I have been going to the U.S. Open Tennis tournament every year for the past 20 years. It is, hands down, one of the best annual sporting events in NYC. Now, it’s more complicated for me to attend these types of events with a little guy in tow … and so, for the first time in 20 years, I was not planning to attend.
Then, as luck would have it, a ticket “fell into my hands” (thanks Todd) for Friday’s afternoon session. I was not going to pass up the opportunity. Unable to secure a babysitter, my son was joining me for his first professional sporting event (I know, I am a bad dad because we have not even been to a baseball game yet).
U.S. Open Tennis is kid-friendly
Overall, I found the U.S. Open to be extremely baby (kid) friendly. As we entered the event, they were handing out free cups of Stony Field Farms’ new organic yogurt, Oikos. It made for a tasty lunch for my son! Additionally, there are changing tables in every restroom, the grounds are stroller friendly, there are areas on the grounds with shade, and they permit you to enter the event with your diaper bag (no backpacks allowed). Patio Cafe, the spot we chowed down our lunch, even provided a high chair.
I will admit – the amount of tennis I got to watch this year was an all-time low. My son did not have the patience to watch more than a few games at any one particular match. Therefore, we bounced around and watched a few games of several different matches. A few other negatives – the sun was intense and the crowds were thick. Despite the crowds, you can still get extremely close to the action if you avoid the main stadium & spend time on the exterior (numbered) courts. We found that Court #7, had top seeds playing, was not too crowded, and provided some shade. You really feel close to the action by walking around the grounds. We even got to meet Brad Gilbert (pictured above).
Aside from me, there were not many parents with strollers at the U.S. Open but do not let it stop you from participating in this amazing experience. Believe me, I look forward to going again next year!
Parents, please share one of your experiences at a sporting event with your child…
us open with stroller.
Looking for any helpful info.
Going tomorrow 9/09
Hi, Irina. Strollers are still allowed according to all we know. They are not on the prohibited item list (https://www.usopen.org/en_US/visit/prohibited_items.html), but look at the rules carefully if you are bringing diaper bags, bottles, etc. I’d bring a lightweight umbrella stroller rather than a larger one, though.