The Price of Luxury at the US Open

Attending the US Open isn’t exactly budget-friendly.

While regular fans shell out between $150 and $230 just to get ground passes—which involve long waits for entry, snacks, and restrooms—wealthier individuals are experiencing the event at significantly higher prices, often in the thousands.

Sure, courtside action is a big draw for many, but sitting there is steep: tickets are currently listed for over $21,000 on the USTA website.

Last year, Luka Mornet, a 23-year-old content creator from Manhattan, had the chance to sit courtside thanks to an invitation from shoe brand DSW. He shared how thrilling it was to be so close to the players. “It was a lot of fun being so close to the players,” he recalled. “You feel like you’re trying to hit the ball, but you’re not. You really see everything up close, and it’s very cool.”

Being courtside also means being near celebrities. Known faces like Hugh Jackman, Michelle Obama, and Savannah Guthrie are often spotted in these seats.

Some of those on the courtside have additional perks, such as access to exclusive suites with private bathrooms. The club level of the stadium tends to be less crowded, with more comfortable amenities like dedicated restrooms and food options. These tickets include a special entrance to Arthur Ashe and a shorter security line.

Last year, the club-level food concession was the only place offering a “golden set” of Kokodak’s $100 menu, which included six chicken nuggets, Petrosian caviar, and crème fraîche. This year, Kokodak has expanded its offerings in Food Village.

Some celebrities opt for a sweet experience or something even more exclusive than courtside seats. The President’s Suite, located nearest to Arthur Ashe Stadium, features a fancy entrance, a lavish candy bar, an open bar, and even a ballroom for private dining. Those fortunate enough to enter enjoy the luxury of courtside views.

A last year’s tournament featured notable personalities like Alec Baldwin, Lynn Manuel Miranda, Anna Wintour, and Andy Roddick relaxing in the President’s Suite.

There’s also the Player Cafe, which offers courtside seats and premium drinks. While anyone can buy tickets to this area, they start at around $6,275 and sell out quickly.

American Express cardholders can access another suite with prices ranging from $1,600 to $10,300, complete with air conditioning and a fully stocked bar.

Numerous luxury suites are available, primarily for invited guests. The Emirates Suite, for instance, features attendants dressed like flight staff serving up gourmet food and drinks, reminiscent of high-end airline service. This year, a new caviar cart with champagne and canapés will be introduced.

In the Grey Goose suite, bartenders whip up unique cocktails, while the Lavazza Suite impresses with expertly crafted espresso martinis.

Meanwhile, the Moët and Rolex Suites offer distinctive experiences. Interestingly, Roger Federer occasionally visits these suites as a brand ambassador.

Caroline Maggs, a 27-year-old MBA student and content creator, remembers how she enjoyed her first time at the Ralph Lauren Suite last year. Despite her parents’ warnings about traffic and chaos at tournaments, she found her VIP experience to be blissfully smooth.

“We pulled in immediately, and the elevator took me right to the suite,” she shared, noting how easy it was to navigate. The air-conditioned suite was elegantly designed, featuring wooden panels and tennis memorabilia, with a private bar serving comforting drinks and a delicious buffet. “When I thought it was over, they even brought out cookies shaped like tennis balls,” she laughed.

Now, she can’t imagine attending the tournament any other way. “My experience feels almost forever altered,” she said, reflecting on how different it is from the norm. “I can never go back to being just an average fan.”