Calling all “Challengers” fans.
Queens is home to one of the sports world’s hottest events: U.S. Open’s Fan Week, featuring tennis, concerts and more. It runs from Aug. 19 to 25 in Flushing Meadows, and much of the programming is free.
“There truly is something for everyone,” said Nicole Kankam, head of marketing and entertainment for the United States Tennis Association and the organizer behind the event.
She’s not kidding — Fan Week promises photo ops, meet-and-greets with tennis stars, gourmet tastings and endless opportunities to watch celebrity players go head-to-head. It also features lion dances, a step show with the Divine Nine, performances from Ballet Hispánico and more.
“I already have it blocked off on my calendar,” said Alex Ording, president of the Fort Greene Tennis Association.
Katrina Adams, executive director of Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, has attended for more than 30 years, before the programming was officially named “Fan Week.”
So where do you even start?
With all these options, here’s what you need to know to ace your experience.
First of all, what’s Fan Week?
It’s basically a kick-off party for the U.S. Open Championships.
Since 1978, international contenders have tried their luck in Flushing Meadows at what’s arguably one of the most renowned tennis championships of all time — up there with the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Today, tickets go for hundreds or thousands of dollars (and sometimes even more).
That’s why in 2017, the USTA, tennis’ governing body, designed an official week for fans who don’t want to pay a pretty penny. It’s been held every August since, minus a two-year pandemic hiatus.
So can you actually see tennis?
Yes. Champions like Coco Gauff, Venus Williams and Ben Shelton are only some of the names you’ll hear about during Fan Week. The stars face off in exhibition matches before the U.S. Open even begins.
But you can still see high-stakes tennis, if that’s your thing, as other, lower-ranked competitors vie for the very last spots in the championship.
What if I know nothing about tennis?
Fan Week’s open to all, whether you’re a veteran athlete or you’ve never held a racquet.
OK, tell me where to be.
Even Kankam, the event’s mastermind, admits that it’s overwhelming to plan a perfect week. Still, here are some highlights:
Before the action even starts, watch country star Dierks Bentley take to the stage on Sunday, Aug. 18 for Fan Week’s inaugural concert, “Sounds of the Open.” Tickets start at $30.
From Monday, Aug. 19 through Thursday, Aug. 22, check out the “quallies.” Officially called the Qualifying Tournament, they’re a player’s last chance to participate in the U.S. Open.
In the quallies, 128 men and 128 women battle it out to land one of the tournament’s 16 final spots. Although they aren’t shoo-ins, these competitors are typically ranked among the world’s top 250. It’s always free.
Also on Monday, catch a free next-level match between former world No. 1 player Garbine Muguruza, No. 2 Tommy Haas and No. 4 James Blake.
On Tuesday, witness some “Mixed Madness” as doubles teams compete for cash. Competing duos include the famous Coco Gauff with Ben Shelton; Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios; and other hotshot pairs. Tickets start at $30.
On Wednesday, head to “Stars of the Open” to see the sport’s most famous players face off in exhibition matches. That includes defending U.S. Open Champion Novak Djokovic, two-time champion Venus Williams, 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz and more. The $30+ tickets benefit the USTA Foundation.
On Thursday, come hungry. “Flavors of the Open” attendees can sample mouthwatering tasting menus crafted by Iron Chefs Alex Guarnaschelli and Masaharu Morimoto, James Beard Award-winner Kwame Onwuachi, Michelin star restaurateur Simon Kim and more.
The steep price (admission starts at $180) gives you cooking demos, up-close courtside action and a taste of the chicken-plus-caviar “Golden Nugget.”
On Friday, hear from players firsthand. During the free “Media Day,” registrants can sit in on interviews and get the inside scoop. Last year, the roster included Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Serbian Novak Djokovic, who just won the Olympic Gold.
Also on Friday, dance it out at Fan Week’s first block party. No tickets required.
On Saturday, bring your little ones to the free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which has run for more than 30 years. There’s a “Play Tennis Zone,” where your kiddo can try out their serve, as well as face-painting, a Dude Perfect performance and more. It’s a warm welcome for the sport’s future generation.
Finally, Sunday is free Open Practice Day, so cheer on your favorites as they rehearse for the nerve-wracking week ahead.
What’s Fan Access Pass?
You can register for all Fan Week events through Fan Access Pass, a free digital ticket.
How do I get there?
All events go down at Queens’ USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
You can catch the 7 subway train east from Grand Central or Times Square. Get off at Mets-Willets Point, and the walk is less than 15 minutes to the center.
You can also take the LIRR from Penn Station and transfer at the Woodside station. Switch to the LIRR Port Washington Branch for a short ride to the center of the action, Mets-Willets Point.
Passengers can also book a ride on Access-a-Ride Paratransit Service. The drop-off and pick-up location is at the bus drop-off and pick-up near Champions’ Entry.
Any pro tips?
USTA is partnering with Marvel to hand out limited-edition comic books featuring historic tennis superheroes and distributed (for free) on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone registered on Fan Access Pass.
After you register, you’ll be entered to win tickets to the U.S. Open and can also claim a free Wilson junior racquet.
Fortnite lovers: Don’t miss the interactive gaming zone “U.S. Open Advantage Arena,” where you can immerse yourself in the world of tennis.
What’s next?
By 2035, the USTA aims to entice 17 million more people to play tennis. Kankam, the association’s head of marketing and entertainment, said it’s events like Fan Week that create this pipeline.
“It really is all about making the event accessible but also the sport accessible,” she said.
Last year, Fan Week had record attendance. This year, they’ve added another day.
“We’ve never done this many events and experiences,” said Kankam. “It’s really unprecedented.”