It’s the greatest time of year – the US Open is here!  We’ve been counting down all year and are so excited for the final slam of the year to kick off in NYC.   Here’s what you need to know about the tournament (fangirl style)

Where to Watch: ESPN and WatchESPN
Qualifying Tournament: August 22 – 26
Draw: August 26
Tournament: August 29 – September 11
Social Media: #USOpen @usopen

Arthur Ashe Kids Day is August 27th
The action kicks off with the annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day event this Saturday, August 27th!  AAKD is a day full of fun activities, great music, and of course, tennis!   Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams are scheduled to appear as is Novak Djokovic, who will be facing off against Ansel Elgort.  Enjoy games and see the pros practice up close on the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free!  You can also catch up-and-coming performers like Citizen 4 and Tegan Marie on the Hess Festival Stage. Tickets to the stadium show are still available, and include performances by Flo Rida, Troye Sivan, Forever In Your Mind, Laura Marano & More!  Visit AAKD.com for a full schedule and more info on the event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHxUvllg0rp/?taken-by=aakidsday

Community Day is September 8th
For the 2nd year in a row, the US Open is offering FREE admission to fans on Thursday, September 8th.  You’ll be able to access matches around the grounds and catch the men’s and women’s doubles semi-finals, along with the Champions Invitational.  There will also be a farewell party for Louis Armstrong Stadium from 5pm to 7pm.  James Blake and Gigi Fernandez will be playing against top junior players.  And best of all, you might even get a chance to play on the legendary court before it’s gone!  Click here for more info.

Support American Tennis
As anyone who has been to the US Open knows, there’s nothing like a close match featuring an American player.  The crowds can get very vocal in supporting their home players, which makes for an amazing atmosphere.  Last year’s match between Donald Young and Victor Troicki on Grandstand (RIP) is one of our favorite US Open memories – the match went to 5 thrilling sets, with Donald fully crediting the crowd for getting him through.  There are 4 American seeded players this year: Stevie Johnson, John Isner, Jack Sock & Sam Querrey.   So get your USA!  USA!  chants ready and make sure to root for #Merica!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJB8Dz1BtPa/?taken-by=steviej345