I attended the annual free qualifying rounds at th...

I attended the annual free qualifying rounds at the Billy Jean King Tennis Center. There's a lot of construction going on to build the new Louis Armstrong Stadium, scheduled to open 2018. Despite the work being done, the staff goes out of their way to welcome visitors and provide directions.
There are posted do's and don'ts for visitors as well as a bag check-in for items that are not accepted (fee). The security procedure is reassuring.
Once inside the center there's an extensive food court and other food vendors for a variety of tastes. Bring lots of money. An average meal of burger, fries and soda can cost $22.
There are many small tennis courts with bleacher seating so that you can really be close to the action.
There's also many retailers when you need a break from tennis. There are areas to sit in lounge settings as well as shaded grassy areas to picnic with friends - new additions this year
Even if you're in the cheap seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which seats more than 23k, for an evening match you can't beat the view of Manhattan at sunset!
Don't miss the US Open, August 27-September 10!