2026 US Open tennis: Tournament schedule, presale dates and how to buy tickets

The stadium lights rise over Flushing as 23,000 voices swell in unison — and for a moment, it doesn't feel like tennis at all. It feels like the center of the universe. Arthur Ashe Stadium, named for the barrier-breaking champion who won the inaugural US Open in 1968, transforms into something bigger than sport on late-summer nights. The crack of a 130-mph serve, the collective gasp on a net-cord winner, the New York skyline glowing beyond the retractable roof — the US Open is the final Grand Slam of the year, and it plays out like the city that hosts it: loud, dramatic and impossible to ignore.

With 27 numbered sessions spread across three stadiums over two weeks, the ticketing landscape can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down key dates, every venue and all important ticket information so you can lock in the right seats for your schedule and budget.

2026 US Open tennis key dates and tournament details

The 2026 US Open spans nearly three weeks, beginning with Fan Week and building toward championship weekend.

The early rounds are best for variety and flexibility, while the second week is where demand builds around the tournament’s biggest matches.

How the 2026 US Open presale and onsale work

The 2026 US Open ticket rollout begins with an American Express presale before the public onsale opens to all fans. Ticketmaster is the host platform for both, but fans can continue checking SeatGeek as more listings become available.

2026 US Open Amex Presale

The Amex Presale gives eligible American Express Card Members early access to select US Open tickets before the general public. For 2026, the presale runs from Tuesday, May 26 at 9 a.m. ET through Wednesday, May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

To purchase during this window, fans must use an eligible American Express Card at checkout. Presale inventory is limited, which means not every session, section or ticket type will necessarily be available.

Because demand can be high, fans should be ready before the presale opens. That means signing into the ticketing platform early, confirming payment details, knowing your preferred sessions and having backup dates or venues in mind. Once the sale begins, shoppers may be placed in a digital waiting room or queue before selecting tickets.

2026 US Open public onsale

The public onsale for 2026 US Open tickets begins Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m. ET. This is the main ticket release for fans who do not have Amex presale access or who want to shop remaining available inventory after the presale window closes.

The public onsale is an important window, but it is not the only chance to buy US Open tickets. More listings can appear after the initial rush as inventory reaches the market. On SeatGeek, fans can continue comparing US Open tickets by date, session and venue, making it easier to find the right fit.

Why SeatGeek is a great place to buy US Open tickets

The US Open presale and public onsale will be highly competitive, especially for Arthur Ashe night sessions and championship weekend. If you miss out during those early windows, or if the seats you want are not available right away, resale can work in your favor.

SeatGeek gives fans a way to keep shopping after the initial rush. As more sellers list tickets, you can compare options across dates, sessions, venues and sections instead of being limited to whatever inventory is available at one specific moment. That flexibility matters at the US Open, where a Tuesday day session and an Arthur Ashe night session can all offer very different experiences.

Resale can also help you be more strategic. If your first-choice session is too competitive, SeatGeek makes it easier to compare nearby dates, different venues or alternate seating tiers. You might find better value by moving from an Arthur Ashe evening session to a day session, or by choosing Louis Armstrong or Grandstand for an earlier-round match.

SeatGeek’s interactive seat maps help you understand exactly where listings are located before you buy, while all-in pricing shows the full cost upfront. Every purchase is also backed by the SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee, which is especially important for a high-profile event like the US Open. That added protection gives fans more confidence when buying tickets for one of the biggest tennis events of the year.

2026 US Open ticket options

US Open tickets are structured around sessions and stadiums, and the type of ticket you choose shapes your entire day.

At a high level:

• Arthur Ashe Stadium tickets

  offer reserved seating for the tournament’s biggest matches and include access to the rest of the grounds

• Louis Armstrong Stadium tickets

  provide reserved seats in a more intimate setting during the early rounds

• Grandstand tickets

  give fans a closer, smaller-stadium experience during the first week

• Grounds Admission passes

  allow for maximum flexibility, with access to multiple courts and first-come seating across the grounds

Not sure which option is right for you? Check out our full US Open tennis seating guide to compare venues, sections and seat types in detail.

Which US Open 2026 session should you attend

With 27 sessions across three venues, you have plenty of flexibility for choosing your ideal US Open experience.

First round (Sessions 1–12) gives you the widest variety of matches, the most affordable prices and access to all three venues. If you're attending for the first time, this stretch is the sweet spot.

Second and third rounds (Sessions 13–18) thin the field and put top seeds on the main stages. Louis Armstrong is still available through Session 15.

Round of 16 and quarterfinals (Sessions 19–22) move exclusively to Arthur Ashe. Every match at this stage features elite-level tennis, and the value relative to the quality of play is hard to beat.

Semifinals (Sessions 23–25) feature women's semis on Thursday evening and men's semis on Friday. Finals (Sessions 26–27) are the pinnacle — women's final on Saturday, men's final on Sunday.

Evening sessions at Arthur Ashe run louder, more electric and more expensive. Day sessions offer natural light and a more relaxed pace. Weekday sessions tend to draw smaller crowds and carry better value than weekends.

US Open fan experience and what to know before you go

Once you have your tickets, a little planning goes a long way toward making the day seamless.

Getting there

Public transportation is usually the easiest way to get to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The 7 train and Long Island Rail Road both serve Mets-Willets Point, putting fans close to the venue entrance. Driving and rideshare are options, but traffic, parking demand and post-match crowds can add extra time, especially after popular evening sessions.

Entry policies and what to bring

Before heading to the grounds, have your mobile tickets ready and check the latest US Open entry and bag policies. Late August and early September in New York can mean hot daytime sessions and cooler nights, so sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a light layer can all come in handy. Arriving early is also smart, especially on weekends or for high-demand matches.

Food and drinks at the US Open

Food and drink are a big part of the US Open experience, from quick concessions to more elevated dining options around the grounds. The Honey Deuce (Grey Goose vodka, lemonade and raspberry liqueur topped with honeydew melon balls) has also become the tournament’s signature cocktail, so many fans build in time to explore the grounds between matches rather than heading straight to their seats.

How to get US Open 2026 tickets on SeatGeek

Once you’ve picked your dream US Open session, SeatGeek is where the bracket starts to feel real.

Step-by-step US Open ticket buying guide

1. Search "US Open" on SeatGeek's website or app to browse every session across Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong and Grandstand 2. Filter by date, venue or session to zero in on the round and stadium that fit your trip 3. Check all-in pricing upfront — the price displayed is the price you pay, with no fees added at checkout 4. Use Deal Score to spot the strongest value across US Open listings for your chosen session 5. Explore the interactive seat map to preview your sightline at Arthur Ashe or Armstrong before committing 6. Check out securely through SeatGeek's streamlined process 7. Access your mobile tickets instantly in the SeatGeek app, ready to scan at the gate

From there, it’s just you, your seat and the sound of New York rising for match point.