The culmination of a summer’s worth of training and tournaments comes to Queens as the U.S. Open holds court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park from August 30 to September 12.
Tennis superstars Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Venus and Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters and many more will converge on the city’s most diverse borough for the historic, 122-year-old U.S. championship of tennis.
The 2010 U.S. Open features the richest purse in tennis history – $22.6 million, an increase of $1 million over last year’s record purse. And for the 38th consecutive year, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is offering equal prize money to both men and women – a Grand Slam first and an Open tradition dating back to 1973.
Thousands upon thousands of tennis fans and curious visitors will converge on Queens for the Open, one of the highest visited sporting event in the world. The nearby Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel reported near-capacity bookings as travelers are venturing out, despite the slow economy.
Fans are sure to be delighted with displays of intense competition in this physically grueling tournament. And the action won’t be limited only to Arthur Ashe Stadium, as the Louis Armstrong Stadium and numerous field courts will hold qualifying matches and other lower-tier matchups.
Before the Open begins, fans can roam the grounds free of charge and enjoy watching the players prepare for their first match. It’s an up close and personal view rarely enjoyed in the world of professional tennis, and one that will serve to enhance the fan experience.
When the festivities finally do kick-off, the opening night ceremony will feature tributes to tennis greats Martina Navratilova and James Blake, wheelchair tennis star Esther Vergreer and USTA member Dori Samadzai-Bonner. Hosted by ABC News anchor Christiane Amanpour, the primetime ceremony will feature a special musical performance by award-winning performer Gloria Estefan – it will all be televised live on ESPN2.
Fans are encouraged to enjoy the improved cuisine choices at this year’s open. With a menu as varied as Queens itself, Open attendees will have the chance to sample fare from all over the world.
For a complete event and TV schedule log on to qns.com.
