The 2024 US Open tennis tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City saw a record-breaking attendance of over one million fans across the full three weeks, marking an eight-percent increase from the previous year. The Main Draw alone attracted a new high mark of 832,640 attendees.
The star-studded event featured notable personalities such as Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Jon Bon Jovi, Matthew McConaughey, and Noah Lyles, adding to the excitement of the matches. Fans were seen enjoying the signature cocktail, the $23 Honey Deuces, while watching the stars on the big screen.
While the tournament was a hit, some attendees expressed concerns about ticket prices and overcrowding. A tennis enthusiast mentioned attending multiple sessions at an average cost of $100 per ticket, highlighting the high pricing. Navigating the walkways in the nearly 24,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium was described as a challenge due to congestion caused by well-heeled fans moving around for refreshments.
One notable incident during the tournament was the delayed start of a match involving Aryna Sabalenka, which began at 12:08 a.m. due to scheduling issues. The day session on Ashe also faced challenges, with a maximum of eight sets played, causing delays in the changeover for night session ticket holders.
Despite the increased crowds, the tournament has actually sold fewer grounds passes in recent years, with fewer no-shows reported. The Chief Operating Officer of the Tennis Center attributed the larger crowds to a higher percentage of ticket holders showing up compared to previous years.
Attendees shared mixed experiences, with one individual praising the close-up view of the matches and the energetic crowd atmosphere. However, another attendee highlighted the discomfort of attending on a particularly hot and humid day during the tournament.
Overall, the 2024 US Open showcased thrilling tennis matches and celebrity sightings, but also faced challenges related to ticket pricing, overcrowding, and scheduling issues.
