The Arthur Ashe Stadium at the U.S. Open is getting a major facelift with an $800 million project announced by the U.S. Tennis Association. This project is being hailed as the largest single investment in the history of the Grand Slam tournament. The upgrades at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows are fully funded by the USTA, with no assistance from the city government. One of the key features of the renovation is the construction of a $250 million player performance center, expected to be completed in time for the 2027 U.S. Open.
New Player Performance Center
The new player performance center will be located next to the practice courts and will include additional courts, locker rooms, lounges, and an open-air warmup area. This setup will allow players to acclimate to the conditions before heading to the court for their matches. USTA executives have not disclosed whether ticket prices will increase as a result of these upgrades.
Expanded Seating Capacity
The courtside-level seating capacity of Ashe Stadium will be increased from 3,000 to 5,000. Some seats in other sections will be removed to maintain the arena’s total seating capacity at around 23,000 to 24,000, making it the largest in Grand Slam tennis. The stadium, which first opened in 1997 and received a retractable roof in 2016, will also feature a new grand entrance, two additional luxury suite levels, more club and restaurant areas, and updated concourses and restrooms. Additionally, more escalators and elevators will be added to enhance the overall fan experience. The USTA has confirmed that there will be no disruption to scheduled play or fan access for the next two editions of the U.S. Open, with this year’s main draw beginning on August 24th — a Sunday start for the first time in the Open era.
Overall, the improvements at Arthur Ashe Stadium are part of the USTA’s commitment to enhancing the U.S. Open experience for players and fans alike. With the completion of the player performance center and other upgrades, the tournament aims to maintain its status as one of the premier events in professional tennis. Fans can look forward to a more modern and comfortable venue, while players will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities to help them perform at their best. The USTA’s investment in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center underscores its dedication to the future of the U.S. Open and ensures that this prestigious tournament continues to thrive for years to come.
