A week of tennis and entertainment for kids and adults by Marcela Álvarez
The US Open party is here, and to celebrate, there’s nothing better than FAN WEEK.
From Monday, August 18th to Saturday, August 23rd, FAN WEEK features entertainment for kids and adults. Admission is free.
The 7 train is the best public transportation option to get to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens.
Please note: some events at Arthur Ashe Stadium require advance registration at usopen.org. Don’t forget to download the app.
FAN WEEK is the perfect way to enjoy the US Open in a relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of the tournament. You could say it’s a mini US Open.
On the Fountain Plaza Stage, in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium, there will be entertainment, contests, DJs, and autograph signings with the tennis players.
FAN WEEK includes:
—-Silent Disco: a party on Monday night, the 18th, on the stadium esplanade, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. The crowd will enjoy songs from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s in a fusion of Latin and hip hop, led by DJs Jasmine Solano, DJ Whutever, and DJ Curly Nez. Not to be missed.
—-Mixed Doubles. This highly anticipated tournament, held for the first time during FAN WEEK, features stars Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, among others. August 19 and 20. Nothing like this has ever been seen at the Open.
—Stars of the Open. On Thursday, August 21, stars from yesteryear and today will participate in this event, sponsored by Chase. Tickets are required to see Coco Gauff, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, Joåo Fonseca, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Dana Mathewson, Casey Ratzlaff, among others, in action.
Argentine Juan Martín del Potro, 2009 US Open champion (and 2018 finalist), will also be in the game. “The Tower of Tandil,” as Del Potro is affectionately known, is a favorite in Queens. Don’t miss it!
It’s worth noting that a portion of the proceeds from Chase’s Stars of the Open will go to the USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the USTA that provides tennis and educational programs to underprivileged children.
—-Arthur Ashe Kids Day (AAKD). It’s the icing on the cake for FAN WEEK. Bring the whole family for a great time on “kids’ day.” This full day of fun for kids and adults is a celebration of the life and humanitarian legacy of Arthur Ashe, a world tennis icon.
Arthur Ashe is the only Black tennis player to win a championship in Queens. His feat was achieved in 1968, when the US Open was played in Forest Hills.
Kids will enjoy musical performances, face painting, training sessions with stars, and receive souvenirs from sponsors.
Music will be provided by Dude Perfect, 2BYG, Liamani, Magnus Ferrell, That Girl Lay Lay, and Young Dylan.
From Monday to Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m., Heineken sponsors Happy Hour at Fountain Plaza. It’s the time to gather with friends to enjoy tennis, premium drinks, DJ music, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Fans can win prizes and enter multiple events, including the Block Party on Friday, August 22. Let’s dance!
Tickets can be purchased at USOPEN.ORG or through Ticketmaster.
FAN WEEK is the perfect way to break up the official tournament, which runs from August 25 to September 7.
No doubt about it. All roads lead to Flushing Meadows in Queens.
PHOTOS: Courtesy of USTA
–FAN WEEK is a magnificent event for kids and adults. Free admission.
–World tennis stars, including Spaniard Carlos Álcaraz, will be in Queens to take part in a tournament like no other.
–The Arthur Ashe Stadium, inaugurated in 1997, is the main stage of the US Open. With a capacity of 23,000 people, it is the largest tennis stadium in the world.
