Inexpensive Fun at the US Open: Shea Stadium, New York

It is almost that fabulous time of the year again for us American tennis lovers; time for the US Open! However, if you are a college student like myself, or simply an individual on a tight budget, you may think to yourself "I would love to go see some live professional tennis, but I can't afford it." Such a statement is simply incorrect. If you follow my few simple guidelines below, you will be able have a wonderful day in Flushing Meadows for a price that is comparable to eating out with your friends on a weekend..

Purchase a US Open Grounds Admission for the 1^st Week of Play
Many people believe that the only way to have fun at the US Open is to purchase a seat on one of the two large stadiums: Aurthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong. The truth is that you do not need to see Roger Federer or Andy Roddick in order to have a good time. For the last couple of years I have purchased a general admissions ticket (which will run you around 55 bucks) for one of the days in the 1^st week of play. This general admissions pass allows you to view the multitude of matches played on the smaller courts. In addition, you will be able to attend matches played in two of the three show courts. Trust me, you will be able to see plenty of tennis with one of these passes. In fact, some of my best memories at the US Open have been watching matches at the Grand Stand (the smallest of the three stadiums), where there is no reserved seating.

Bring Your Own Food
Purchasing food at the US Open is EXPENSIVE. If you choose to eat lunch and dinner there, you are looking at around $40 a head. If you plan on purchasing your water there, forget it. I don't know the exact figures, but I believe water will run you about $4 bucks a bottle. Bottom line: Bring your own food and drink. In addition to saving a ton of money, your food will probably taste better than most of what you could purchase at the US Open : )

Bring Extra Sun Screen and a Hat
In addition to food and water, you do not want to find yourself in a situation where you are forced to buy items that you could have easily brought from your home. If you plan to be out in the hot sun all day, bring your sunscreen! Unless you desire an extremely red face and neck for a week, apply sunscreen at least a few times during your visit to Flushing Meadows. I would also recommend bringing a hat to keep your body temperature low, which will greatly increase your comfort level as a spectator.

Wait a Month to Buy the Merch
I know, after watching amazing tennis for 8 straight hours it is very tempting to go to one of the merch venues and purchase a $25 dollar US Open tee-shirt, or a $50 dollar US Open bag. However, before using the last of your weekly spending money on a US Open item of sorts remember that you can purchase a very similar item online at great discount in about a month's time. So, unless you really absolutely have to have those US Open socks at that very moment, it may be worth saving a few bucks to wait a few weeks : )

Well, that's about all the advice I have regarding the US Open! Bottom line: you do NOT need to spend vast quantities of money in order to have a completely amazing time.