Anyone here ever been to the US Open tennis?

I went in '18 and '23. I don't remember Armstrong that well because it was in '18, but I think it's more comfortable than Ashe. Lower level in that stadium is assigned seating, upper level is first come first served.

Ashe is Ashe, at least with Ashe and Armstrong you are guaranteed to see some tennis (although Armstrong couldn't play once when sideways rain came into the openings on the side, even with the roof closed). The roof makes Ashe seem a little more intimate than it used to, but the upper parts of the upper deck are pretty far away. The stadium has no circulation, the air feels stagnant, even with the roof open.

I can't speak to Grandstand or Court 17.

If you buy seated tickets for Ashe, you can sit GA at any of the other stadiums. Definitely the way to go.

The three main stadiums are all pretty typical sports stadiums. When the roof is closed, the air can get real stagnant and hot on Ashe and Armstrong

I haven't ever been...but as a big tennis fan, I know how this works.

Essentially, if you're going in the first week of the tournament, there are two very different experiences.

You can buy a ticket to the big stadiums, which will allow you to see the big names. But most of the matches won't be very competitive, your seats won't be good unless you pay a lot of money, but you'll get to see the names you probably recognize.

I think that the "true" Slam experience is to get an outer court pass (especially for first two rounds). You'll be RIGHT in the action, the matches will vary, but many will be super competitive, the atmospheres will be intimate and intense, and you get to really experience tennis at the highest level from SUPER close to the court. It would be an incredible experience, you just might not know the players playing (depending on your tennis background).

We went last year for the QFs and really enjoyed it. Watched Djoker and Sinner matches. Saw Osaka, but missed Sabalenka because of the retire by the other player. Have been to the French QFs and the final where Joker won #23, plus the AO QFs as well and USO is the most expensive.