Where Is the US Open Tennis Played? Full Venue Guide

By Sarah Miller · February 23, 2030

The US Open Tennis Championships are held annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.

Overview of the US Open Venue

The US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, takes place each year in late August and early September. The official venue is the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, located within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, a borough of New York City. This world-class facility has been the permanent home of the US Open since 1978.

Key Features of the Venue

Hosts over 500,000 spectators annually during the tournament.
Home to two main stadiums: Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Features 22 outdoor hard courts and six indoor courts.
All courts use Laykold acrylic surface, known for consistent bounce and speed.

History and Evolution of the Location

The US Open was not always played in Queens. Before moving to its current location, the tournament had several homes:

1881–1914: Newport Casino, Newport, Rhode Island (grass courts).
1915–1920: West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills, Queens (grass).
1921–1977: Also at Forest Hills, but transitioned to clay and later Har-Tru green clay.
1978–present: USTA National Tennis Center (renamed in 2006), Flushing Meadows.

The move to Flushing Meadows marked a shift toward greater accessibility, larger capacity, and modern infrastructure. The center was renamed in 2006 to honor Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and advocate for equality.

Arthur Ashe Stadium and Facility Upgrades

Arthur Ashe Stadium, the centerpiece of the complex, opened in 1997 and is the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 23,771.

Major Renovations

2016: Retractable roof installed to prevent rain delays.
2018: Louis Armstrong Stadium rebuilt with a new retractable roof and 14,000 seats.
2021: Upgraded lighting, player lounges, and fan amenities.

These improvements ensure top-tier playing conditions and enhance the spectator experience.

Court Surface and Playing Conditions

The US Open uses a hard court surface made by Laykold, which replaced the previous DecoTurf system in 2020. The surface is classified as medium-fast and offers a consistent ball bounce.

Surface Type: Acrylic-topped asphalt/polyurethane.
Color: Blue cushioned base with green outer courts.
Bounce: High and even, favoring aggressive baseline players.
Speed Rating: 11–13 (medium-fast) on the ITF scale.

Tournament Year	Total Attendance	Prize Money (USD)	Number of Courts	Main Court Capacity
2021	510,760	57,000,000	22	23,771
2022	513,705	60,000,000	22	23,771
2023	531,526	65,000,000	22	23,771
2024	541,849	75,000,000	22	23,771
2025 (Projected)	550,000	80,000,000	22	23,771

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows steady growth in both attendance and prize money, reflecting the tournament's rising global popularity and financial investment. The consistent number of courts indicates stable infrastructure, while increasing prize funds highlight player compensation trends aligned with gender equity goals.

Accessibility and Transportation

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is easily accessible via public transportation, making it one of the most fan-friendly Grand Slam venues.

Subway: 7 train to Mets–Willets Point station (3-minute walk).
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): Port Washington Branch to Mets–Willets Point.
Bus: Q48 connects to LaGuardia Airport.
Driving: On-site parking available with advance reservation.

The site also offers ADA-compliant access across all major areas, including seating, restrooms, and entrances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where the US Open Is Played

Where exactly is the US Open tennis tournament held?

The US Open is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York City.

Has the US Open always been in New York?

No. While the tournament has deep roots in New York, it began in Newport, Rhode Island in 1881 and moved through various locations before settling in Queens in 1978.