US Open Ticket Prices Surge as Premium Seating Expands

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) faces unprecedented pressure as the cost of attending the US Open climbs sharply. A grounds-pass ticket with a face value of $65 was listed for $321 on the secondary market, while a “day-one” pass was advertised at $363. Resale listings for opening-round sessions have risen about 60 % compared to a year earlier, and the most expensive tickets for the men’s final have topped $34,900. In response, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured 1,000 tickets for residents at $100 each, drawing more than 336,000 applications.

The Guardian

Over the past decade the US Open has transformed from a “people’s slam” into a three-week cultural festival that blends sport, fashion and celebrity. Visitor numbers surpassed one million in 2024, and the tournament’s new chief executive, Craig Tiley, has described the event as heading toward a “tennis Disneyland.” The $800 million renovation of Arthur Ashe Stadium adds roughly 5,000 courtside seats (a 66 % increase) while eliminating about 3,000 upper-level seats. This premiumization mirrors a broader trend in U.S. sports venues, where “bleacher” seats are replaced by suites and luxury boxes.

CNN

• Ground-pass resale price: $321 vs. $65 face value.

Greg Rusedski finds a word to describe US Open ticket resale prices

• “Day-one” pass price: $363.

Greg Rusedski finds a word to describe US Open ticket resale prices

• Ticket-revenue growth: $151.7 million (2021) -> $208.5 million (2024), a 37 % rise.

The Guardian

• Hospitality-service revenue: $41 million (2019) -> $83.3 million (2024).

The Guardian

• Net assets of the USTA: $371 million -> $734 million, with $580 million in cash and investments.

The Guardian

• Courtside seats increased by 66 % to ~5,000; 3,000 mid-priced loge seats removed.

CNN

USTA chief commercial officer Kirsten Corio told *The Athletic* that “the market has spoken and has demonstrated that we have.” She noted that eight of the 22 tournament days offer free entry through Fan Week and that the USTA will reassess ticketing policies after the event.

The Guardian

Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman, a USTA donor, called the $363 ground-pass price “absurd” for a nonprofit. Mayor Mamdani highlighted the low-cost ticket program for New Yorkers.

The Guardian

Professional player Tommy Paul said grounds passes now cost “around $500,” far above the sub-$100 price in 2019, and lamented that the tournament is becoming “more corporate.”

CNN

• Bill Ackman: Argues that a $363 ground-pass contradicts the USTA’s nonprofit mission.

The Guardian

• Tommy Paul: Describes the current pricing as “shocking” and “more corporate.”

Greg Rusedski finds a word to describe US Open ticket resale prices

• Andy Roddick and Greg Rusedski warn that the public is misled about who profits from the resale market, emphasizing that the USTA does not directly receive the inflated resale amounts.

Greg Rusedski finds a word to describe US Open ticket resale prices

• “The market has spoken and has demonstrated that we have.” — The USTA

The Guardian

• “People largely don’t just want a ticket anymore but want to get closer than ever,” — Ed Horne, executive vice president of marketing and innovation, Proximo Spirits

CNN

The USTA will review ticketing policies after the tournament, focusing on balancing revenue growth against “making sure kids have access.” Fan Week, which provides free entry to the grounds, practices and qualifying matches, will continue for eight days, and the organization hopes the free-access period may become the most heavily attended week of the event.

The Guardian