Zohran Mamdani Secures 1,000 Affordable U.S. Open Tickets

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani offers 1,000 tickets for U.S. Open at $100 each to combat rising resale prices, ensuring local access to the tournament.

In a proactive response to escalating U.S. Open ticket prices, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has secured 1,000 tickets priced at just $100 each, aimed at helping local residents access the popular tennis tournament. This initiative comes following a public outcry regarding soaring resale prices, which have made attending the event financially challenging for many fans.

The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, August 26, for matches running from August 30 to September 8. Notably, these tickets will include seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium, two of the event’s major venues, along with grounds passes for additional access.

New Yorkers interested in purchasing these tickets must possess a certified NYC zip code. In a strategic move to combat rampant resale practices, these tickets will not be eligible for resale on Ticketmaster, which has seen grounds passes priced between $240 and $478 recently, despite a face value of $65 for the cheapest options available.

The reaction follows a significant trend of increased costs for U.S. Open admission, with reports indicating that resale prices in Arthur Ashe Stadium have reached considerable heights, with opening day tickets surpassing $344 when bought in pairs and courtside seats exceeding over $1,000. This inflation has raised concerns about equitable access to major sporting events, prompting Mamdani’s oversight.

Mayor Mamdani stated, “This summer, we have shown again and again that sports belong to the people. From the World Cup to track and field championships, we have opened stadium doors to some of the biggest sporting events in the world so more New Yorkers can enjoy them. Today, we are doubling down on that work by making the US Open more affordable for New Yorkers. If the world’s best tennis players are coming to our city, New Yorkers should be able to see them play.”

Craig Tiley, Chief Executive of the U.S. Tennis Association, echoed the importance of accessibility, adding, “We want as many people as possible to experience tennis and the U.S. Open, and this additional Main Draw ticket access for New Yorkers only strengthens that commitment.” The USTA also promotes eight days of free grounds admission, emphasizing their intention to keep tennis accessible to the community.

Mamdani’s administration has prioritized affordable access to elite sports since he took office in January. Earlier, he negotiated 1,000 tickets priced at $50 each for World Cup games held at MetLife Stadium, alongside free bus travel for local residents, showcasing his continued commitment to community engagement.

As the U.S. Open approaches, the opening rounds of certain competitions, including mixed doubles, are set to commence, drawing interest from fans eager to witness top-tier tennis in an environment that fosters inclusivity.