The U.S. Open is known for more than just world-class tennis. Each year, the final Grand Slam of the season brings a unique blend of energy, chaos, and excitement to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. From rowdy crowds and celebrity sightings to the signature aromas drifting through the stands, the U.S. Open experience is like no other in the tennis world. For Orlando tennis fans and players, the spectacle of the U.S. Open often sets the tone for our own local tennis culture—and offers plenty of talking points for those who dream of making the trip north one day.
The U.S. Open’s Distinctive Energy
Unlike the hushed reverence of Wimbledon or the laid-back vibe of the Australian Open, the U.S. Open is famous for its unapologetically loud, vibrant, and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. The tournament draws more than 700,000 fans over two weeks, and the crowds are anything but subdued. Whether it’s the roar for American stars like Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, or Ben Shelton, or the buzz when celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio or Billie Jean King herself are spotted in the stands, the energy is palpable.
Players often say they feed off this energy—or, in some cases, struggle with it. Tiafoe, Keys, and Shelton have all mentioned how the crowd’s enthusiasm helps them play their best tennis. The music blaring during changeovers and the shouts from fans make the U.S. Open a true spectacle. For Orlando residents watching from home, it’s a reminder of how passionate and lively American tennis culture can be, and it often inspires local tennis events to amp up their own crowd engagement.
Challenges Off the Court: Long Commutes and Logistical Hurdles
The U.S. Open is held in Flushing Meadows, Queens—far from the typical tourist hotspots of Manhattan. That means long commutes for both fans and players. Navigating public transportation, dealing with traffic, and braving the unpredictable New York weather are all part of the experience. Florida residents, used to shorter drives and easier access to sporting venues, might find these logistical challenges daunting.
For those making the trip from Orlando to New York, planning is essential. Hotel prices soar during the tournament, and getting to the National Tennis Center often involves crowded subway rides or expensive ride-shares. Still, many say it’s worth every minute spent in transit for the chance to be part of tennis history. Perhaps these travel tales serve as a reminder for Orlando’s own event planners: convenient access and smooth logistics can make a big difference in the overall fan experience.
Aromas of the Open: From Street Food to Something Stronger
One sensory aspect that never fails to surprise first-time U.S. Open attendees is the mix of smells wafting through the air. The classic scent of grilling burgers and hot dogs is a staple at any American sporting event, and the U.S. Open is no exception. Food stalls offer everything from New York-style pizza to international cuisine, keeping fans well-fed between matches.
But in recent years, another aroma has become increasingly common: marijuana. With legalization spreading through parts of the country, the smell of weed is no longer out of place at large gatherings, and the U.S. Open is no exception. Some players and fans have commented on the pervasive scent, which sometimes drifts onto the courts themselves. In Orlando, where laws and attitudes toward cannabis remain more restrictive, this aspect of the U.S. Open experience is a hot topic of conversation—and a reminder of how different local regulations shape the atmosphere at major events.
How Orlando Tennis Fans Relate
Orlando may be over a thousand miles from Flushing Meadows, but the U.S. Open’s influence is felt here every August and September. Local tennis clubs and public courts see a surge in activity as fans get inspired by the action in New York. For those who can’t make the trip, community watch parties and themed events help bring a taste of the U.S. Open’s energy to Central Florida.
Orlando’s tennis community is known for its friendliness and enthusiasm, and while we may not have the same level of rowdiness or the exact same smells in the air, the sense of camaraderie and excitement is just as strong. Our own tournaments, like the USTA National Campus events, strive to create an engaging atmosphere—sometimes even borrowing elements like live music or enthusiastic fan sections from the U.S. Open playbook.
Conclusion: Share Your U.S. Open Stories
Whether you’re a lifelong tennis player, a casual fan, or just someone who loves a good spectacle, the U.S. Open offers something unforgettable. Its chaos—rowdy crowds, long commutes, and the unmistakable aroma of burgers (and sometimes weed)—makes it a true celebration of sport and culture. For Orlando residents, the tournament is both a source of inspiration and a point of comparison for our own local events.
Have you ever attended the U.S. Open or have a favorite memory from watching it at home here in Orlando? How do you think our local tennis scene compares? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear your stories!
