Game On
The US Open is becoming less accessible for NYC’s elite, yet Arthur Ashe Stadium still shines as a symbol of luxury in sports venues.
But it’s about to up its game. A significant $800 million renovation is set to revamp the stadium, introducing eight unique hospitality clubs that will only be available to premium seat holders. For the first time in its 25-year history, these exclusive clubs will be located within the stadium itself, allowing fans to stay connected to the action as they enjoy a more upscale experience.
“The stadium was dedicated in 1997,” said USTA’s chief commercial officer, Kirsten Corio, to Nynext. “Consumer expectations have evolved.”
This renovation takes cues from other high-profile venues in New York, like Madison Square Garden and UBS Arena, where fine dining is conveniently close to the excitement of the events.
The enhancements won’t interfere with the matches scheduled for 2025. It seems only Alcaraz could stand out during the intense final showdown against Sinner and Djokovic.
By 2027, fans will have access to a full suite of new amenities.
Only a select few will enter through the president’s entrance, which leads directly to two hospitality lounges, seven bunker suites, and a bunker club.
This bunker club will serve as an underground haven, connecting to 74 seats in the first two rows. It promises an in-house sommelier and an array of gourmet dining options.
The adjacent courtside club will be the largest hospitality area within Ashe, featuring 464 seats, along with offerings like Spikey’s, chef’s tables, and dessert bars.
A complete tournament package for the Courtside Club starts at $48,000 for a series of 27 sessions, with pricing details for other new spaces still unavailable.
Bunker Suites blend spacious seating with a private indoor lounge accessed through an exclusive tunnel. Six of these suites accommodate 20 guests, while one larger suite holds 30.
When working on this redesign, Corio and her team drew inspiration from both local and international venues.
For instance, the Hyundai Club at Citi Field has culinary areas that are incredibly close to the action. Across the ocean, venues like Wimbledon and Roland Garros integrate fine dining seamlessly into the spectator experience.
Currently, a lot of the hospitality options for the US Open exist outside of Arthur Ashe. Places like The Overlook and the 1968 Room require VIPs to leave the main venue to secure high-end food and beverages.
“Clients are expecting amenities like pre-match and post-match dinners,” Corio pointed out.
The $800 million renovation budget surpasses even the initial construction cost of the stadium back in 1997, which was $254 million, not to mention the $500 million that was spent to add a retractable roof in 2016.
This renovation isn’t just for high-rollers; it also includes a new Player Performance Center, improved competition areas, more restrooms, and better food and beverage options for various ticket holders.
“We were careful to ensure this transformation will benefit all our fans,” Corio mentioned.
The promenade levels, long plagued by crowding and limited amenities, will see a 40% expansion. There will be more concessions, restrooms, and a new outdoor terrace overlooking the grounds, while the overall capacity of the stadium remains unchanged at 24,000.
“As we enter the stadium, every square inch will be redone,” said USTA Chief Operating Officer Danny Zarsner to Nynext.
The hospitality upgrades aim to enhance the experience and place the venue on par with its international peers, yet some of the toughest challenges—like parking and traffic—are still outside its walls.
The new multi-level garage will add hundreds of spaces and ease congestion for players and staff, but it’s not much relief for the stadium’s 24,000 fans—or the additional 50,000 daily visitors.
Most attendees rely on seven train lines and LIRRs, but improved ride-share lots and shuttle buses are now in place.
Corio acknowledges that traffic challenges are beyond her influence.
When asked about potential solutions, she candidly suggested, “Maybe some sort of skyway, like the Jetsons, that connects midtown Manhattan to Arthur Ashe Stadium. That would put traffic talks to rest.”
