What’s New at the Open

You may have already noticed some differences around the USTA National Tennis Center this year. No, another new stadium has not been added. Your favorite players are still competingfor a new record in prize money. The grounds are pretty much intact, but there have been several things changed, many of them to make your experience at the Open more enjoyable and entertaining.
The US Open grounds pass continues to gain favor with fans and this year, more than ever, it is a better value than ever with the new jumbo screen installed on the grounds of the Center. Now, fans on the grounds can view match highlights, get up-to-date scores and all sorts of US Open information just by viewing this huge screen display. You may never want to leave that one spot!
Probably the most noticeable change to most fans who have attended the US Open in years past will be the installation of the Arthur Ashe Commemorative Garden and Sculpture, which is scheduled to be unveiled on Monday evening, August 28. Adorning the south plaza, the garden and sculpture will honor the legacy of tennis player and humanitarian Arthur Ashe (1943-1993). In all of his endeavors, Ashe embodied dignity, powerful determination and uncommon grace. While not a likeness, this sculpture, designed by renowned artist Eric Fischl, was inspired by those qualities and by his achievements in tennis and service to others.
The US Open Gallery in Louis Armstrong Stadium will return this year with a totally new exhibition entitled "The Lady Is A Champ – U.S. Winners" Detailing the 35 American women who have won the U.S. Singles Championships, the exhibit will feature profiles, artifacts and memorabilia on these champions from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The exhibit is curated by Bud Collins, of The Boston Globe and NBC, himself an enshrinee in the Hall of Fame. The premier women’s international team tennis trophy, the Fed Cup, will be on display along with the Wightman Cup, used for annual women’s team competition between the U.S. and Great Britain from 1923-1989. As a bonus to this exhibition, the Davis Cup (the men’s international team trophy) will be on display here as well.
US Open fans will want to immerse themselves in the Lincoln American Luxury Immersion, a fun interactive experience located in the Indoor Tennis Building. Lincoln, as the presenting sponsor of the US Open men’s singles championship and official vehicle of the US Open, has created a totally new environment for fans to participate in and for Lincoln to present its Lincoln American Luxury campaign. Deborah Wahl, marketing communications manager Lincoln, said, "We want to create the American luxury experience for all US Open fans."
You will take an exciting path through several areas, including "The Court," and witness US Open tennis history through the present day. After several surprising turns in your path, you will be introduced to the vision of American luxury – the Lincoln Blackwood, the surprising new truck from Lincoln. That’s right, truck!! It’s just one of the various Lincoln vehicles that will be on display at the US Open this year.
Can’t find your friends at the Open? You’ll probably be able to track them down at the hippest and coolest new spot at the Open the Heineken Red Star Caf. Located in the South Plaza, the Red Star Caf will be a great place to meet old and new friends, watch tennis on TV monitors and just people-watch. Featuring a full-line of frozen and mixed drinks, wine and of-course Heineken products, the Caf will offer a place to relax on stools and at stand-up cocktail tables.
If you’ve been longing for that hot dog while you’re in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but didn’t want to miss a bit of the action, the new speed lines on the promenade level will let you get your food and allow you to return to your seat in record time. With the food already waiting, you just select and pay. It’s that easy! No longer will you have to wait on long lines in a crowded area.
There’s always something new at the Food Court and this year is no exception. Pizza will be making a comeback after a year’s absence. New Yorkers know their pizza and the US Open is up to the challenge with top-quality individual pies in classic margherita (tomato and cheese), pepperoni as well as primavera (grilled summer vegetables and mozzarella.
Hamburgers and hot dogs, perennial favorites at the Open, will be available at more stands in the food court this year. A third hamburger stand has been added and the size of the frank and sausage stand has been doubled. While we’re being frank here – the specialty sausages (bratwursts, andouille sausages, and sweet Italian sausages) will be oven roasted this year for a fresher, better tasting product.
Our new Coffee Express in the Food Court will offer a full-line of coffees, espressos, cappucinos and European-style sandwiches including panini, foccaccia and tramezzini (a special dessert treat). All of the sandwiches can be ordered cold or hot. Another new feature here will be Krispy Kreme doughnuts and hot cinnamon buns. No doubt this will be a popular destination on a cool summer evening.
If you like taking your food back to your seat, the popular crepe creations have been redesigned this year and will be folded and placed into a cone for easier consumption. At the Tex-mex stand, a jumbo beef burrito has been added to the menu as another item to walk around with.
If you’re an American Express cardmember, you’ll enjoy some benefits by making your purchases with the card. If you make a total of $75 in purchases (food or US Open merchandise), bring your receipts to the American Express package check and get a free American Express/US Open commemorative pin. While you’re there, why not check your packages so you can enjoy the Open without carrying your goodies around with you. There are two American Express package check locations; one in the South Plaza at Court 11 and another on the Club Level (open to those with Club Level access).
If you need to know how the market is doing while you’re at the Open, you don’t have to call your broker. All you have to do is wander over to the Prudential Securities booth to watch the stock ticker featuring market quotes. Then you can decide how many more t-shirts you’ll buy for the kids.