If you’re big tennis fans like us, you’ll want to check out the US Open sometime. It’s held before and after Labor Day each year in Queens, New York. If you’re not from the New York area, this is about a 20 minute to 1 hour ride from the city aka Manhattan (depending on which mode of transportation you choose).
While I list things that are ok to bring, it’s still important to review what you can and cannot bring to the US Open via their official website. For example, backpacks are prohibited, so make sure you have the right bag to bring your items in.
For information about the US Open (where, tickets, transportation, etc), check out this post. I’m only writing about the things you should bring.
Here’s what you should bring:
- Empty Water Bottle
- Comfortable Shoes
- Sun gear: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
- Portable Charger
- Portable Mini Fan
- Your Own Food
Water Bottle
Per the guidelines, the following types of bottles are prohibited: “glass bottles or cans (Exception: reusable water bottles-24 oz. or less, metal and plastic).” This means, hooray!, you can bring in a reusable water bottle like my favorites Hydro Flask or Yeti as long as it’s under 24oz.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid | Amazon, Hydro Flask
Yeti Rambler 18oz Bottle | Amazon, Yeti
Comfortable Shoes
This is an absolute must – no matter if you drive to the US Open (not recommended) vs taking the train, you will be walking. So leave any uncomfortable or fancy shoes at home. I usually opt for end of summer white sneaker, like my favorite Soludo’s Ibiza Classic Lace-Up Sneaker in white. My fiancé prefers shoes from On and he loves his Cloud 5’s. As long as you’ll be comfortable walking many steps + up and down stairs (getting into the stadiums) you’ll be fine!
Soludo’s Ibiza Classic Lace-Up Sneaker in White | Amazon, Soludos
On Cloud 5 Sneakers | Women’s @ Amazon, Men’s @ Amazon
Sun gear: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
If you’re going when the sun is still out, you’ll want some sun protection. The basics, of course, are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, to not only keep you cool, but hopefully keep you looking stylish. I’m particular about my sunscreen and prefer Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen which goes on your face sheer and clear. Then for body. I’m a huge La Roche-Posay fan and the melt-in milk is my favorite because it goes on smooth and isn’t sticky.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40 | Amazon
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen – SPF 60 | Amazon
I’m not an expensive sunglasses person. I used to have Ray-Bans but I don’t love how much they cost and also that it’s all marketing that “justifies” their price (despite being a marketer myself). I’ll go for a under $50 pair like The Maestro from Privé Revaux.
The Maestro Sunglasses | Privé Revaux
You can always opt for a classic baseball cap, but tennis is one of the most stylish sports out there — so if you want to dress it up slightly, wear a cute hat like this one from Furtalk on Amazon.
FURTALK Wide Brim Straw Hat | Amazon
Portable Charger
You can borrow a charger from Chase, or bring your own. I usually opt to bring my own so I don’t forget to return the borrowed one at the end of the evening. However you do it, just make sure your phone has enough juice!
Anker Portable Charger 10000mAh | Amazon
Portable Mini Fan
On a hot and sticky day, you’ll be grateful to have a portable fan. This flat fan fits easily into any bag and will last you an hour or two when you really need it. It’s rechargeable and surprisingly strong.
Handheld Mini Fan | Amazon
Your Own Food
One of my favorite things is trying all the food at the US Open, but it can be not only expensive, but unhealthy. You can bring your own food, and I recommend it if you think the matches are going to run late (I was once there until 2am in the morning watching Alcaraz beat Sinner in 2022). I recommend putting some snacks in my favorite reusable silicone storage bags. I prefer the ones that stand up vs the flat ones. They’re much easier to get things in!
Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag | Amazon
Another fun option might be heading to Flushing (1 stop away) to grab some take-out before heading back to the Open.
Like going to any sporting event, you could just go without thinking ahead, but some planning goes a long way in making sure you have an optimally enjoyable experience. The US Open is no exception.
Like & save this pin
When you purchase through the links on this post, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support!