Grounds pass ticket prices for the US Open in New York have soared to an average of $363 on resale website Ticketmaster.
As of August 18, entry pass prices ahead of the Grand Slam tournament are significantly higher than the $262 average recorded at the same point in 2025, according to tennis reporter Simon Cambers.
A grounds pass allows spectators to enter the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and watch matches on smaller outer courts, but it does not guarantee a seat inside main arenas such as Arthur Ashe Stadium. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), which governs the tournament, raised the face value of a grounds pass from $60 to $65 for this year's event. High demand on secondary marketplaces has subsequently pushed resale prices into the hundreds of dollars.
The US Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the annual tennis calendar, held annually in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Tennis stars including Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and 2025 men's champion Carlos Alcaraz are preparing to compete in the main draw.
Resale prices compared to other Grand Slams
The cost of attending the tournament in New York is substantially higher than grounds admission at other major tennis championships across the world. A grounds pass for the first week of Wimbledon in London earlier this summer reportedly cost £33 ($44.70).
Grounds access at Roland Garros for the French Open in Paris was reportedly priced at €39 ($45). Meanwhile, passes for the upcoming 2027 Australian Open in Melbourne are set at AUD$49 ($35).
The steep price increases on secondary ticket platforms have triggered widespread condemnation from fans, journalists, and high-profile commentators online.
Outrage from fans and tennis commentators
"The U.S. Open is owned by the USTA which is a non-profit," Bill Ackman wrote on X. "The idea that a day one ground pass is $363 is absurd. The USTA’s mission is to promote the sport of tennis. How is a $363 ground pass consistent with this mission?"
Tennis reporter Hanlon Walsh also expressed disappointment over the rising costs facing ordinary spectators. "10 years ago, I paid $50 for a grounds pass on my first trip to the US Open and it was one of the best tennis days of my life. Wandered the grounds for 12 hours from match to match," Walsh shared. "It's a shame that the USO is now pricing out so many tennis fans from having similar experiences."
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado described the pricing as "actually scandalous."
Other supporters pointed to the growing presence of corporate sponsors and social media figures at Flushing Meadows. "The US open has become influencer central and its all abt ppl going to say they went, not bc they care [about] tennis it's so lame," fumed one fan. Celebrity attendees in recent years have included pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce, who attended the tournament in 2024.
A second fan agreed with the criticism of corporate ticketing practices. "And the US Open gives brands so many tickets. So they fly out influencers from all over North America to attend. Truly an event for the rich and well connected," they shared.
Another social media user argued that the event had historically been accessible to general sports fans. "This is so disingenuous. With two weeks of matches, the U.S. Open has never been as exclusive as the Super Bowl," the user wrote. "It hasn’t even been that expensive until recently! A few years ago, I could easily buy a GA pass for the early rounds at face value for around $65."
Schedule for the Flushing Meadows tournament
The US Open begins with Fan Week and qualifying rounds on August 23. Main draw competition starts on August 30 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The tournament runs through early September, culminating with the women's singles final on September 11 and the men's singles final on September 12.
