The U.S. Open is expected to draw a record 1 million spectators, organizers said Monday, and New York Police Department officials said there was no credible threat but that police would be out in full force to keep tennis fans safe.
The ripple effects of global tensions heightened by the war between Israel and Hamas have affected this year’s security plans for the annual tennis championships, which opened Monday and run through Sept. 8 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, officials said.
“We’re in a different threat environment than this time last year, so as we collectively consider all of the measures we’re taking for this U.S. Open, we’re keeping in mind what’s going on in the world,” said Rebecca Weiner, NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism.
Weiner also noted the increase in protests across New York since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and said such demonstrations around the stadium would not be tolerated.
Police Commissioner Edward Cabán told reporters there would be an “increased police presence” both inside and outside the convention site, with uniformed officers on foot, checkpoints, NYPD bicycle units and regular patrols.
The police chief said that in addition to drones, the police would also deploy the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, Aviation Bureau, Port Bureau, Traffic Bureau, police dogs and other specialised units.
“At this time, I can say there are no specific or credible threats against the U.S. Open. The NYPD will be there every day to ensure security,” Cavan said. “As you walk through the venue, there will be some visible security measures and some invisible measures.”
The counterterrorism team alone will bring in resources aimed at detecting explosives, radiation and hostile surveillance, Weiner said.
“So whether it’s barricades, whether it’s dogs, whether it’s heavy weapons teams, or whether it’s all of the patrol officers that are stationed at the entrances and surrounding areas of this facility, please know that this is your team that is here for public safety,” Weiner added.
New York Police Department officials touted the city’s public transportation system as the quickest and most efficient way to get to the games, especially given the expected number of spectators.
USTA Chief Operating Officer Daniel Zausner said this year’s U.S. Open is on track to have a record attendance, after 210,000 fans attended Fan Week.
“With the two-week main event starting today, we will be hosting more than one million fans for the first time in history,” Zausner said.
