Tennis-Bargains.com

Fly to Indian Wells or Miami to fly with a friend for free to the US Open!

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:43:00 +0000

Fly to Indian Wells (PSP) or the Miami Open (MIA) this March. Earn a free companion flight to NYC, US Open!

Here’s a Super-fan travel deal to get a companion pass and fly your partner free on Southwest.
Special companion pass offer expires soon! Must meet the minimum spend of $3,000 within 3 months.

Southwest Airlines RR Plus Card - Update:

Southwest is giving new cardholders a chance to earn a two-part bonus that includes a Companion Pass and Rapid Rewards bonus points. Valid through March 18, 2026.

Under this new offer, Southwest cardholders who meet the spending requirement will be able to bring a companion on flights with the carrier an unlimited amount of times, through Feb. 28, 2027, for only the cost of taxes and fees.

Southwest Airlines is running a special

Companion Pass promotion this spring

Perfect for travel to the US Open or Fall travel later this year!

Tennis Fans: 2-for-1 Deal to build the "Tennis Travel Pass"

👉 Get full details at
https://go.tennis-bargains.com/tennispass
View Flights to Palm Springs (Indian Wells)
https://www.southwest.com/en/flights/flights-to-palm-springs/

*NetJets VIP Suite preview*
https://go.tennis-bargains.com/IW-photos
View Flights to Miami (Miami Open):
https://www.southwest.com/en/flights/flights-to-miami/
Flights to NYC (US OPEN) - Aug 30 - Sept 13, 2026
https://www.southwest.com/en/flights/flights-to-new-york

For Pro Pickleball Fans:

Come visit PPA Newport in March (SNA airport), March 2-8.
https://www.southwest.com/en/flights/flights-to-orange-county-santa-ana

Get discount PPA tickets: 15% off with code PROS.

In the Summer, fly you and a friend to the MLP Finals for pickleball (Aug 28-30). Also held in NYC just before the US Open! https://www.southwest.com/en/flights/flights-to-new-york

Want more Tennis and US Open Deals? Sign up for our email!

BNP Paribas Open Map, Best Seats and Perks

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:02:00 +0000

BNP Paribas Open: Spring-time US Open

Interactive Campus Map - Best Seats (orange star)

Important Dates - Indian Wells, California (March 2026)

Full Events Calendar
Free Family Day - Feb 28, free clinics for kids
Free Parking during Qualifying (March 3-4)

Charity Doubles Night (March 3)
Fun, mixed doubles for charity $60

Live Music, Courtyard VIP Guests, Adirondack viewing chairs, plus sponsor booths!

Photo preview of IW Food and Fun - Cliff Drysdale Experience Magazine

2026 Visitor Notes

TW's Free Playtest Demo Court 15
Clear Bag Policy Airport security lines.
Locker Rentals available for $30 per day
Free BMW Complimentary Parking (Map)

Day or Night (AM vs PM) Visits?

- Day sessions are best for walking the grounds

- Night sessions offer marque matches with big names

Grounds Pass vs Reserved Seat Tickets

- Qualifier grounds passes are just $10!

- Weekends or 2nd Week: get Stadium 1 tickets

- Stadium 2 is half the size with much closer seating.
Enjoy the Nobu viewing lounge inside.

Highlights for Indian Wells as "the 5th Slam"

Voted Players' Favorite 1000 series tournament (for over a decade)
Photos of Tournament and Fan Events
Fantastic tennis weather in March, low humidity
Very high-class venue (even in comparison to the Monte-Carlo event)

Top Crowning Achievement: World's Best practice courts (and seat comfort) for tennis fan viewing

Travel Planning Options FAQ

Fly into Palm Springs (PSP) airport
2 hours from LAX and SAN (~1 hour from ONT)
Spend 2-3 days there to get your tennis fill
Book lodging early to stay nearby
Best Day Trip Ideas - most Instagram-friendly

Snack Highlights

Puesto's Passion Fruit Shrimp Ceviche was also healthy and tasty outside Stadium 2.
Dragon Lili Cafe for boba teas in the food village for a tasty beverage.
Sherman's Deli @ Stadium 1 (at the 200 level). Love the Salamai Ruben Pastrami!

Meeting our tennis heroes - Roger & Friends

Roger Federer bacl in March 2024 was spotted in California for the Oscars, at Oracle Arena (also at the Laver Cup Sept 2025), plus Stanford Campus! Check his IG for updates.

We met Federer's personal stringer (Ron from Priority One) who had an interview on CBS

Tournament On-site Preview

Practice Schedule: download the BNP Open app (updated daily)
Pro Tip: Hang around the grass benches (for shade). Sit with tennis celebs, refs, and stars!
AXS Tickets can be transferred only once! Make sure your phone is charged.

Box Office VS Online - Smart Ticket Buying

Tickets are available for sale at the box office, but you will need to download the AXS ticket app.

Bypass the box office if possible. It takes at least 5-10 minutes to buy a ticket (with no line), and then you may wait again for the app to send it to your phone.

I would avoid this completely and buy it in advance online, so you can head straight in.

Fans may wait for the player draws to come out first to determine which of the 3 stadium tickets (or grounds passes) to buy.

Invest in the all-access Stadium 1 Ticket if there's a match you need to see (it will be $25+ more). Otherwise, just get a grounds pass and roam around. There's much more to see outside than inside.

It's best to plan out your day with printable draws to see your favorite player (like Carlos Alcaraz) at either the day or night session. Digital tickets are a lot safer and easier to use. Losing a paper ticket happens much more often than you think.

Visit the World's 2nd Largest Tennis Stadium
(World #1 is Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open)

Hope you can make it to this "5th Slam" event and visit Palm Springs. It is definitely worth the experience for any tennis fan in the USA for a short vacation in California. Welcome back!!

Australian Open - Tennis Fans: Plans, Photos and Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 01:08:00 +0000

Grand Slam Ticket Fan Giveaways!

Australian Open - Super Fan Guide

Want to watch the pros at the Aussie Open up close and visit Melbourne?

Check out our Aussie Open Super Fans' Video of what it's like for new visitors.

Middle weekend public tickets have already been "exhausted" or SOLD OUT.

Fan Warning:
DO NOT try to buy tickets at the AO Box Office the day of the match - get them online.

My disappointing experience with the Ticket Offices:
They will sell you a very poor seat selection, claim it is the "only available" one, and then overcharge you, especially if you are an international fan without an Aussie ID.

This happened to me at their main box office for a Margaret Court match as I wanted to see Osaka. The cashier even told me to try to resell my ticket on Ticketek, which was impossible after the session started. So don't trust their marketing upsells.

Even the early multi-ticket plan package that was available on their website is a bit of a scam

Just buy tickets online the night before, once you know the Order of Play.

Australian Open

For a first-time fan, check out our Australian Open pictures for an idea of what to expect on the ground.

Happy Tennis Fan from Brazil
Rod Laver Arena

Melbourne is a great city to visit and escape the cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Their "Labor Day" or "Australia Day" happens at the end of their summer and usually occurs around the end of the tournament (late January).

It is cheapest to fly direct from NYC or LA, but it is worth the long flight.

So much to see in Victoria and Australia, I did a layover in Sydney - hope you can come join in the fun with us.

Also, if you can tie it into a longer layover, such as a pit stop in Sydney or Fiji, all the better. I recommend getting a cheap flight to Asia, from there flights will be much cheaper than going directly from the USA.

Known as the "Fun Slam" or "Asian Slam," it's also the Pacific Slam.

Tennis-Bargains...Bringing smiles and great deals to all our fans!

Raonic Fan from Canada
Hisense (Melbourne) Arena

These were some fellow American (North and South American) tennis fans who loved the sport but were stuck outside with no more tickets left, so we wanted to give them a chance to see some great tennis.

US Open Tennis Tickets on Sale Now

The Grounds Pass Deals

Consider buying a "Grounds Pass" that lets you be selective about which sessions to attend*. Similar to the US Open, they do not kick you out of the outer courts once the night sessions start.

You can also upgrade them to a seat at Laver or Melbourne Arena for a small fee.

Tourist Tips:

Enjoy cooler weather at the popular night sessions
Right next to the beer garden, you can chill with fans and have a cold one
Do not ask for a Fosters' Beer

Take a safari ride at Melbourne Nature Preserve

Just a short taxi ride from the city, I really enjoyed the Safari bus and sitting at the back to take photos of the giant animals up close. This is best because you see them in their native habitat with wide open free-range spaces to roam.

Helping passionate fans is what we're all about. Sharing tennis love all over the world.

Horror stories: beware the hardcore Aussies "rules" and enforcers

I had a "big camera," but the 200mm is allowed in the written rules. Ushers make some arbitrary decisions and have few real answers, mostly vague guesses. Probably because they aren't trained properly? However, they love to act like mini-bosses and gatekeepers. Yet kids still sneak by them!

On the flight back to LAX, I had a Virgin Australia ticket. Got to the gate, saw the plane and pilot, but their gate agent refused to let me on board because it was 22 minutes before departure, not 30 minutes! Even if you just made a bathroom break, they say "rules are rules" - no exceptions. They made me buy a brand-new one-way international ticket home. That company declared bankruptcy shortly afterwards!

Aussie Open Discount Tickets

At every tennis event (Indian Wells and Miami in March), we give away any extra tickets to our most deserving fans on site and show how to get discount deals while there.

For a chance to win US Open tickets, follow us on Facebook!

🎾US Open Shade Map for Ashe Stadium and Armstrong

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:08:00 +0000

How to Find Shaded Seats at the US Open

Our US Open Shade Map helps anyone find cooler places to watch US Open tennis matches.

Whether at one of the 3 major stadiums, roaming the grounds outside, or at one of the indoor shelters with large screen TVs, fans can find the best spots to enjoy the tennis while keeping cool.

Below, the graphic illustrates how the sun will shift the shade line inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

US Open Shade Map of Arthur Ashe Stadium and Roof

Where to sit so that you're not directly facing the sun

An easy rule of thumb to find shade (or at least a slightly cooler area) is to find the side with the umpire chair. I have sat in many tennis photographers' pits over the years. It can get very hot and humid!

Peak heat and max UV are around 1-4pm

We suggest finding some shade (the cooler parts of Armstrong or Ashe) and adding some sunscreen.

The Umpire Chair side is cooler!
The side with the umpire chair is on the West Side for all US Open tennis courts or stadiums. The rule works as long as you don't sit directly behind the chair, which could partially block your view.

As you can see in the illustration, the shade line will slide slowly toward the East over time.

Green = cool. Red = hot. Yellow = partial sun.
North side gets AM sun; South-East gets some PM sun.

US Open Ashe - Section map of sunny and shaded areas

US Open Fan's tip for shade at Ashe Stadium

Try seats in the main Ashe Stadium (Sections 340 to 324). At the Loge level in Sections 122-136

These will generally be the most shaded areas. They offer cover even while the roof is open.

Moving higher up towards the top under the roof's edges also offers relief from the sun.

Lounges with Air Conditioning

Get an air-conditioned game break and enjoy some free snacks!

Explore the Chase and Amex Lounges for shelter from the heat
We suggest going into one of the US Open Lounges if you need a refreshment.

Note: the Chase Lounge will require an advance RSVP.
The Amex lounge (highlighted in blue) near the Chase Center is open to all Amex cardholders. It has a lot of fun kid activities inside with some A/C.

Chase and Amex offer free indoor spaces for cardholders - check out our fan tips and review

Want more tips? Join our US Open Insider Tips Email List Today!

US Open "Heat Shelter Map". Expect heat indexes into the 90s with Humid Conditions!

Practice Courts and Food Village

Highlighted in green are the best shade areas to rest in if you are outside the stadiums. The Practice Courts 1-5 have an area underneath that lets you watch the players' practice - they usually practice several hours before their scheduled match there.

Our "heat map" shows you the coolest places to go at the US Open and where to find relief from the sun, which is highlighted in yellow. Free swag in Purple to help you stay cool. Click the image above for a larger version.

Sign up for our newsletter if you want more US Open insider tips

Sun Safety - Beating the Heat Wave
In recent summers, NYC has had heat indexes over 90 or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix that with bad ozone conditions (code orange or red), and being outdoors for long is a bad idea. I often hear the reason most fans avoid attending the US Open is that the heat for an entire day can be very exhausting. It can even be a danger to your health if you have any elderly fans with heart or lung problems.

I highly recommend that fans drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and stay out of the direct sun. The time between 1-4pm is the hottest period, so consider resting somewhere cooler at that time.

Take a rest under the trees or on the grass near the center

Behind the fountains, try to grab a seat on the grass or under the umbrellas in the Food Village.

If you want to watch some tennis, I recommend getting a bit higher up where there is a breeze or getting under some shade provided under the Practice court viewing area.

Smart Tips to beat the heat

Wear SPF 15 or higher, and reapply every few hours
Having a hat and sunglasses is also helpful
Buy one at the US Open, and you can take home a souvenir too!

Armstrong Stadium Shade Map

How to Find Shade under the Armstrong Stadium's Roof

I recommend buying one in Section 1 through Section 8. Below is the map of the Armstrong seating sections.

Armstrong Stadium's shade line around 1pm moves toward the Rolex Scoreboard in the afternoon

Notice the extra shade provided at the very top, just under Armstrong's roof. The stairs at the corners extend all the way up. If you stand on the very top floor near the slated sides of the building, you will sometimes feel a nice breeze vent through the building's exterior.

Armstrong at the very top, under the lip of the 2nd floor roof also has partial cover from sun

On the East side (opposite the umpire chair), there is some refuge from the sun if you climb up closer to the top. On the 2nd floor, around the entire perimeter is the "lip" of the upper deck. You should be fine if you stay next to the railings and do not enter the lower bowl's reserved seating area.

Like Arthur Ashe Stadium, look for the shade on the South and West sections. This includes sections 1-7 and 17-18.

Grandstand Stadium Shade Map

Sections 1, 2, and 3 are partially shaded near the baseline

There is less direct shade in this circular ring than in other stadiums. However, the umpire's chair side near the top of the ring has some cover and offers an easy way to walk around.

Sections 1-3 offer great baseline views and are often the most sought-after for open seating.

The lower bowl area requires a reserved ticket. Consider buying one if a good match is scheduled during the day, especially if the good Ashe tickets are gone.

If you want a rest, look for an outdoor seating area entrance with umbrellas along the side facing the Big Globe (in purple on the map). If you want a quick bite, look for the food court area along the bottom level near the east side under the stadium. Options are more limited here, but fans can walk over to the P1-P5 practice courts to check out top players practicing, too.

US Open Ticket Deals - this year's lowest prices for each stadium

Grounds Passes FAQ: the late summer sale

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:55:00 +0000

Purpose of the Grounds Pass

Historically, the Grounds Pass was a way to allow fans to fill spare capacity at the US Open. It was designed for the first 10 days only. When buying tickets in August and Ashe seats appear too pricey, check the grounds pass! It sets the "floor" Ashe price, offering more fans a way to go for slightly less.

US Open Grounds Admission
Newest batch released for week 1

General Seating = Great Value

The main tradeoff was that you would not have a "reserved seat". So this excluded you from Ashe Stadium and the reserved lower bowls of the Armstrong and Grandstand Stadiums.

There are plenty of "non-reserved" seats higher up and open. Generally ideal for those who are not so picky, these were a great value to roam the 20+ courts on campus throughout the day.

Demand and Price Inflation

About 10 years ago, prices were only about $60-70 for the grounds.

For 2024-2025, the median price for the Grounds Pass was around $150-$180.

Yet, the US Open still managed to set attendance records the last 3 years in a row!

Sign up for our alerts to US Open passes and discount alerts @

https://go.tennis-bargains.com/fans

The sessions for August 27 and August 28 will both offer discount codes for tickets*
Stay tuned for the promo code and release activation details!

Full List of Seat Prices (# of dates)

Ground Admission Passes (10 sessions)
Armstrong Reserved (16 sessions)
Grandstand Reserved (7 sessions)
Ashe - All Access (20+ Day or Night)

My first US Open ticket ever was a grounds pass

I attended my first US Open ever with a grounds pass. I sat next to a friend with a 3rd row seat on the old Grandstand baseline watching a 3rd round match. I paid less than $80 and returned it for many years.

Whenever a tennis fan comes back each year, I know they have great stories and memories to share. If they only remember the high prices or overcrowded lines, then the reputation of tennis as a sport is damaged. To grow the game, the avid fans are customers for life.

Re-sell Mania Market

A year ago, they began only showing the lowest-priced resale grounds passes. So, I would ignore the $250+ prices, because they simply are prematurely priced. Wait for markets to adjust, then reconsider what is sustainable and what fans are willing to pay.

When unreasonably high, it scares away new tennis fans. The patient shopper will find more inventory in late July and again around mid-August. When more tickets are introduced, the prices will come down.

Our advice for folks who just want to get in is to buy the cheapest ticket available!
This might be Ashe, Armstrong, Grandstand, or Grounds.

US Open Standard Tickets (non-resell) will be available again this Summer

We saw 2 rounds of new ticket releases last year for 2024. We expect those ticket batches will arrive with many more Grounds Passes by August for 2025.**Update: The 2nd (and final) "rate cut" happened in mid-August, dropping on around 8/14.

Evening grounds passes (after 7pm entry) have sold out already!

Sign up for our alerts on US Open discounts
https://go.tennis-bargains.com/fans

Many fans and NYC locals can't take a whole day off work. Or can't spend $200+ for Ashe tickets.

For the growth of tennis and the goal of creating lifelong fans, we want more middle-class families to be able to attend this amazing US sporting event live.

Seat Geek Discount Code "TENNISBARGAINS"

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 03:08:00 +0000

Citi Open Tennis Tickets @ Washington DC

SeatGeek Ticket Trick
At the Checkout screen, click "promo code" on the top right
Sign up with a new account with promo code "TENNISBARGAINS."
Save up to 40%, cut out fees and taxes; valid only on your 1st purchase

Get $20 OFF $50 by using promo "TENNISBARGAINS"

Seat Geek promo code at checkout "TENNISBARGAINS"

US Open Tickets promo codes plus Amex access!

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:08:00 +0000

All Ticketmaster Promos, 2-for-1 Ticket Specials

Full Ticket Calendar of the US Open

Best-Selling Ticket Sessions

1. Men's Final - 9/7

2. Men's 1st Semi's - 9/5

3. Opening Night - Sun 8/24

Subscribe here for 2025 US Open Passcodes and Perks

- Receive Ticketmaster promo codes

- Access to our US Open Facebook Group

- Get our Heat Map for choosing seats

Sample Offer Passcode Discounts

For the latest Promo Codes, please subscribe to our annual email list.

All US Open Ticket Sessions
Ashe prices start at:
$150-$250 for Day; $100-$150 for Night

Ground Passes
Week 1 should be ~$150; Week 2 can be as low as $30-50

Bookmark and check back on this marketplace in August!

Facebook Group: US Open Friends and Fans Page

Free Perks: Bring your Chase and Amex Cards to get ahead of the pack.
Summer Concerts and Free Swag gifts from many sponsors are featured here.

Chase Flex and Freedom Cardholders

Earn 5% Cash Back @ US Open and Ticketmaster

American Express Offers: $10 OFF $100 credit when spent at the US Open grounds

American Express Card - All Card Members Access
Check out and pay with an Amex card, using the passcode "INCENTUR"

Top 3 "Best Value" US Open Ticket Types
1) Ashe Day - reserved seat with access to all courts
2) Ashe Night - entry after 6PM; includes two night matches
3) Ground Pass - general seating to 20+ courts; *No Ashe access*

Lowest Resale Price for Tickets
Unused tickets are sold here by fans! Season ticket holders or fans who cannot attend.
It's easy to find someone with an extra ticket. Note that prices can change daily.

Ticketmaster Promo Codes

Ticketmaster 2-For-1 Promo Tickets Page

Buy 3, Get 1 Free - Sports & Concerts (4-Pack Family Tickets)

American Express Early Access to the US Open Page

US Open FAQ
Q: Can I purchase a ticket from a US Open subscriber?
A: US Open Ticket Exchange (for upgrading to better seats or see resale prices to "sold out" sessions)

Yes, you can. The USTA has partnered with the US Open Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, to serve as the exclusive resale partner for the US Open. US Open subscribers as well as individual ticket holders have the opportunity to resell their unused tickets in a secured fan-to-fan environment, sanctioned by the USTA.

What are some ways to buy a single ticket at the lowest price possible?

1) Use the 2-for-1 special code to buy 2 tickets.
2) If you cannot attend, sell the extra ticket or transfer it by email.

3) Bring a friend! Enjoy the fun with a buddy.

Selling Tip: Set the price slightly below the lowest price. You'll get a buyer more quickly.

Money is deposited into your account via a debit card or a US bank account!

All weekend tickets (AM and PM sessions) will sell the quickest. By August, most may already be gone! I check back on Mondays and early mornings for any additional tickets listed for sale.

Additional Helpful US Open Links

Get 5% cash back in Q3 at US Open and Ticketmaster

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Get 5% back with the Chase Freedom + Flex Cards

For the US Open or Ticketmaster tickets, this looks like a no-brainer deal.

Valid 7/1 - 9/30. Activate at ChaseRewards.com
Sign-up Bonus: Earn $200 back after $500 spent (plus 5% back rewards)

Deal is Back! Valid for Ticketmaster, US Open, and Gas Stations. July through September.

Here's the easiest way to get 5% back on tennis tickets this Summer.

Earn 5% cash back at Ticketmaster and US Open purchases with Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex. You must first activate the special quarterly bonus online by 9/14. Purchase tickets using your Chase Flex card (up to $1500 worth).

July through September - US Open and Ticketmaster were listed as eligible merchants.

Bonus Tip: Access to the Chase Lounge RSVP at the US Open

With any Chase credit card, register for up to 4 spaces at the Chase Lounge inside the US Open.

Free RSVP for the Chase Lounge at the US Open will be available soon!

American Express cards are offering $10 OFF $100 at the US Open (YMMV)

Please check your specific card offers to activate it (or do so at an Amex booth at the US Open where you get the radios).

Works for buying any US Open Series Tennis Tickets!
Save money and watch more US Open series tennis.

Get 5% cash back at Ticketmaster with the Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex Card.

Need a Chase Flex card? Earn the $200 bonus if you hurry!

If you plan to attend the US Open, apply before buying tickets!
Shipping a new card can take 1-2 weeks before you can use it.
Please plan ahead of time for this deal with your future purchase.

**Sign-Up Bonus: earn a $200 Sign-Up Bonus* with No Annual Fee**

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months after opening.
Plus, earn 5% cash back on gas station purchases on up to $6,000 spent in the first year.

*This product is available to you if you don't have this card already. Or if you have yet to receive a new card member bonus for this card in the past 24 months.

Our Tennis Bargains affiliate referral link to get this special signup bonus.

Note: we may receive a reward from Chase as your official referral friend for this deal information.

Each year, we can get a bonus - but only for the first 10 fans we help!

Steps to Maximize Savings to possibly get over 40% OFF

Apply for a new Chase Freedom Flex card
Activate the category bonus before September 14
Use the Flex card to buy US Open Tickets to get 5% back by September 30
After spending $500 in the first 3 months, get an additional $200 back!

Save even more with gas purchases!

With gas purchases, you will also get a 5% cash back gas station offer for up to $6000 spent in the first year. This stacks on top of the 5% quarterly bonus for ~9-10% back in total.

Since gas is so pricey right now, this is a good bargain even if you don't use it to save for tennis.

Plan ahead to get approved and have your card sent by mail

The online signup process is quick and easy. If you call Chase after approval, you can request an expedited delivery to speed up the mailing.

Unfortunately, you need the card physically before you can start using it. My experience is that it takes 1-2 weeks for them to mail you the card after approval. This is true even if you drive to apply at a Chase bank. Also, you generally must have a credit score above 690 to have a good chance of being approved.

Best Chase Points Redemption Value = Travel with Chase Sapphire.

With the 5% back, redeeming the bonus for travel and getting even better value on select airlines and hotels is possible. This is our recommended use to book last-minute flights. For example, flying on United with Chase Points transferred to United Airlines was much cheaper than paying in cash.

US Open's 3 keys to early seats and fun event experiences

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:08:00 +0000

Getting the Best US Open Experience

I have personally attended over a decade's worth of Grand Slam tennis. Been to NYC dozens of times in my life with family living there. Explore NYC hot spots and tennis scenes like a local.

We celebrate tennis in the Big Apple every Summer. From Central Park to the Upper West Side, Roosevelt Island to the Statue of Liberty - one of America's best Summer road trips. Whether for a solo trip or with friends/family, spend a vacation in one of the best cities in the USA.

Traveling with the pros on tour, I have a unique insider's view. I can directly compare ours to all the other Tennis Majors: Wimbledon, French Open, and Aussie Open...even the 2024 Paris Olympics.

I have been a tennis fan, coach, photographer, journalist, and player of this beautiful sport.

PRO TIP: I find great seats for even sold-out session tickets here. We always buy extra for annual giveaways, too!

Get notified with our instant email price alerts whenever the latest ticket deals pop up.

Prices are now listed "all-in," so fees are shown clearly upfront for easier comparison. Each year, when fans use our links, we even donate fees to charities that benefit local NY schools and classrooms.

Monthly To-dos:

April: Book travel dates (hotel and airfare)
May: Secure popular presale tickets (Labor Day and Finals Weekend)
July: Buy One, Get One deals (BOGO offers for 2nd week)
Aug: RSVP for special events, lounges, and fan concerts to fill your calendar

From past experience, I trust only verified "Instant Access" tickets from the Official Tickets for the US Open. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is! Generally, the better seats go fast, so the sooner you research, the better. Be patient and check back for new batches to snag them fast!

The main goal is to share my best tips, pictures, and experiences with other US Open fans. We also guide a free Facebook group called US Open Fans and Friends. Great for planning tips, plus NYC meetups with other sports fans in town.

As a USTA Organizational Member, we are committed to helping make your US Open Experience fun and affordable for ALL our fellow Americans. Please give a like if you found this article helpful.

My dream is that you, too, can tell all your tennis buddies that your whole family gets to watch the US Open in person and save money with our US Open ticket promo codes!

US Open - Free Ticket Tips and Promo Codes

Get regular updates when new ticket deals pop up so you can watch tennis for less than the box office price. Plus, you can enter our annual prize giveaways for free to attend the US Open.

Tip #1: Get there early and run into Armstrong or the Grandstand stadiums *first*

To get close, sit in the front rows across from the umpire's side or along the center baseline.

If you're up for walking around to see more matches, get cheaper Grounds Pass Tickets for these outside courts and smaller stadium access during the 1st week of the tournament.

Being able to watch your favorite US Open Champion for an hour? That's every tennis fan's dream! Sometimes, you can even bump into the tennis players' box in the catty corners across from the umpire chair. More tips are below...

Subscribe HERE to learn how to get even closer to the action!

Get Top US Open tips with the latest email promo codes and fan prize giveaways.

Knowing who will be playing, when, and where is half the battle. So you can witness tennis glory live!

Tip #2:
The night before you go to the US Open, always check the Schedule / "Order of Play" page to plan out the next morning. Figure out which players and courts, in the order you want to hop to next.

Download the US Open app for updated scores to see when matches are about to start or end. Plus, try to arrive on time so you can get to the stadium entrance line before the odd-numbered games (so that they let you into the stadiums). Otherwise, you need to wait for another changeover.

Tip #3:
Find tickets to several popular dates, even if "sold out" on the US Open webpage...you can still find season ticket holders willing to sell verified seats. Don't get scammed by scalpers (*bookmark for the best prices*, which are updated daily)

More tips coming to my US Open Fans email subscribers! Re-subscribe if it's been a while.

2025 US Open tickets? 4 smart rules to know before buying

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:08:00 +0000

US Open Tickets - key signals to buy

Arthur Ashe

Valued at $200+ for weekdays
< $150 for nights; < $300 for weekends

Grounds Passes

Less than Ashe (should be less than any Ashe Tickets - otherwise, just wait)

Armstrong

Ashe price +/- $50 (good for closer tiered seats, smaller stadium)

Grandstand

Ashe +/- $40 (best for 2nd or 3rd rounds, depends on matchup)

Sign up for our 2025 US Open price drop alerts

Are ticket prices too high? Should you sell? Ways to "trade" for another stadium?

Stick to Ashe Stadium - if you want rain protection insurance with the roof or for a must-see player.
If Armstrong or Grandstand are only slightly more expensive, get those instead.
With similar prices, it's better to have a quality seat you can use than a cheap pass.
Grounds Passes should always be cheaper than Ashe!

Chase Business Cards - Points and Cash Back Bonus trick

If you're buying a lot of tickets for friends and family (a few thousand dollars), it might make sense to open a Chase business card prior to buying! Get even more savings with the sign-up bonuses.

Note, it takes a few weeks to get the card, and you must meet the spending requirements within 3 months of opening. Earn up to 150K points, which is enough to fly you and a friend round-trip for free to the US Open!

1) Arthur Ashe Stadium

A "good price" range for Ashe currently is about $200-$250 for Day Session tickets.

Select "BEST SEATS" and slide the Max price to $250 (or $300)

Ticketmaster tips for the best resale price for the closest seat

In the menu tab, select "Best Seats" (not lowest price)
Move the Max Price slider down ($250 or $300 to start)

Wonder how much better seats you'd get for $50 more?
Just shift the price bar up one notch to $300 or $350. Find the best incremental price and best views. Sometimes it's better to sit closer rather than at a corner angle. I prefer the baseline sides.

Unless you get the 100s mid-level or buy the Men's Final, never pay over $1000 for the promenade outer level!

Check out amazing Armstrong or Grandstand options in the $350-$550 range (below).

Row Letters matter more than Row Numbers!

A-C row letters are always worth at least $50-$100 more than bigger letter rows.

Going from Upper Promenade to Lower Promenade upgrade makes the biggest difference.

Almost as much as going from Lower Promenade to the cheapest Loge seats.

Think of the lower promenade as "economy plus", and Loge as business class.

The back rows (letters like W, X, Y, Z, or ZZ) often have empty seats during week 1.

Those people generally prefer to roam outside, take selfies of the NYC skyline, or lounge around at free perk booths. You might be watching a lot of the action on the giant TV screens.

Why Ashe Stadium tickets are the *safest* tickets to buy?
Short Answer:

Ashe is the most flexible option
Access to all the courts
A reserved seat in the main stadium
Rain insurance: a covered place to shelter inside if it rains
Play will continue under its roof, even if outside play is suspended.

Unless there is a specific player and match you want to attend elsewhere, the Arthur Ashe tickets are the safest all-around bet when buying well in advance (before July).

Grounds Pass vs Ashe Ticket

The grounds pass becomes less valuable as more big matches get put on the main stadium. Usually, by week 2, you want access to reserved Ashe seats where most key matches are held.

Latest US Open Ticket Updates via email

Ashe is typically slightly more expensive than Grounds Passes. Yet it grants you a reserved seat (very useful if it rains) and allows you into every stadium. Any of the Grounds Passes should cost less.

The strategy is to roam anywhere, knowing you have reserved your seat in Ashe when you want to see your favorite star player play.

The top-seeded fan-favorite players will almost always play there exclusively and often at night.

Wait-and-see vs Pay-and-Pray? Before and after the official draw comes out.

The later the purchase, the more info about the draw - at the risk of higher prices!

What to expect before the draw?
Compare matches to last year's lineup.
After the draw and during the tournament:
Use the daily "Schedule of Play" guide to choose your favorite matches during the tournament.
After matches start or same-day tickets: fans may sell on StubHub (instant transfers only)

SeatGeek: use our "TENNISBARGAINS" for up to 40% off with new accounts

If you're not picky, I would get the cheapest ticket. Just being at the US Open is an experience.

Then just wander around the outer 17 courts from match to match!

Most matches take about 2.5 hours to complete. Usually slightly shorter to watch the women's best of 3 sets.

US Open Campus Highlights Map
For your first lap, I would first walk around the outside courts. Then go inside Armstrong, Grandstand, and Court 17. Getting in and out of Ashe takes a longer time.

At least one of them has an exciting match. Another idea is figuring out which match will go into a 5th set and then going there for the finish.

Look around at some of the highlights below if you get bored. If you get tired, you can always come back inside Ashe Stadium later!

2) Grounds Passes - General Admission

These tickets should be priced at least $20 cheaper than same-day Ashe Tickets. If those tickets become too expensive, the next cheapest option is generally a Grounds Pass

This free-for-all ticket gets you in the door - great for roaming around outside.

You can tour all other stadiums and over 20 outside courts except Ashe. Sometimes, if Ashe is sold out, this is the next best option, and it is less expensive. Grounds Passes are a great way to go on Labor Day weekend or check out the US Open for the first time.

3) Louis Armstrong Stadium

At Armstrong, fans can sit up close on the 2nd largest court at the US Open.

Be closer to the action in a more cozy space, and avoid the large crowds. You get a spot on the lower bowl with these tickets. Best if you're sure the Ashe matches are not interesting to you.

Years before Ashe was built, Armstrong was the main stadium. After the latest update in 2018, this stadium offers much better ventilation and shade for many upper sections.

Buying an Armstrong ticket gives you a reserved seat up close and is a good alternative option when you would rather have a more intimate view of the players in a slightly smaller setting. Also works if the date you want to go is sold out completely (Labor Day weekend).

What is NOT included?

It lets you watch any matches except those inside Arthur Ashe.

Armstrong usually features at least 2-3 great matches (top 20 players). Plus, you will be much closer to the excitement without costing over $150. If you want the same seat quality in Ashe, it will cost >$500.

It also lets you hop over to the Grandstand (3rd court) right next door to get some shade and grab a bite to eat at the mini-food court between the two.

Bonus Option

Sitting on the Grandstand, "The Bull Ring"

Want a change of scenery? If prices are reasonable and you can afford a good seat, I would consider the West side tickets or along the baseline at the Grandstand. See seat maps to find the best places to sit.

This modern stadium layout has closer access to the practice courts and the Chase outdoor lounge areas. Some amazing popcorn matches have happened here over the Labor Day Weekend in years past.

Any Rows A through G seats for sections 1 through 12 would be valuable.

Some would prefer baseline seats here over Loge Level seats in Ashe. It's a toss-up.

Bonus Tip - Be First in Line with a Reservation system
Almost all the smaller courts offer a "first-come, first-serve" system. If you get in line early (gates open at 11AM. The EAST gate is the least crowded out of them), you can move quickly and get front-row seats! Check out our Top 10 tips to see how you can be in the front few rows with Chase for free.

Check out our Top 10 tips and free bonus perks you didn't know about

Fan Review: Rafael Nadal Academy and Summer Camps

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:08:00 +0000

Road to Rafa Tour Guide and Summer Camps

Rafa Nadal Statue at Stadium Court

Travel with me on the "Camino of Clay" across Europe and visit Rafa's homeland.
A travel guide for Rafa fans with my own road map. To help every tennis pilgrim find their path.

Barcelona and Mallorca are perfect for young adults and families!

Can't make it to Europe? No worries.

Rafa's coaches will stop by the USA this Summer and Christmas!

Summer Camp Photos and Locations

Junior and Adult Tennis Camps in the USA

Use promo code "JCTENNIS" to receive our latest bonus*

Very Limited Spaces Remaining for 2026.
Sign up for Junior Summer today before the Spring rush!
Use discount code "JCTENNIS"

*Juniors will have chances to win signed Rafa gear, plus a 1-week sponsored camp in Mallorca*

At their San Diego location, I watched players train at Rancho Valencia. If you arrive early, you may see ATP Pros like NextGen Champion Brandon Nakashima training there. He loves his fans!

For Rafa Fans, I recommend a trip to Spain!

Visit Palma (the capital) and Manacor (his hometown).

Before returning, fans should pick up Rafa swag (hats, shirts, merch) for friends and family.

ATP 250 Grass Tournament - Wimbledon Warm-up Event

Fans can also watch Tennis on Grass: ATP 250 Mallorca Championships near the end of June!

Marc Lopez joined the team in 2022. He is the most friendly coach and Rafa's doubles partner.
At Madrid, he and Feliciano Lopez were honored at their retirement ceremonies.

Spanish Legend David Ferrer had his farewell in Barcelona and is now the tournament director!

Barcelona is one of the top vacation destinations and is well worth visiting.

Spanish Summer Highlights

RNA team coaches at the Barcelona, Madrid Open, and Mallorca locations:

Mallorca Championships 250: Pre-Wimbledon Tennis on Grass!

The Rafa Nadal Academy was my lifetime bucket list tennis experience.

On my first visit, I traveled from the Barcelona Open to Palma and then drove to Mallorca for the Rafa Academy and Museum Experience. When you get there, be sure to tell the staff you are a guest of JCtennis.

While visiting the island of Mallorca during the weeks just before Wimbledon, make your tennis trip include some grass-court tennis near the capital of Palma! I was granted a media pass (on my 2nd trip) to shadow Chris Eubanks during his Cinderella run to the Quarters at Wimbledon.

Visiting Mallorca in June-July

I highly recommend seeing the ATP 250 on Grass at the Mallorca Championships. Many pros believe this is the best Wimbledon preview tournament, including Tsitsipas.

The tournament director is Uncle Toni. They play using the official Wimbledon tennis ball; players get a sneak peek, and fans can get a great souvenir ball.

Chris Eubanks won his first ATP title here.

As a GT alum, I was very excited to watch the 3rd set tiebreaker next to his Atlanta team. Chris next advanced to the QF of Wimbledon 2023 as the last-standing American in London.

The Rafa Nadal Sports Centre in Mallorca

Must-see tennis sights for any Rafa Fan! Padel, Clay, Hard Courts.

- Adult Tennis Programs: with Half-week and Weekend options,
Get 10% OFF with code "JCTENNIS" for your room.

Get an additional 20% OFF during May-June!

- One full-week stay can be less than $1000 per room! Book Now.
Plan a family and friends vacation around tennis to visit Rafa!

- Best week rates available using promo code "JCTENNIS"

*Book early! At least 2-3 months ahead to get the best rooms.

- Latest user reviews from TripAdvisor and availability

I've been a huge Rafa fan for over a decade. So I booked a pit stop to Mallorca between my trip to the Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open via Air Europa.

Several top pros had the same idea: stopping in Manacor for clay-court training before the French Open!

Nadal Family and Coaching Team
I visited Uncle Toni, Carlos, and the Nadal Academy Coaches Team. My room was just down the hall from Naomi Osaka's team. She was quite timid and shy, though. Seemed she wanted to avoid attention.

RNA guests were served fresh meals for breakfast and dinner.
The facilities include many fitness classes available all day. Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, and all are very family-friendly!

The adult tennis program also had access to hard courts. The gym, indoor pool, and spa sauna are of the highest quality. The clay courts are just a short walk away, with pro and junior programs half of the academy. Now, with indoor clay courts!

For 3 days, I felt so lucky to train and play tennis next to the now 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Joining the Adult Tennis players, you get to live and breathe tennis 24/7 or even play in a tennis tournament:

We train, eat, and sleep on the same campus. Watch and play tennis together each day.

Stay next to the top ATP and WTA pros like Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal!

Hard Court plus Clay Courts with lessons available. Padel and Indoors, too.

Visiting Rafa's Hometown of Manacor and the Beautiful Sights around the Island

The scenic countryside, with its windmills and small traffic circles, is peaceful. Most tiny cars, including Rafa's old Kia, are miniature in size yet very nimble. Speed limits top out around 100kmph - yet you can go from coast to coast in a little over an hour. I recommend renting a car, but be prepared that it will likely be a manual transmission.

The Road to Rafa - planning a visit to Uncle Toni and Rafa in Mallorca!

Enjoy a Tennis Vacation while learning about its multicultural heritage and history.

NY Times Article: How to spend 36 hours in Mallorca

Small packs of bicycle riders will dot the small country roads early in the morning, riding in tandem.

The local villagers are very friendly and helpful in sharing their traditions and culture. I made a lot of friends among the other Adult tennis program attendees.

The new indoor clay courts are even better! Can't wait to return again.

I encourage all my tennis readers to visit Spain for the best Tennis Player Experience.

Get my exclusive stackable 10% discount when you book any package at the Rafa Academy.

Book Here: Rafa Nadal Academy with my discount code at the top: "JCTENNIS"

*There is even a unique Roger Federer and 2-bedroom Family Suites* (JC)

Rafa Nadal Family and Academy Team

I have seen the Rafa Nadal Academy booth at nearly every major tournament. At Monte-Carlo in 2018, I was recommended to try it in the spring or fall when the camp is less crowded with kids.

For years, I have reviewed tennis resorts, camps, and academies where I have personally trained myself.

I visited in 2019. They offer many kids' summer camps and adult tennis-playing vacations. Most coaches and staff also speak English fluently, and I found several British staff members working there.

Guilliam at the front desk and Eva at the Spa were the most helpful. They are the most friendly and knowledgeable staff I have ever met at any tennis resort - I highly recommend them.

The facilities are world-class. The gym, pools, and spa amenities (sauna, ice bath, steam room, jacuzzi, and several hot tubs) are included in the lodging package.

The tennis programs can be customized, and specific workout classes are available almost every hour during the day and into the evening. Playing tennis on the red clay usually requires a private lesson (around 100 Euros per hour), but there are plenty of hard courts for practice.

My half-board package included a buffet breakfast and a 3-course dinner with several choices. The fresh fruit options, and I had a whole portion of codfish. The best part is the dining area overlooks a beautiful sunrise and sunset with floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the tennis courts.

Masters 1000 Clay Trophies at the Rafa Nadal Academy Museum

Get discounted rooms with code: JCTENNIS

Just as Rafael told me in the hallway to the gym, Mallorca is a beautiful island when the weather is nice. I have to agree with him 100%! May through September is the perfect temperature. The cost of staying at the Academy is hardly much more than that of a typical hotel, ~$150/night.

Follow Rafael Nadal's journey
from Spain to the French Open

Every day I was there, it was a beautiful paradise. Compared to Hawaii's Oahu and Maui, this island was the Spanish version of a historic land brimming with its small village charm. So calming on the water.

Taking a Spring/Summer vacation to Spain (family or solo trip)

Tennis fans should consider seeing the Barcelona Open 500 or the Madrid Open 1000.

Make your Spanish Vacation with Tennis complete. The academy can offer a memorable VIP packaged experience, combined with the Rafa Academy training. Mention "JCTENNIS" for a special bonus.

My trip will give fans at home some ideas for planning their journey one day through Spain and beyond!

My Tennis Trip Photos - Majorca Vacation Photos

Mallorca Highlights

I love the giant church in the center of Manacor at sunrise. It's a short 5-minute drive from the Academy to the town center. You can also explore the warm, white sands of Cala Agulla Beach.

Finally, one of the hidden gems for adventurous hikers is the Castle of Capdepera ramparts. Reminds me of the Spanish version of the Great Wall!

Returning to the beautiful, large suite room with full showers gives you the experience of a Nike Locker Room. It is a delightful experience to have a sunset buffet dinner to finish the day. Definitely a 10 out of 10!

Hear Rafa's words of encouragement when training next to you! VAMOS! (NIKE)

Behind the scenes video: Tennis Media at Barcelona & Mallorca

3 ways to buy US Open Tickets early this year

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:08:00 +0000

UPDATE

They are only allowing the purchase of up to 16 tickets (8 reserved and 8 ground passes) for any given date - it is best to check out and open a new session if you want to buy tickets for multiple days.

Amex Presale Tickets for the US Open (5/27-5/28)

More info from the US Open pre-sale page.

Join our US Open Ticket Email List for discount alerts!

Amex Presale starts on May 27 - should you buy or wait?

If you have already booked your travel dates, buying early is good.

But if you're on the fence, waiting until later in the Summer is generally safe.

Almost every year, the face value of US Open tennis tickets does not run out before July.
August is the best-selling month because fans will know who is playing and who is not.

Price ranges for tickets (2024 Data Points under $100)

2024-09-03 Quarterfinal Men's/Women's 36.00

2024-08-27 1st Round Men's / Women's 64.00

2024-09-04 Quarterfinal Men's/Women's 69.00

2024-08-27 1st Round Men's / Women's 75.00

2024-09-05 Women's Singles Semifinals 80.00

2024-08-26 1st Round Men's / Women's 85.00

Early Access Methods via Resale from Season Ticket Holders

StubHub has early tennis tickets available in the Spring.
SeatGeek has price comparison charts before the pre-sale
Ticketmaster is the biggest resale market. Most of the inventory is here for auctions.
Use the "Verified Resale" filter when selecting seats at the top right.
Compare the "Arthur Ashe Stadium" sessions for the best direct price matching.

Looking for access to European tennis tournaments like Wimbledon? Stubhub is a great way to get ahead of the box office line when they are not listed on Ticketmaster!

**Heads up: this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using our link, we’ll collect a share of sales or other compensation. We donate a portion of any ticket profits to tennis and relief charities.

American Express Preferred Seating: Code Required

Subscribe for our handy US Open access codes needed to unlock these discounts.

The American Express Preferred Seating

Amex members may use promo code to unlock.

Checkout and pay with an Amex card, using the passcode "INCENTUR"

(Or the 10-digit phone number on the back of the card as the passcode eg, "8772047996")

You must check out using an American Express Card.

3 BOGO Deals (Buy One, Get One) Session Tickets

For 2024, the BOGO sessions announced so far are:

Session 4 - Tuesday Evening (Aug. 27) - Louis Armstrong Stadium
Session 17 - Tuesday Day (Sept. 3) - Arthur Ashe Stadium
Session 19 - Wednesday Day (Sept. 4) - Arthur Ashe Stadium

In recent years, they have also offered four select sessions for the BOGO deal later in the summer.

The extra round of BOGO deals was released July 12-15 for Amex card holders.

Very limited in date choices, but at a fair price if you know you are going on those dates.

More session offers will become available *after* July 15th once the public sale starts.

Use promo code "INCENTUR" to view available seats:

Louis Armstrong - Night Sessions (Courtside) - ($15 each, now all gone)

Session 2 - Monday Evening (Aug. 30) - Louis Armstrong Stadium
Session 4 - Tuesday Evening (Aug. 31) - Louis Armstrong Stadium

Arthur Ashe Stadium - 2nd Week (Promenade Level) - ($17.50 each)

Session 17 - Tuesday Day (Sept. 7) - Arthur Ashe Stadium
Session 19 - Wednesday Day (Sept. 8) - Arthur Ashe Stadium

Easy way to save 5% extra on Tickets using Chase

Should you wait for more options? I will explain how you could get a much better deal.

Letting some people buy tickets at the full retail price first can be smart. Then you can get them much cheaper later if they find they cannot attend. Discounted tickets are coming out all summer long.

Tickets for the first week inside Ashe are discounted quite a bit and only look to be selling out for a while. It is the Labor Day weekend and Finals Weekend tickets that are pricy.

We have been monitoring ticket sales for over 15 years and have always found the best value on US Open tickets after the General Public Sale begins on July 15 @ 9AM EST.

There are usually more choices, so you will have a better idea of your travel plans to NYC by then, and the daily schedule of tennis events will be available by then.

Tip: Here is the best list to check changes in daily prices.

Lock in your seats before the public sale in July! Useful for getting great seats on popular days.

US Open Resale Tickets - sold by Fans to Fans (TM)

So why wait if you know they will get sold out later? The Labor Day weekend or Finals Weekend are always popular, so you should consider buying these dates first.

For the weekday sessions, if you want to save some of your hard-earned money for the same tickets, read on! We want to help our fans get their US Open tickets for the dates they want at the best price possible. It pays to be patient this year, and we will explain.

Here are 3 tips that I recommend during the pre-sale:

Want to go for a Night Match? - consider getting an Evening Loge or Court-side Seat.

Usually features some of the best matches of the Top Players, especially for the 2nd week.
With the main match featured @ 7PM, make your evening in NYC count!

Single-session tickets are now available for purchase from other season ticket holders.
Still Too Expensive? - Try looking for a Grounds Pass Ticket,

Gives you entry to all courts except Ashe Stadium. A great option for the 1st weekend!

Get our Free US Open Ticket Updates & Promo Codes (like Buy 1, Get 1 Free) as soon as they become available! No gimmicks!

Join our US Open Insider Tips Email List Today!

Just having an Amex card in your wallet comes with many perks at the US Open as well (eg, FREE pedicab rides, US Open radios, Metro cards, etc*) - just show them your American Express Card.

Can't make it to NYC? Try to visit the Cincinnati Open (in mid-August)

Big action and stars in a much smaller venue in the Midwest!

It is also a Masters 1000 event and very family-friendly, which means much cheaper costs for hotels and food. The 2023 Final was amazing with Alcaraz and Djokovic, so they will return to Mason, Ohio for 2024 and 2025!

Game, Set, Match: Discover the Health Benefits of Tennis and the Thrill of the US Open

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:30:00 +0000

Play Tennis - May you Live Long and Prosper

USTA - National Tennis Month slide

May is America's National Tennis Month

Play Tennis at Rafa Nadal Academy - last call for weekly Summer camps. Both Juniors and adults across America

NYC Tennis

Ticketmaster - Sports Ticket Sale (Summer Deals)

Improved Health and live longer, research findings for Tennis Players

Tennis players can live up to 10 years longer than non-players?
NIH Study from Mayo Clinic
New York Times | Forbes Magazine
Players of all Racket Sports generally have better overall health (mind, heart, body)
Special events nationwide are going on all month near you! Get into the action.

San Diego - Balboa Park Celebrates 100 Years!

Presidential Seats, Hotel, Airfare, Transporation - 2023 US Open Package
Over $32,000 raised for US Open ticket package donation auction to charity (Ivan Smith)

Roger Federer in NYC

Trevor and Roger + Switzerland Tourism

We want to give every American Tennis Fan (man, woman, and child) a chance to experience NYC and Pro Tennis at the US Open this year!

As a USPTA Teaching Professional for over 15 years - I encourage all my students to go at least once in their lifetime!

Watch a live tennis event in person.

Splurge on last-minute tickets to the US Open final that you can tell your grandkids about!
Or enjoy Fan Week and qualifying rounds for free with friends in the city.
Have an enjoyable experience on any budget at off-peak times or the Labor Day weekend.

US Open Tennis - Buy, Hold, or Sell? (May - Aug)

Picking tickets can be an art.
With over 15 years of research, I help get fans into the best seats.
I have personally attended dozens of years sitting courtside @ California Tennis
Travel like a pro @ JCtennis.com

I have friends in Long Island City, family in Astoria, and business colleagues in Manhattan.

Last year in 2022, the US Open had "sold out" crowds nearly every day of the 2 weeks!
Serena and Rafael Nadal were playing on opposite days.
The 23,859-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium (the World's Largest) was sold out for ALL sessions.

Where to sit, when to go, how to buy. Get all the insider tricks on our 2023 email list.

US Open Key Dates

Late May - Amex Member Presale
Early June - US Open Public Sales - buy week 1 tickets!
July-Aug - US Open BOGO Codes - look for sales for midweek deals.
(Buy One, Get One or 50% off prices)
Sports Tickets (Ticketmaster Summer Deals)

When to Go? Who to See?

Pick your dates (weekend vs weekday)
Book your flight and hotels first!
Attend 2-3 sessions for consecutive days/nights to see most players.

Popular Sessions for US Open Tennis

Weekends of Labor Day and Finals
- Buy early! TicketMaster Exchange (resell)
Early rounds (1st week, Mon-Wed)
- Wait: for the Public Sales near June 5th
Mid-Week (2nd-week tickets, some nights)
- Plan: July/Aug to find the best codes.

Sponsors' Swag with Live Fan Reviews

We preview promotions from US Open sponsors like JP Morgan Chase (exclusive front row seats), American Express (snacks and A/C lounges), and HEAD plus Tennis-Point (discount USTA memberships and promo gifts).

Note: tickets you purchase will also indirectly fund the USTA non-profit organization. They support growing tennis in America through memberships and league events.

Affiliate Commission and Disclaimers

We are an affiliate partner with Ticketmaster, so we must provide a disclaimer that a small percentage of all online sales generate profits for us when made through clicking our links.

Affiliate commissions pay for our travel expenses and our ticket giveaways.
Our buyers never have to pay anything extra over retail.
Pay less using our discount codes.
We don't accept any endorsement money.
Our opinions are entirely our own and independent of the US Open.
Real scoop reviews from "secret shoppers" - we poll public fans in NY and on Facebook.

Turn ticket fees into charity donations.

A portion of every dollar from ticket fees and profits we collect for the US Open will go back to support American Charities as donation dollars. We have been doing it for over 10 years.

Annual contributions are made to places such as:
American Red Cross, Acing Autism, Tennis Plays for Peace (supporting relief), USTA / USPTA, grassroots tennis programs at the Parks & Rec level, and Wounded Warrior / ThankUSA charities.

Enjoy a summer vacation in NYC. American Tennis at the biggest tennis stadium in the World.

For 2 weeks around Labor Day every late August and early September, Tennis is in New York City.

Come join the fun at our annual reunion of friends, family, and friends. We will promote free events like the DNCE Concert and Finals Passes for the true NY Fan Experience. Hope you can join us!

US Open Friends and Fans (Facebook Group of US Open fans)

Miami Open: Tennis Tips and Discount Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Enjoy sunny South Florida and the Top 100 players in the world.

Last-minute re-sell Ticket prices can be cheaper for Stadium Seats!

Look forward to great East Coast tennis in Florida at the end of the month!

Update: they moved this event to the Miami Dolphins stadium (photos after 2021) from its original Key Biscayne location (above). Be prepared as you'll get a LOT more steps in at the Hard Rock location.

Ticket Calendar: Miami Open - Tennis Masters 1000 Event Ticket Calendar

You can see almost all the top 100 tennis players (for both the men's and women's fields) in one place. In the past, this was known as the Sony Ericsson Open.

Think of it as a mini-grand slam preview over 2 weeks (late March into early April). See all the best tennis players up close in both the practice courts and matches.

Value Tip:

If you are going during the first week around mid-March, you are better off buying a "Grandstand Ticket." I would also consider a Grounds Pass if it's your first time and just want to walk around.

It essentially gets you into every court except the Main Stadium. I know what you are saying...but I really, really want to watch the top players and they are only playing at the stadium. Ok, but chances are that the match will be against a much weaker opponent and will end in an unspectacular 6-2, 6-1 score in under an hour.

If you want the best value, just get on the practice courts (especially before his match) and see the top 3 players much closer up there. Then check out all the other court matches and upcoming stars on the outside courts.

Otherwise, buy an evening 2nd week or weekend Stadium ticket for a better show.

"Verified Resell" = Last-minute Deals:

Seats owned by fans who cannot attend must be resold on the market before 11AM on match day.

If you're lucky and patient, you can find deals for these seats the night before or even a few hours before the event opening time (usually 11AM) when the tickets get frozen.

Fans do not want to lose their money so they may sell their seats for less than retail prices here!

Follow up: See Our Tennis Media Pictures from a previous year's trip

Miami Open Attendance Tips for 1st-time viewers:

Afternoon Heat
Between 2PM and 5PM, it is usually very hot and humid in Miami. Recommend going into the souvenir shops for some shade and A/C. Also, the TV viewing area near the avenue leading to the Grandstand has some nice shade under the trees.

Shaded seats in the Stadium on the "72 Club" side

These can be rare and hard to find. But look for them on the West side of the court (same side as the Umpire) so at least the sun is behind you at least and not directly in your face.

Daily Doubles
A good deal if you plan to see both the Day and Evening sessions of a particular date. But if you are there early in the morning, the DAY session is usually all you need to buy to watch 80% of the matches the first week and weekend.

The best matches are probably going to be for the 4th round and Semi's.

Travel Tips:

If you're in the Florida area or thinking of a winter getaway, this is a great location to go.

We recommend flying into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) instead of Miami (MIA) airport as it is only about 30 mins drive away and much less busy.

The General Admissions lot is $15 from near the Seaquarium, with a shuttle bus that takes you another mile to the site. The closer lot is $30, that does not require a shuttle.

A quick trip to the Miami Seaquarium?
Save 20% with the promo code: FINISH

Traffic in Miami can be pretty bad around Miami Beach as several music festivals (including ULTRA / EDM) are all going on at once!

TopCourt Review: Touring Pros Lessons on Tennis and Pickleball

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:26:00 +0000

TopCourt: HD Video Training insights from Pros

TopCourt is the premier tennis streaming service, offering an extensive library of high-quality videos. Featuring Hollywood-level production and innovative 4K camera action angles.

Key Benefits of TopCourt:

Hollywood-quality production
Innovative 4K camera angles from drone shots
Demonstrations by real professional players, not actors
Access to over 60 professional athletes and coaches

"MasterClass of Racquet Sports" – featuring top-ranked players and drills

Why not learn from the Grand Slam champions or the World #1?
They are paid and trained to win at the top levels. Experience counts.

Mirroring proper motions will train the mind.
Don't wing it. Avoid risk of injury from improper swings or overuse

Even popular top tennis coaches preach using these tools:

Visualization - Imagery training is vital
Learning by being in the environment - mimic the best techniques
Mental Snapshots - freeze the action at critical points

Pickleball Lessons - now included for free

Starting in late 2022, it now includes free lessons for pickleball, too.

Featuring pros like Catherine Parenteau, Lea Jansen, Tyler Loong, and Jessie Irvine. Think of this as the new 2-for-1 racket sports library (more tennis and pickleball videos are coming).

Translating the game using Tennis vocabulary

Callie Jo Smith does an amazing job explaining pickleball with the "tennis translations".

Super helpful for understanding how to adapt your footwork and swings to the smaller court.

Pickleball Deals

I recommend these Amazon paddles to start playing with friends or family!

It takes a few times to get the hang of it and adjust to the shorter courts.

Budget $50 set from a good player named Ben.

$50 Amazon US Pickleball-approved set: 2 paddles, 4 balls, and a carrying bag

If you decide to play regularly, I recommend upgrading to a T700 carbon fiber paddle.

As a former tennis player, you may feel most comfortable with Hybrid or elongated shapes.

Best sub-$150 Value Paddles

For up to 25% OFF, use Promo Code “PRO” and PPA/MLP Events "PROS"

Get it signed by one of our pros at the tour event!

Vatic Pro

The Vatic Pro Prism series is the #1 pick for new players.

V-Sol Pro is the new foam king!
As low as $80 for the 11/23-11/30 Black Friday sale!

Great all-around performance as an Amazon best seller

Neonic - Flare Prime X (extra grit)

4.0+ Best doubles paddle. Widebody design - best for fast hand speed in the kitchen

Neonic Flare Prime X 14mm (often sold out).

This is my main "prime" paddle I use in 2025!

Check out the PB Studios review and his tip to add some tungsten tape of 1.5 grams to all 4 corners.

Honolulu Pickleball - J2NF and J2FC+ (big sweetspots)

Tip: Don't buy a $200+ "power paddle" before you master the short game.

Learn how to dink. For faster hand speed at the net and better control of dinks from the kitchen.

The Neonic Flow is another great choice for excellent control at a value price.

Health, movement, and social interactions

For my tennis students transitioning or recovering from injury, I offer pickleball as a fun "mini-tennis" alternative. It's great for both kids and seniors, and it equalizes the playing field, making it more fun than I originally expected.

Golden Ticket - VIP Passes

On Court with TopCourt (filming behind-the-scenes, with a look at taping for Miami and Indian Wells)

In March and October, I took the invite and attended a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into making these high-quality production videos. They offer VIP events too!

The interviews are the most original and authentic looks at the players. It gives them their true voice to express memories and moments. Shared lunch with Alexander Zverev and Brandon Nakashima between morning and afternoon takes.

You realize these young men are not paid as actors. They are genuine human beings who have a passion for the game. They often surprise you with a clever thought or joke they want to share.

Hearing how they think about tennis will transform and inspire how you play your game.

Better value for your tennis education

Train the mind before working on the body.
Full access to 56 tennis professionals at $180/year or ~50 cents per day.
Hours of content with each player and coach.
Before expensive lessons and court fees, learn the basics!
Pickleball lessons are now included for free; get two for one.

TopCourt is still $15 per month - Typical private tennis lessons cost around $65 to 95 per hour in the US. That's a very good value, considering you get a year's worth of unlimited access anytime, anywhere.

Perfect Practice by Pros

"Amateurs practice until they get it right.

Pros practice until they can't get it wrong."

Tennis is their livelihood. You witness the skills and trade secrets of their craft. Each player has invested years of their life in mastering their best shots.

Learn the signature shot that each teacher will be best remembered.

If pros could only share one tip with the World, what would that be?

Free Offer with a 14-Day Full Access + Bonus Offer Trial

Bruce Lee's method of "fighting without fighting."

Yes - Court time is important. Matches are Important. Practice is Important.
After learning the proper Technique, there is a time and place for mass repetition.

First, the form must be correct.
Then, Perfect practice makes perfect.
Otherwise, bad technique makes you sloppy.

A perfect complement to live coach-led instruction

Yes, having private lessons is essential for improving quickly.

Visual learners prefer to see (not hear) the steps.

Reading a book may not help you play a sport.

If kids learn faster today with video, this is clearly a better option than 24x7 TikTok exposure.

Highlight reels are just eye candy - you need real tennis education focused on experiences.

Taught by pros, demonstrated by those who do it for a living. Not YouTube influencers seeking views.

Experience the Presence of Masters

TopCourt allows you to learn from the best through their words, presence, and body language. Over time, you'll absorb subtle nuances and perfect techniques, bringing your skills to new heights.

"Tape doesn't lie" - beyond YouTube highlights

As part of credential media, I've covered numerous professional events as a tennis coach and photojournalist. Most hardcore fans will not get to attend even one Grand Slam event. Watching hours of practice footage intently to catch a few seconds of magic is daunting.

TopCourt offers a unique perspective, capturing the relaxed atmosphere and intimate moments that traditional broadcasts and live events often miss.

Exclusive content and innovative camera angles bring you closer than ever to the game's top players. More than 56 tennis professional players and coaches. All showcasing their favorite drills and plays.

3 Reasons why fans still attend pro sports events

When attending Major Championships like the US Open, I value these 3 experiences above all else:

1) Matches - Watching the Big 5th set Grand Slam match live on the center court.

2) Practices - Seeing the Tennis Pros prepare with their team from the courtside.

3) Emotions - Real human joy. Sharing the thrill of victory with thousands.

Spectator sports have been fundamentally changed. We missed all those special moments of exhibition genius and unscripted, off-camera candid insights outside the stadium.

TopCourt allows touring pros to share their favorite tennis drills and retell treasured moments.

Inspiring teens with success stories

Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez

Both reached their first grand slam a few months after filming. A few genuine and kind words could be all it takes to inspire a young child to work hard at tennis. Hearing someone accomplish such an incredible feat can spark priceless motivation for what is possible.

You get to learn something new from so many teachers. If you are a game fan or student of the sport, it is designed with you in mind. Anyone on YouTube can call themselves a tennis coach these days. How many ATP or WTA championship titles has your coach won?

The annual subscription is a gift of education. A much better souvenir for lasting memories than anything found at the tennis gift shop.

14-Day Free Trial offer and bonus

TopCourt with CaliTennis.com has an exclusive 14-day free trial.

Designed for super-fans of the sport, this preview allows full access with all videos instantly unlocked. Prize giveaways are also included for sign-ups.

Allowing you to explore the platform without any financial commitment. You will also receive an email notification two days before the trial expires. Just cancel if you're unsatisfied.

Our Tennis-Bargains Exclusive Preview -

Explore a Free Trial of TopCourt for 14 days on us

Step-by-step instructions with personal attention

Education: Drills, Exercises, and Instructional episodes all in 4K format.
Entertainment: Hottest pro players on men's and women's pro tours.
Expertise: Tennis concepts guided by tour-level professional players and coaches.

Hollywood production value sets up an All-Star lineup. Each month, we get treated to new videos from more than 56 online tennis stars on the ever-growing talent list. New features include the Android/iOS mobile apps, webTV sync, and personalized drill recommendations.

Close-Ups Camera Angles

The unique first-person experience makes TopCourt so different and special. It is unlike any TV camera angle. You feel like you're so close on the court that you might get hit by the shots.

I saw several times when the cameramen did get hit during one of their film operations for special behind-the-scenes peeks in March (Miami) and October (Indian Wells).

The players swing full speed at the rovers, and multiple body cameras that are live filming footage on the actual playing surface. The realistic perspectives are unmatched.

Overhead drone footage, courtside camera angles, and personalized commentary from the pro speaking directly to you at home. You feel as if you're the only student taking the private lesson.

TopCourt's interviews offer the feeling of a personal conversation.

Pro players are gathered together, then filmed while being mic'd up for one reason - to show you their inner game and key life experiences that shaped them into who they are today. Viewers are offered the perspective of a "fly on the wall," allowing home viewers to witness those rare moments.

Each tennis player/coach presents you with unique skills and training regimens. The campus of TopCourt is very diverse and cross-generational.

The edits are well done with many enhanced cues (such as the mini-court icon at the bottom revealing where the player and each ball bounce are placed).

You get the benefit of all their combined years of experience on tour, which distills differently with each pro's own style and humor in their teaching role. Front and center for every moment.

Today's younger fans prefer streaming and short-form

Traditionally, fans huddle in crowded stadiums, longing to train, feel, and hit like our tennis heroes. It was only sometimes comfortable for the lucky few in the crowd who managed to squeeze into a front seat at the US Open practice. I still remember waiting patiently in a queue around P1-P5 all day long. Rows of heads peek behind a wall of fans for a quick glimpse of one or two favorite stars.

Unfortunately, at these noisy events, it was difficult to catch any tips thrown around in a drill. We may try to understand the coach's subtle advice to their player from a distance.

Even when I could hear over the crowd noise and see the action, it would be really nice for once not to risk being suffocated by a giant tennis mob crowding over you*

TopCourt offers intimate proximity to the players, minus the heat and humidity.

TopCourt's "Free Offer" Details

As with every tennis product that has ever been reviewed on Tennis-Bargains.com, we put our personal money at risk before we ask our readers to take the dive.

TopCourt will even send you an email notification 2 days before the trial expiration to remind you in case you want to stop - simply cancel before the 14 days are up.

No obligation if you are not happy at the end of the trial.

More players and episodes will be available monthly, so stay tuned as we announce updates.

Better trial offer than others online - our TopCourt Free Offer for 14 days to test drive it for a full 2 weeks!

After COVID-19, we needed a better way - a safer way - for spectators and fans of all ages.

We partnered with TopCourt to share the tennis experience and our love of "being there".

Owned by tennis professionals
Taught by tour-level players/coaches
Designed for avid tennis fans

TopCourt - is it worth it?

The monthly price for the basic membership is $15/month, paid annually.

Try it first with this 14-day trial link for a limited time - it was created exclusively for our savvy tennis readers. You will also be considered for an autographed tennis ball used in the filming when you sign up.

Price: TopCourt's annual subscription costs less than a 4-pack of private lessons

One year costs less than a few private tennis lessons (plus no expensive gas for the commute or price inflation). The average price to hire just one certified teaching professional is $45-$65/hour.

TopCourt gives you 56+ professionals in the current lineup. With each new video, you get an even bigger campus of instructors. Added value per dollar each month as TopCourt grows larger.

Beyond traditional tips: "Watch the ball, and bend your knees."

Are you getting tired of attending those repetitive, old-fashioned tennis lessons?

Why not try one free online lesson from an actual touring pro to step up your tennis game?

As a USPTA coach, I will provide honest opinions about private tennis lessons. Given the ideal conditions, you can cover just the forehand OR serve in just 3-4 hours. If I'm coaching a talented athlete, we are both happy and that's a great success. But realistically, that is pushing expectations.

Optimistically, you can expect to tweak a few fixes for your shots and get 1-2 takeaways you will remember. That's if you find a relatable tennis coach and go home to practice what they taught. Video coaching is much different - here are tips for getting the most out of TopCourt e-learning.

Purposeful practice is what improves your game.

For each video clip, I prescribe students to commit 2-3 hours of practice for better results.
It's as easy as 1-2-3. Watch, learn, and practice.

Go at your own pace! Then, remember to repeat exercises weekly to improve.

San Diego Open Fan's Guide to the WTA 500

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:45:00 +0000

World's Best Female Tennis Players Star in San Diego!

San Diego usually has picture-perfect weather in October. It welcomes fans ready to enjoy more tennis with its warm beach climate. The WTA will showcase most of the World's Top 20 female players.

Use our SeatGeek discount code for tickets, parking, and even MLS Padres Games!

SeatGeek Tickets are up to 40% OFF
using promo code "TENNISBARGAINS"
(New accounts on 1st purchase only)

Thank you to all the SeatGeek fans who used our promo code. Together with the Tennis United community, we tallied up and doubled our donated amount to Tennis Plays for Peace. Many thanks to all the fans and tennis charities involved! Let's double it again at the next event.

Charity Booth Donations (and Ball Donations):
TopCourt Signed Ball by World #1 Iga Swiatek and other WTA stars playing in the tournament.
Prize Balls will be donated to the charity booths at the Fan Village charities booths.

Scan the QR code for the player's free personal story trailer video.
Actual player-used game balls kept from the VIP filming sessions!
Great collectibles for Halloween and kids!

Acing Autism (Ball: Leylah Fernandez) Trailer

Wounded Warriors (Ball: Jessica Pegula) Trailer

San Diego Tennis Association (Ball: Aryna Sabalenka) Trailer

SCTA Foundation (Ball: Iga Swiatek) Trailer

"Surfin' Swiatek" in Style - San Diego Open's Championship Team

Congrats to Iga for sealing her win at the San Diego Open WTA 500!

Fan Tips for Watching Tennis @ San Diego Open

What highlight matches to watch?
Great matches and top players are playing on Friday and Saturday.
Should I buy the Day or Night sessions?
Night sessions are more popular (starting around 5:30pm).
I recommend arriving early and watching Court 2 matches until you can enter.
Parking Options
Recommend taking the shuttle (free for ticket holders). Located near Sea World, just a 15-minute bus ride and hassle-free parking. VIPs have on-site parking for sale.
Is Weekday or Weekend a better deal?
Saturday's Semi-Final tickets are almost sold out.
Check here for prices on the latest on re-sell tickets and parking.
My friend is somewhere in the Grandstand. How do I find them? Use the FLAGs.
First, determine if they are on the West (umpire chair) or East (opposite umpire chair).
Next, ask them to tell you which Flag is flying behind them and what row from the front.
Examples might be to meet @Spain, Row 2...@Japan, Row 4...@USA, Row 6.
On the changeovers (odd games) or end of the set, they can meet you at the flag to say hi!
Usually, Fans enter/exit at every odd-numbered game.
The key exception is at the start of any set. It is on the 3rd Game (not 1st game).
Where should I sit so I don't face the sun?
For the Day session, I like the West Side (on the left when entering from the entrance)
At night, I prefer closer to the South East end, so you get a view of the sunset
Does it get cold there at night?
San Diego can get a little chilly after sunset, so bring a light jacket or extra layer! We have been getting overcast skies with slight chances of rain the latter half of the week. Plan accordingly!
Best food option, Favorite souvenirs, Free swag, and Top merch?
My reviews and recommendations are given here

Ticket Deals and Seating Advice

Ground passes start at only $20!
Day Sessions are only available from 10/10 to 10/14. Not Saturday, Sunday.
Grandstand seats offer a higher-up view. You can cheer openly with fellow tennis fans and chat with neighbors more freely. The ambiance from the grandstand is very exciting for the crowd's reactions.
North Covered Baseline and VIP box seats are still available; most were empty on Day 1. Some folks were able to find VIP resale tickets for under $100! Great deals for the catered food and drinks option.

Court 2 - space can be very tight on Court 2, with many new restrictions for entry/exit. Even for media!

Fans can only sit on one side of the court. All seats are facing directly into the sun so plan accordingly.
Tip: before a good match, head there early to get a good seat before the crowds, and bring shades!

Best courtside seat section?
Day: Section 101 and 102 - umpire chair side.
Night: Sections 103 and 104 for the SD sunset views.

Corners:
Seats 1-8 in sections 101, 103 and
Seats 16-24 in sections 102, 104 offer great angles.

Avoid sitting in the very bottom row?
Rows B, C, and D will give you a slightly better height perspective.
Row A puts practically at court level! (good after the match, or when you want selfies and autographs).

SeatGeek Ticket Codes

Get 40% off with our promo code "TENNISBARGAINS" - $20 off $50+
Get 20% OFF with "USTATEAM20" - for group tickets of 6 or more
Get 10% OFF with "JCTENNIS10" - for any general tickets or seats

Special Fan Events and Dates

- Military Appreciation: Code "Military25" for 25% OFF

Fan Village Interactive Fun

Half the fun of attending a tennis tournament is visiting all the sponsor booths (and booth owners)!

For Tennis Techie and kids-at-heart, visit the Fan Village for cool Q&As with players and many interactive activities. Tell them Jacky sent you! I only listed the booths I felt were worth visiting.

MultiBall has a digital wall to test your skills. Come at night for the best experience! Hone your skills and speed on the wall. Can you beat the fastest daily score? (Charlie, Jenny)
Sense Arena offers some Virtual Reality Tennis Games. Get a chance to win a VR headset and haptic racket. It actually feels like you are swinging a tennis racket. (Justin, Yannick)
Stretch Lab offers a free 15-minute stretch demo. Perfect for any tennis player or fan. You'll feel better afterward. Visit them in Little Italy, Del Mar, and Solana Beach! (Angie, Sarah)
Gymbiotika - organic drinks and supplements, Title Sponsor for 2023!
Enjoy refreshing watermelon and free samples!

San Diego Open - TopCourt Sign-Up Offer*

Sign up to earn a $25 e-gift card*
Pick Amazon or Tennis Warehouse
Donation Matching: select your favorite charity to earn $25 too!

All TopCourt funds raised by the SD Open charity booths will be tallied by Sunday.
Our #1 TopCourt charity will get 2x the donated amount - a 100% bonus donation match.

The free $25 e-gift card will be sent to our TopCourt members via email

*Must activate a new subscription at TopCourt.com and remain a Basic member for at least the 1st month. This special offer is only valid until the end of the tournament!

10 best US Open perks and upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 19:56:00 +0000

2025 US Open Tennis Tickets and updates

Fan Week Pass - VIP front-row seating at Armstrong and Grandstand
Finals Afterparty - Concert on Sept 6 @ 9PM with DJ Odesza

During the US Open, check our Facebook page for our giveaways and the latest ticket releases.
Join our Friends and Fans US Open group on FB with fellow tennis fans

VIP Chase Lounge Guests on week 1. Welcome to NYC!
Free VIP lounge passes to visiting fans and followers each year (perk #2).

Our ticket-buying tips and discount codes

Buying early is most helpful in securing round 1 and Labor Day weekend tickets.
Less stress if you have committed to travel dates and lodging booked.

Buying late or last-minute? You risk paying a bit more for resell.
The trade-off by August after the draw is out. Everyone already knows who's likely playing when and where. There will be a mad dash for the best matches.

How long should you stay for the Open? 3 days or more if you are sightseeing in NYC.

Cover your tennis bases by attending at least 2 consecutive days (day and/or night sessions). That's the best way to see most players on the field. The dates 8/29-8/31 will be a good bet for Rounds 3 and 4.

US Open Fan Week - Week 1 Scouting Report

Tennis-Bargains has returned from NYC after spending the first 8 days of the US Open scouting. We recruited readers to share their stories. We post our real photos, seat shade maps, and impressions on the grounds for all the best goodies to experience.

Watching Felix in action from the front row of the Grandstand

Secret shoppers help us sample all types of food and shops, giving with their honest feedback.

Bonus Perk: Free event tickets. Must sign up each year to get our latest giveaways from our US Open newsletter email

Get all our free tips, tricks, and free perks of the US Open.

Disclosure:
We are not sponsored by the US Open, USTA, JP Morgan, Amex, or any of their paid advertisers.

All opinions below are my own as a "Tennis super fan" for over 15 years.

I will not endorse any perks I haven't personally tested, and even then, only if I would use it myself.

To support USA Tennis and Charities:

We dedicate a small percentage of our ticket profits back to growing the game whenever fans buy tickets directly from our links. You help us continue to operate independently and contribute to charity work each year.

US Tennis is funded with each ticket you buy. Along with Humanitarian and Hurricane relief we donate each year. We also collect dollars from the ticket fees to put them back to support worthy causes responsibly.

Charities we have funded with tennis ticket fees: "Tennis Plays for Peace", "The American Red Cross", "Aceing Autism," and "USTA with Tennis United."

Tennis travel fans can also follow us on Instagram or join our "US Open Fans and Friends" Facebook Group.

US Open Freebies: some luck, some skill - all good!

US Open Fans and Friends - advance info for savvy fans

Arriving at 9:30 each morning, I discovered some lesser-known perks that even US Open ushers and their supervisors needed to learn.

Our email VIP subscribers (anyone who regularly opens and clicks our links) will get priority access to our previews.

Last month, we revealed this fantastic, all-new 2022 feature called "Chase Pass," which offers only 100 daily bracelets for exclusive access and reserved seating.

Sponsor Faceoff: Chase vs. Amex Perks. Chase Wins 3-2

Chase Pass gets you into Grandstand Reserve Seating @ Section 2, Rows M-O (front baseline seats with Chase Logos). Great shade after 4pm! I invite fans and sit with fellow tennis coaches.
Chase Lounge - advance RSVP required. It gets you A/C, fruit cups, ice cream, and more. You can bring up to 3 guests. Enjoy! For a standby waitlist, register at the door at 10AM.

Best Snacks: Free fruit cups, Kind Bars, popcorn, refreshments, ice cream, hat, and A/C!!
Chase Terrance - Great Snacks and Views

Elevated side-court viewing just behind the Grandstand, overlooks courts 8/9/10

Spreading the joys of tennis; Famous World's Fair globe background.
*No longer offered* - Chase Pass for Reserve Seating at Grandstand
I often sat here watching players like Matteo Berrettini and Felix Auger-Aliassime from the baseline. For Day 1, I had just paid over $180 for a similar grandstand seat just a few rows away. I discovered the specially-branded Chase logo seats in Section 2! Four daily single matches were played here during week 1.

With our seats, you may get a cameo on Netflix while filming Break Point.

Buying these seats separately will cost you a pretty penny.

After some investigative research and asking around several US Open ushers and supervisors, I discovered the special Chase Pass (limit 100 per day) grants you a bracelet that allows you to sit in the first 3 rows (M-O) of the baseline at the Grandstand court for free!

It was actually outlined on the usher's papers, but many were still learning about it. Most fans had no idea why these seats were all branded "Chase" on the front.
What to Skip: the Amex Centurion
After spending so much effort reserving a Resy spot, I had high hopes. Inside the Amex Centurion, the appetizers were modest but nothing amazing.

It was basically a bar with very small portions of samplers and pretzels to munch on. The free Honey Deuce and sweet desserts were the main highlights.

The free gift in the black to-go bag was a large bottle of sunscreen. You can also pick one of 3 travel keys (JFK, LAX, DEN), and each gives you something unique (travel pillow, candle, or board game).
Free Bag Check when you show your Amex card. Even the $10 large luggage fee was waived.
Tips for Lounge Guests and Waitlists Access
For the Centurion, after many false reservation availability teaser emails sent from Resy, most fans gave up. I already had an RSVP for Day 2. At first, I was told I could bring 2 friends as a Platinum member, and then later told that I could not. With the Chase Lounge, at least each morning, you could just sign up for their waitlist starting around 10AM.

At the JFK Centurion lounge at Terminal 4, there was almost a 30-minute security line plus another 15-30 min wait just to get into the lounge for even 1 single person. Even worse was that the AirTrain was single-track. Travelers were on a wait list stretching out the door, so I decided to skip it to avoid missing my flight. What good is a perk that you can never enjoy?!

Chase no annual fee Flex Freedom card with 5% off US Open and Ticketmaster purchases after activation! Sign up before buying your tickets.
Get $200 off $500 in the first 3 months with this Chase sign-up bonus.
Mobile Chargers - Tie?
Amex chargers are smaller, but they need to supply you with the right cable (I received a lightning cable and had to swap it for a USB-C). However, they give you a return confirmation message right away. Amex chargers are available on the 2nd floor of the Amex Member Lounge (not the Centurion).

Chase chargers are distributed in large booths throughout the US Open grounds.
To eject a charger, text the booth's Two-Digit number (ex: '02' not '2') to +1-424-416-0216.

This was confusing because I initially texted "2" instead of "02" which returned an invalid message. But once you receive it, you can charge up using any of the 3 built-in cables and return them to any charging station or large box return bins scattered around the grounds.
Best Freebies:

IHG Hotels - free 5 min shoulder massage
Rumor is you also can get a free drink coupon if you show them your email sign-up.
Free Sunscreen from La Roche-Posay
Emirate Airlines - Round, Red Seat Cushion (1 in 6 chance daily spin)
Amex Radios - listen to what is happening inside the US Open Ashe Stadium.
Hear commentary while watching other matches outside.
Chase: ATM Slot Machine
Win a random gift: pair of sunglasses, a cup holder, etc. (use PIN code #7890)

Amex Free Indoor Tennis Courts - No special cards are needed at the back of the Amex Members Lounge. Any kid or adult can sign the waiver and get an Amex white bracelet to hit some tennis balls on an indoor court next to the Billy Jean King Tennis Center.

Wilson has free demo rackets (105 frames and Wilson Hammer frames being the most popular), coaches, and several different drills each hour during the day. Play tennis at the NTC!
US Open Meal Allowance Cards ($$ to use for food) - 2024 available for USTA members

Chase also handed out $10 meal allowance cards.
They quickly ran out after the first 2 days. This was the very last one.

Since I have one unused meal card, I gave it to one VIP Fan as part of our Finals Weekend giveaway. Two pairs of US Open tickets for the Women's Saturday and Men's Sunday Final.

Our fans are automatically entered to win our extra US Open and NYC event tickets!

Each year, we highlight and feature our 3 Favorite US Open Sponsors
Best in Class: 1) Freebies, 2) Food, and 3) Fun Booths.

US Open: NYC Hotels, transportation, and tours

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 18:05:00 +0000

3 "Express" Hotels to go by foot, subway, or train

I've been going to the US Open regularly and NYC for over 35 years! With input from my family in Queens plus tennis friends in NYC, here's our short list of hotels. You can cruise car-less on your next US Open visit.

US Open travelers will stay near the US Open, Downtown NYC, or a hybrid option.

If you are there in August, you may see us there during Fan Week! Welcome back to NYC 2022.
Tune into the NBC Today Show on Aug 25 as we join TopCourt special guests at 30 Rock.

1) Go by foot: stay nearby LGA or Flushing

Spending most of your time at the Open? You might want to be able to walk there and back. Very useful last year in 2021 when the subways were flooded! Or when there's a Mets game playing.

Allows you to get some rest at the hotel during the middle of the day
Use the "Show on Map" button at the top right.
Plot a path on Google Maps to ensure it's less than a 1-mile walk
Ideally, look for one that is near one of the bridges or a metro stop on the 7 train line
Nearby hotels ranked by user ratings

Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Option: Flushing, NY (Chinatown) is just one "7 train" stop away.

Opt to walk there along Roosevelt Ave
Saves parking fees and time at the game
Use Bonvoy points or your free night voucher!

Get free referral bonus points (up to 3 free nights) with a Bonvoy Sign-up from Amex.

2) Going by Train: Penn Station and the LIRR

If you're planning to do more activities in the city and only plan to go to the US Open once or twice, it might be better to explore hotel options near downtown Manhattan.

Going from Downtown to Flushing Meadows?

Taking the LIRR at Penn Station is about $10 and 20 minutes with very comfortable seats and only 1 stop.

Tip: keep your train ticket out so the conductor can punch the card. A nice souvenir from the journey!

NYC Sights

I would spend at least 2 days visiting this amazing city for the first time in NYC. You'll do a lot of walking - so wear comfortable shoes and buy a metro card!

Just be aware that many downtown rooms might be much smaller and/or more expensive than normal. After all, you're in a town that never sleeps! But this might be a positive.

Broadway Week: 2-for-1 Tickets

NYC Attractions

Check out these other broadway shows and sport events (MLB Mets / Yankees) during the US Open

Broadway shows are a top NYC attraction.
Staying near Penn Station puts you very close to the action and near subways. Just remember to book those Hamilton tickets way in advance!

Broadway week starts September 8 - 21.
This event happens twice a year and offers 2-for-1 tickets.

Book online using promo code "BWAYWK"

Need a guided tour?

Must-see stops include Times Square, the Empire State Building, seeing galleries at the MET, and walking above the High Line district.

Pay what you want - walking tours are another very popular option!

Please consider visiting the 9/11 and World Trade Center memorials.

If you have time, take a guided tour. Here is one great walking video tour. A very solemn and quiet area of a busy city to pay your respects.

3) By #7 Subway: Long Island City

To stay somewhere a bit calmer than downtown and a bit nicer than Flushing, there is a little secret area called "Long Island City" (or LIC) - not to be confused with Long Island. It puts you between the two areas of interest while keeping prices manageable.

LIC Hotel - Skyline Deck View

For 2022, we opt to stay nearby LIC on Roosevelt Island, where we'll share some spectacular city views. It sits right across the river from Manhattan yet has a few train stops in the area. It takes just a few stops to reach the city.

Express Train - 7X Purple Train (3 stops to the Open)

If you plan to watch any night matches at the Open, look for the 7X. As in "X for the express train."

US Open Evening Match? Get from LIC within 3-5 stops during the weekday evening rush hour commute between 3pm - 9pm.

Express Trains have a Diamond #7 symbol
Local Trains Stops have a Circle symbol.

Sent exclusively to fans who open our links or read our newsletters regularly.

First time at the Open? Check out "US Open tips for new fans"
Bring your Amex Card with you when you go to the US Open for annual freebies!
Chill at one of the Chase or Amex lounges for free

US Open Tennis, Ticket Deals for Summer in August

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:28:00 +0000

The Start of Summer and the US Open Tennis Series

Our great American summer tradition - between BBQs and fireworks. Professional sports means enjoying a fun day together and cheering on our favorite players. Nothing beats sharing some food with all your friends and a chance to collect an autograph or collectible souvenir.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the pools open, school is out, and your adventure awaits!

Single Sessions Tickets (available now)

Cheaper to Wait? When to buy US Open tickets?

Note the initial offer prices and look for special sale promotions between July and early August. More seats become available during the summer. Deals are usually for mid-week at the promenade seating level near the upper rows of Ashe.

It is our advice to have travel plans set before getting tickets. Having plane and hotel tickets ready helps me narrow down my dates. Next, decide how many day or evening sessions you plan to attend. I prefer two Ashe day sessions for max value so you'll see most of the players.

#1 Most Popular Date - Smart Shopping

Sat, Sept 3rd is the most popular middle Saturday!

Tickets are at least ~$180 on Ashe
For a little more ~$220, consider a reserved ticket on Armstrong as an alternative.
You can sit much closer to the action on Armstrong or Grandstand than on Ashe.
Consider a Grounds Pass if/when Ashe prices start going over $200+.

You will be notified when special promo offers are announced. The Amex Centurion suite and Chase RSVP lounge also become available for online reservations during the Summer.

Bonus Tip: Best seat sections - how to stay cool in the NYC heat and humidity.

"Buy in July vs Rush in August" - Summer Ticket discount trends

In past years, we have purchased 2-for-1 ticket deals and seen prices as low as $30. Sponsors such as Emirates, Amex, JP Morgan, and IBM often have discounted ticket codes. We share the sponsor deals on our email list!

We are neither paid nor sponsored by the US Open, and our opinions are completely our own. These limited-seat deals become available and are very useful if you just want to roam the grounds. More people will start selling tickets by mid-August, making it a buyer's market.

For summer events, check this Ticket Deals page first

The US Open Series features tennis events held across the USA (July - August)

It signals the beginning of the US Hard Court tennis season. Everything leads up to the big finish in NYC with the US Open in August. Attending any of these events across America will give fans a sneak preview locally for anyone who can't make it to the Big Apple.

As a true fan of the sport of tennis, the US Open is unique. You really should enjoy the full experience of a grand slam in person at least once in your lifetime.

I share my personal travel experiences on the ATP and WTA tennis tour at JCtennis. Feel free to check it out if you want inspiration or a sample guide for planning your own post-vaccination tennis vacation.

Full Stadiums, more positive signals from Sports Fans in Europe

In April and May 2022, I traveled through Europe in Germany and Spain during the clay-court season.

Being a photographer on the court and at their press conference, my opinion is from an insider perspective at actual pro tennis events. I watch the conditions and players on the ATP and WTA tours daily. It was an honor to dust the same clay off my shoes as Nadal and Djokovic.

Witnessing the energy and passion of the full Spanish crowd at Madrid’s stadium is the most amazing way to feel connected with a sea of cheering fans full of energy, waving their red and yellow.

Feel the spirit of Tennis Fandom in person

Like a Champions League soccer match, the entire crowd erupts together in a wave of humanity. Tennis fans enjoyed the clash between Nadal and Alcaraz with stars from Real Madrid soccer players and even the King of Spain himself in attendance.

We heard the packed Parisian crowd again at the French Open in Paris. So far, so good. Regarding public safety and health, we look back a few weeks after these sporting events conclude.

This is the most encouraging sign that major sporting events can return fully this year in a post-vax environment.

Beyond the "Next Gen" hype - we have the "Next One" Alcaraz.

The Age of Alcaraz has arrived. Not since Nadal have we seen a teenage phenom with this level of athleticism.

This kid "Carlitos" Alcaraz has all the superhuman dimensions needed to bend and blur. With sheer speed and physicality, many top tennis commentators agree that he is the total tennis package. Our future in tennis, trained by former #1 JC Ferrero, he is the real deal.

This is an especially exciting year in tennis when generations collide in the passing of the tennis torch! Or will the big 3 legends hold the throne one more time?

Seasons change. So we wait for the inevitable clashes between our graduating class and the 3 GOATs

There is no one moment to signal Spring's end and Summer's arrival. Yet the air feels warmer. Every tennis generation has these transitions.

Similar to the Sampras/Federer transition at Wimbledon, Nadal shared the emotional Agassi retirement with Nadal, who was standing on the side inside Ashe. This period is the overlap of generations that brings the changing of the seasons.

Question on everyone's mind:
Is this the summer of Alcaraz, or will we see the GOAT race go deeper in 2022?

US tennis fans: the classic tennis tradition is the American major at our home US Open.

For the first time since 2019, Fan Week (8/23-28) offers free access to qualifiers and pro practices. We will be covering and providing a sneak preview of the experience with our media coverage.

Stay tuned to hear what's "hot or not," plus new and exciting discoveries for 2022!

US Open - American Express Card Preferred Seating Sale

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:08:00 +0000

US Open Amex Preferred Seating Tickets Available in May

American Express Members - Preferred Seating Codes
Enter the promo code "INCENTUR". Preferred seats are closer than regular seats at Arthur Ashe! It can be cheaper than the standard price for even better Lower Promenade Seats.

You must use your Amex card to check out to redeem*

Did you miss the Amex 2-for-1 Presale Offer?
Don't worry, if you sign up for our email list you can still get other US Open promo codes for August and September!

Grounds Admission Passes - 1-Day Ticket Option

Tickets Too Expensive or Sold Out? - buy a Grounds Pass HERE!
These give you a one-day entry to all courts except Ashe Stadium (usually 10-20% cheaper than an Ashe seat). A great option for the 1st week at the Open!

US Open Insider Tip #1 - TicketMaster Market for the US Open
Another primary source of public tickets is those sold securely by season ticket holders. They will usually sell it here if they can't go for any reason.

You can buy their seat directly via the *US Open TicketMaster Listings*.

*Advice: Bookmark this site as new ticket prices and availability are up to date here*

Check the latest US Open Prices for any session*

*Seats labeled "Instant Access" are available right now

How to show the American Express Seats:

Pick any available session date - Click Find Tickets >>
Enter "INCENTUR" into the Offer Code Box
Click the "Type" button -> American Express Preferred Seating to highlight those seats.
Use your American Express card at CHECKOUT to secure your seats!

Tip: Select "Verified Resale Tickets" to list all "auction" tickets; hidden to most casual fans

Look at the top, click on Type (with the Ticket Button).

Check the box for "Verified Resale Ticket" to reveal additional seats.

European Clay for American Tourists: Monte-Carlo vs Madrid vs Rome

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:44:00 +0000

Best Value for the American Dollar during the European Swing.

We compare the 3 Clay Masters Tournaments for your next Euro Tennis Vacation!

Monte-Carlo Masters (Monaco)
April - Tickets on StubHub

The Crown Jewel of the French Rivera. See our Monaco and Nice photos for trip ideas.

Try the Barcelona Open tournament for an Amazing City and just as many high-caliber players in a smaller venue! I was able to attend as media and got to witness the pinnacle of Spanish Championship Tennis. The venue is intimate, and the club is historic (at that same location since 1899).

Travel
It is best to take a flight to Nice, France, and then the train about 20 mins to the special stop they open only during the Tournament. Here is the ATP Behind the Scenes short video tour.

Find a nice AirBnB near the Nice station or the French side to save some money. I splurged and pulled a few strings for the full experience from the hillside balcony.

Be warned that the French transportation system was on strike several days out of the week (listed on a schedule) when I was there. You may need to find a bus or an expensive $50 taxi to get back on those days.

Food - Fancy and Fast Options
Should you want to wine and dine at the tournament, there are plenty of white tablecloth options on-site with a beautiful view of the center court from above.

For those seeking a quick lunch, a small food market deli called "Casino" offers lunch combos. Get a sandwich, drink, and/or dessert (for 3, 6, and 9 Euros respectively).

All the locals know where it is located and the tournament will let you take in your own lunch as long as it is inside a small bag.

Center Stadium and Side Courts
The Court de Princes is a separate ticket in a more secluded venue. I actually enjoyed the 3rd stadium (the equivalent of the old Grandstand at the US Open).

You can sit wherever you want and get close to players like Lopez. The high bounce of this clay favors Nadal who has won it 11 times! They should just change the national flag to Spain when he arrives.

Practice Courts
The main practice courts usually team up and down the castle walls with kids trying to see Nadal. The selection is pretty good since there are only the top male players in this tournament, but the small alleys can be tight and crowded.

Map and Walking Tour

The main entrance and the center stadium take up the entire Right Half.

The practice courts are all on a grid of 3 islands with 2 courts each along the bottom shown with dotted lines. The 2nd and 3rd stadiums are near each other at the top left corner - there are usually better matches playing there the first few rounds.

The Art of Traveling Lightly
Security is extremely tight, so getting there and lines can be long to get in so plan ahead to go early. It is best to travel light and not bring a backpack unless absolutely necessary. You will thank me later.

If needed, there is a convenient bag check service out front which is very nice but space is limited - but for just one Euro you cannot beat it!

Bonus Trip Option in Spain:
Barcelona Open ATP 500 plus a short visit to the Rafael Nadal Academy

Mutua Madrid Open
Early May

"The Magic Box" - Madrid Open with closable roof

The stadium is only a short walk downhill from the nearby Metro station.

Map and Box Layout
The entire campus is spread out like a giant Grid floating on a large lake. To reach the side and practice courts, walk down to the lower level and across a small bridge walkway that splits the courts.

Madrid Tennis Tickets on Sale at StubHub

Merchandise Booths and Layout

All the booths and food locations will be housed on the main and lower floors. Suites are at the top.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you are sitting in the open sun. Enjoy the practice courts outside! Very kid-friendly on weekdays.

Nadal played for over 4 hours in the longest 3-set matches in Masters 1000 History to defeat Djokovic in the famous 2009 semi-finals!

Roger Federer once defeated Rafael Nadal here...
The next month he won his only French Open.

A rare sight to see Federer beating Nadal on Spanish clay. He went on to win the French Open in Paris a month later. After his worst season ever in 2008, some have said this Madrid title is what saved his career in 2009. Davis Cup was played here in 2019.

Photos from 2022 at Alcaraz's historic 19th-birthday victory run to defeat Djokovic, Nadal, and Zverev consecutively to earn the title.

Another great tourist stop after the tennis is to visit the Madrid Bullring - Plaza del Toros (largest in Spain and 2nd largest in the World) also near the train line.

You can also play Matador and learn about the rich culture behind one of Spain's oldest traditions that still runs strong in this city.

Day Trips - Toledo, Segovia, Avila

In 2022, returned to the Mutua Madrid Open for a full week as a photographer. Mornings in Madrid's beautiful Retiro Park or tapas tours are a must-do for visitors.

I was able to take a full-day trip to Toledo via the train. The ancient capital has many great castle views. The war museum has many fascinating artifacts from the medieval era.

Avila (castle walls) and Segovia are two other UNESCO cities I enjoyed on a bus tour but would pick just Segovia to spend a full day walking if given the choice and save driving time.

For over 13 years, I continue to love returning to Spain. Its food, culture, and sunsets make it always my number #1 country recommendation for young Americans visiting Europe for the first time.

Italian Open (Rome, Italy)
Mid-May

2nd Stadium (my favorite) at the Foro Italico

Crowds are seated closer together in this "sunken" stadium surrounded by giant Roman Statues. Many box seat holders will go and typically only stay here. The view is very steep in traditional Coliseum-like seating for dramatic angles against ancient statues.

There are no bad seats here. You can hear all the shots and crowd reactions intimately when walking by above. This is very much the People's Court with lots of true tennis fans.

Italian Open Tennis Tickets on Sale

In this map, the green arrows show the paths where I typically recommend staying.

The main practice court areas are where most of the fans can watch from only the near side. You will see a lot more tennis if you stay near the Eastern Half.

Main Stadium

It is best to have a ticket in hand before you approach to get inside because you will be at the tip of the Giant Triangle, the Foro Italico.

Italian Food and Drinks

The cafe-style restaurants are easy ways to grab a quick bite and drink. There is lots of small table seating on the Lower Left side near the grass.

There are lots of kid-friendly activities like riding the circular train loop and playing some mini-tennis in the Kids Zone near the main entrance.

See my reasons for picking Rome as the top clay-court Masters for 2016 as well as cool sights to see on a Segway in the city at night (if you are tired from all the walking).

Rome is the Last Stop before Paris!

Roland Garros is the grand finale in Late May- Early June.

In 2024, the location will also host the Olympics for tennis!

The new stadium and expanded campus are supposed to be great.
Excited to see the giant Rafael Nadal metallic statue on display!

US Tennis Tickets: Miami Open (Tennis' March Madness)

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:34:00 +0000

Miami Open Ticket Deals

Miami Open - All Sessions and Grounds Pass Prices

Indian Wells, CA or Miami, Florida - Top Tennis Destinations in March

We have been to both Indian Wells and Miami Open to give you 1st-person advice on which tickets to purchase.

Find out where to meet the pros, what days to see your favorite player, go for a morning or evening match, plus which tourist traps to avoid paying too much!

Preview the Dolphins stadium layout here before you buy your ticket packages!

Miami Open - USA's 2nd Tennis 1000 Tournament

The Top 75 Men and Women players will be in attendance, and so should you!

Check out our previous review of the Miami Open

We can help you determine which is the right tournament for you.
We will provide fan updates and our fan comments on Facebook!

Whether you are Young or Old, enjoy Dry or Humid conditions, East Coast or West Coast...

Want to watch some live tennis this March?

Plenty of great seats for California and Florida events are coming up in March!
We monitor and see re-sell Prices change daily so check back often or BOOKMARK these ticket links. Before buying at the Box Office, check these prices for a better deal.

Sign Up for our US Open early-bird tickets & discounts

US Open (US Open early ticket deals starting in April...get our pre-sale preview)
Miami Open (Dolphins stadium, new location!)
Clay Court Tennis and French Open - it's never too early to plan for a Spring Tennis vacation in Europe, starting April-June.

King Richard to Queen V: Serena was taught tennis from taped lessons

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:40:00 +0000

King Richard is a remarkable story about family love, sheer determination, and sparking the fire that ignited 2 record-breaking careers among sisters. This holiday season's must-see movie for any tennis fan, especially those who started playing in the 90's like myself. The joy and humor that Will Smith brings out on the screen will likely win him the best actor award.

The academy awards were a big debacle, but the film was still very good for portraying tennis during that era. Watching Venus relive and revisit her glory days at her first US Open is wonderful to hear on YouTube. It's a treat to hear her joyful and real, unscripted reactions.

How Richard discovered Tennis

Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, dreamed of teaching his daughters tennis but had never played the sport before himself. He started to coach tennis by collecting used tennis balls, buying a racket from Goodwill, and learning the game by watching a video instructional tape.

In the movie, Venus’ first coach Paul Annacone will only agree to train one girl for free, not both.

So Richard and his wife Oracene, with limited resources, get creative to adapt. Richard accompanies Venus to the country club and records everything she learns with his camcorder.

Oracene uses those same video lessons of Venus to help teach Serena and even fix her serve.

Watch her lessons for free on our 14-day trial today

A Message of Sharing and Giving Back from Venus

"Reflecting back on my career, I'm reminded of how those I loved and looked up to inspired me every day to be great and dream big. Whether it was motivation from my sister, Serena Williams, or the harrowing experiences of my father, the willingness of those who shared and invested in me made me the player I am today.

Knowledge is a power that enables us all to achieve, and there's no better teacher than those who have lived the unimaginable. That's why I'm so proud to be an owner of TopCourt and push this global movement of empowerment and inspiration for the next generation of champions!"

- Venus Williams, 23-Time Grand Slam Champion, the OG

Venus Williams is also a part-owner of TopCourt

She teaches tennis and shares her own tennis wisdom and career journey where the movie leaves off.

Venus joins the rank of 56 other elite pro tennis players and grand slam legends on TopCourt. At the end of her career, she wants to be remembered as a good person and role model. Hear Venus as she shares her memories and life story. Watch and be inspired by her personalized tennis tips.

Gift it to a tennis fan or inspire a student in your life!

TopCourt Buy One, Get One 2021 Holiday Offer

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:49:00 +0000

Need a gift for a tennis fan for the upcoming holidays?
Why not get something you need and also get a spare gift for a tennis fan?

For a limited time, all new TopCourt members who sign up will be sent an email with instructions on how to gift a free 12-months to someone else you know that loves tennis as much as you!

TopCourt's Buy One, Get One Sale

This is a limited-time offer only.

TopCourt 2021 Holiday Offer - Get One and Give One Free

Zero price inflation and hassle-free gifting

With more coaches featured now (56 the last time I checked), it's actually a better deal than last year when I joined in 2020 but for the exact same price.

I'm avoiding problems buying tennis products right now because of supply chain delays.

Even shipments of tennis balls were off shelves for months at Walmart and Costco.

Getting a digital gift is easy and a very covid-free way to share.

Try for free before you buy

When you sign up for your membership, you can then send a free membership to another friend.

Try it free for 14-days to make sure you love it first. If you don't, just cancel anytime before the trial ends. Note: the buy one, gift one holiday offer does not have a trial membership period*

My favorite Topcourt Teacher award for 2021...

The prize goes to Alexander Zverev (plus doubles tips with brother Mischa). Felix AA and Leylah Fernandez would round out the top 3 new releases. Watching the new ATP Finals Champion and Olympic Gold medalist hit backhands has really helped me improve my 2-hand backhand since my shoulder injury last year.

Sure it was very exciting to meet him live in Miami for the autograph and photo opt. But getting to re-watch him in 4K and slow-mo whenever I want to visualize exactly how my left side moves in relation to the swing is admittedly even better.

I am biased because I switched to the Head Gravity Pro and his signature dampeners in February. I told him this fact after we ate lunch. He just smiled and signed my Cliff Drysdale magazine on the back cover anyway.

Pretty sure that Medvedev and Djokovic are probably subscribed to TopCourt and lurking under a false name so they can figure out how to beat him in 2021. Just having this one shot alone available in the tennis library is a game-changer.

On the fence about the best time to join?

The Simona Halep must-see video release will be the next big blockbuster at the end of November. Her documentary itself has a shocking exclusive reveal in episode 2! But no spoilers (or "sneaky peek" as she would say) from here.

She is a shy, very dedicated, and yet always a hard worker since her childhood's humble beginnings. Her coaching style on camera I would characterize as very patient and obliging - sometimes I remember she would voluntarily redo multiple takes until she got it just right. She has dedicated her life and body to the sport.

The other major anticipated release is Denis Shapovalov. Fans will love his jumping one-handed backhand. It is a shot I have attempted at times but looks very amazing when it actually works. Or perhaps you are more excited about the Nick Kyrgios release?

So many of my fans have joined through me, and it was a pleasure meeting some fans in person at Indian Wells BNP and the WTT event in November.

Please send us a message on Facebook with any questions about TopCourt's product!

Other TopCourts Online User Reviews

Because you don't have to take my word for it!

San Diego ATP 250 - best value in tennis of the year?

noreply@blogger.com (JC) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 20:42:00 +0000

ATP 250 San Diego Open
September 25 through October 3

Grounds passes start at $20. Front row seats starting at only $45!

Strong Men's Field even in the Qualifying Draw

The all-new ATP 250 San Diego event features some of the best players even for the qualifiers of the year this weekend.

Congrats to local star Brandon Nakashima for winning his first ATP Title at home in San Diego! He became ATP Finals NextGen Champion of 2022 weeks later in Milan.

Press Release and Top Players

World No. 7 Andrey Rublev of Russia and No. 10 Denis Shapovalov of Canada highlight a very strong player field at the San Diego Open, which will be played September 27 through October 3 at the Barnes Tennis Center.

The $600,000 ATP 250 tournament features eight of the Top 20 players in the FedEx ATP Rankings.

Other Top 20 players joining Rublev and Shapovalov in the San Diego Open main draw are No. 11 Casper Ruud of Norway, No. 13 Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, No. 14 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina, No. 15 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, and No. 18 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria.

The 2021 San Diego Open player field includes the following players:

No. 7 — Andrey Rublev, Russia

No. 10 — Denis Shapovalov, Canada

No. 11 — Casper Ruud, Norway

No. 13 — Hubert Hurkacz, Poland

No. 14 — Diego Schwartzman, Argentina

No. 18 — Grigor Dimitrov, Bulgaria

No. 19 — Cristian Garin, Chile

No. 23 — Lorenzo Sonego, Italy

No. 24 — Reilly Opelka, United States

No. 25 — Aslan Karatsev, Russia

No. 27 — Daniel Evans, Great Britain

No. 29 — Cameron Norrie, Great Britain

No. 30 — David Goffin, Belgium

No. 31 — Fabio Fognini, Italy

No. 39 — Nikoloz Basilashvili, Georgia

No. 40 — Dusan Lajovic, Serbia

No. 41 — Marton Fucsovics, Hungary

No. 42 — Taylor Fritz, United States

“This is an incredibly deep draw that will feature some amazing match-ups right from Opening Day of the tournament,” said San Diego Open Tournament Director Ryan Redondo. “It’s going to be an exciting week of professional men’s tennis. I strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets soon.”