U.S. Open Baby

Arthur Ashe Stadium

Well folks, it's that time of year again! NFL Football is starting in just 8 days, College Football begins in earnest this weekend (No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU are you kidding me?), September call-ups are just 2 days away in Major League Baseball, and Flushing Meadows Park is open for tennis!  While I love football and MLB, I must admit that I might just be the most excited for the U.S. Open!

For those of you who haven't been, I would highly recommend making the trip to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for a day session at the Open. Everybody talks about Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is certainly gorgeous, but for me, the best part is stumbling on great matches on one of the many side courts.  During the first week it's not unusual to find yourself watching a classic third or fourth round match just feet away from the net and across from the chair. It is impossible to truly understand just how hard the men (and even the women) hit until you have to take cover to avoid getting taken out by an errant forehand.

2009 - Court 11, Round 3: Kateryna Bondarenko def. Anastassia Rodionov

Is standing at the net a bit close? Instead, head over to Louie Armstrong where it is almost guaranteed that you will be in the midst of watching a great match when you hear screaming from the grandstand and rumbling that another classic match is being played right next door. That's your cue to leave your seat, climb the bleachers to the catwalk between Louie and the Grandstand, and get a bird's eye view of both amazing matches.

2010 – Louis Armstrong Stadium Robin Soderling

2010 – Grandstand: Gael Monfils

Even if you don’t care about tennis, but want a pretty park with good food, stunning views, and great drinks, the U.S. Open has that as well. 

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

U.S. Open Signature Cocktail

Ice

4 oz Vodka

3/4 Cup Seltzer 

1/8 Cup Lemonade

Splash Chambord

Mix well and add tennis ball shaped melon!**

Flushing Meadows Corona Park - Queens, NY

So, if you are trying to find something to do over Labor Day, I suggest you buy a ground pass, grab a U.S. Open Signature Cocktail and watch some tennis!  

Drop a comment below if you go out and see some tennis!

*Photos generously provided by Agata Porter
** All amounts have been modified by Jason and Agata to increase maximum deliciousness and potency!