USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Home of the US Open. Where world-class tennis meets A-list celebrity culture every September in Queens.
Cultural Significance
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center transforms from a world-class athletic facility into one of New York City's premier celebrity events every late August and September during the US Open. Arthur Ashe Stadium — the largest tennis venue in the world with 23,771 seats — becomes a see-and-be-seen destination where the worlds of sports, entertainment, fashion, and business converge.
The US Open's celebrity culture is unique among sporting events. Unlike football or basketball, tennis offers intimate sightlines, and celebrity boxes at Arthur Ashe Stadium provide the perfect blend of visibility and privacy. Television cameras regularly pan to famous faces in the crowd, creating some of the most memorable celebrity moments in sports broadcasting. Anna Wintour's consistent presence has helped cement the US Open as a fashion event as much as a sporting one.
The event's timing — straddling the end of summer and the start of New York Fashion Week — makes it a critical anchor in NYC's annual celebrity calendar. For two weeks, Queens becomes the center of New York's social scene, with after-parties, sponsor events, and celebrity appearances extending far beyond the tennis courts.
Notable Celebrity Moments
Arthur Ashe Stadium Opens
The largest tennis stadium in the world opens, immediately elevating the US Open's capacity for celebrity hospitality. The new facility's luxury suites and premium seating create the infrastructure for a world-class celebrity experience.
Post-9/11 US Open
The first major NYC sporting event after September 11th becomes an emotional moment of cultural healing. Celebrities and public figures attend in solidarity, and the tournament takes on profound cultural significance beyond sports.
Serena vs. Osaka Final
The controversial women's final draws massive celebrity attention. Beyoncé, Vera Wang, Anna Wintour, and dozens of other celebrities are in attendance for one of the most talked-about matches in tennis history.
Celebrity-Packed Final Weekend
The 2023 finals draw an extraordinary celebrity turnout including Zendaya, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, and numerous fashion industry figures, cementing the US Open's status as NYC's premier late-summer celebrity event.
Related Venues & Events
Madison Square Garden
The World's Most Famous Arena — NYC's ultimate sports and entertainment venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The US Open regularly attracts celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Hugh Jackman, and many others. The celebrity boxes at Arthur Ashe Stadium are a major draw for photographers and broadcast cameras.
The center is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York City. It's home to the US Open, held annually in late August and early September. The 7 train provides direct access to the Mets-Willets Point station adjacent to the facility.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is the main show court at the complex. With a capacity of 23,771, it's the largest tennis stadium in the world. Named after tennis legend Arthur Ashe, it features a retractable roof added in 2016.