History of the U.S. Open: A look at Arthur Ashe Stadium and the other venues

The 2014 U.S. Open will provide fans with their first look at a renovated stadium complex. The Open will feature a new deck that allows 1,400 fans to observe the practice courts, as well as newly renovated outer courts Nos. 4, 5 and 6.

In addition to the new scope of viewing opportunities, fans will notice 3-foot tall planters adorning the outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium. But don’t be fooled: These new additions are the cornerstones of a $500 million project that will culminate in the construction of a roof over Ashe Stadium.

Acting as the crown jewel of the U.S. Open, Arthur Ashe Stadium is the primary venue at the Grand Slam event. Supported by Louis Armstrong Stadium and the intimate confines of the Grandstand, the trio of venues are the basis of a 17-court campus that hosts the United States’ premier tennis event.

Opened in 1997, Ashe Stadium is the largest venue in the complex and is named after Arthur Ashe, the U.S Open’s inaugural champion. The stadium seats approximately 23,700 fans.

Constructed in 1978, Armstrong Stadium acted as the primary court at the U.S. Open prior to the opening of Ashe Stadium. The venue draws its name from jazz musician Louis Armstrong, who lived near Flushing prior to his death in 1971. The venue seats approximately 10,000 fans.

A new Armstrong Stadium is scheduled to begin operation during the 2018 U.S. Open and will have an occupancy of approximately 15,000.

The intimate accompaniment to the larger-scale stadiums, the Grandstand Stadium is adjacent to Armstrong Stadium and provides tennis fans with an up-close viewing experience. Capable of housing 5,800 fans, the Grandstand operates on a first-come, first-serve basis for seating.

In addition to the stadium experience, the U.S. Open has 14 outer courts that allow fans to get close to the action. The outer courts have grandstand seating, which allows spectators a unique view of the competition.

In addition to the on-court entertainment, the U.S Open provides plenty of dinning and drinking opportunities. For a list of potential spots of interest, check out the U.S Open’s fan guide.