USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis CenterAbout USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is a major tennis complex in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York, and is the site of the annual US Open Grand Slam tournament. The center includes multiple stadium courts, practice courts and fan facilities.
The U.S. Open moved to this site in 1978; Arthur Ashe Stadium opened in 1997 to increase capacity and modernize the main court. Over time the complex has been expanded and renovated to include larger spectator facilities and a retractable roof on the main stadium.
The center is in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in northeastern Queens, New York City, adjacent to the Mets-Willets Point transit hub and a short train ride from midtown Manhattan.
- US Open host: Home of the US Open Grand Slam tournament, held annually in late August and September; the complex is heavily used during tournament weeks and offers public events and tours at other times.
- Transit access: Served by the Mets-Willets Point transit complex on the 7 subway line and Long Island Rail Road, providing direct event-day access from central Queens and Manhattan.
What to See#
- Arthur Ashe Stadium: Arthur Ashe Stadium - the main stadium at the complex and the centre court for the US Open, with seating for roughly 23,000 spectators and a retractable roof.
- Louis Armstrong Stadium: Louis Armstrong Stadium - a secondary stadium used for main-draw matches and large sessions during the US Open.
- Grandstand and courts: The Grandstand and multiple hard courts used for tournament play, practice and public court access during and outside the US Open.
Nearby Attractions to USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Best Time to Visit USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
If you want the spectacle, go during the US Open (late August-early September); for easier access and fewer crowds, visit outside tournament dates.
Weather & Climate near USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1134 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 5° | -4° | 75 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 10° | 2° | 103 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 22° | 16° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 17° - 26° | 21° | 84 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 20° - 29° | 25° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 28° | 24° | 109 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 24° | 20° | 94 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 9° - 18° | 14° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 12° | 6° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Take the NYC Subway 7 train from Manhattan (e.g., Grand Central-42 St) to Mets-Willets Point; the station opens directly onto the southern edge of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and is a roughly 5-10 minute walk to the main grounds. During major events the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also serves Mets-Willets Point on game/event schedules.
By car from Midtown Manhattan you’re roughly 10-12 miles east via the Grand Central Parkway/Interstate approach; expect 20-45 minutes by car depending on traffic and event congestion, with parking areas and event shuttles used during large tournaments.
Tips for Visiting USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
- If you want to see the site outside the US Open, join a scheduled stadium or grounds tour (book in advance) to access the main courts and behind-the-scenes areas that aren't open to general visitors during events.
- During the US Open, buy a Grounds Pass rather than expecting to wander freely-the pass gives access to outer courts and food areas; arrive early on tournament days to explore before evening session crowds swell.
- Use the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point station for the shortest walk to the main pedestrian entrances; it's the simplest public-transit option on non-event days as well as during the tournament.