all lots is $12.
Prices For ticket prices and other details, please visit www.usopen.org.