The US Open Has Become About Everything But the Tennis
Silent discos, caviar-topped chicken nuggets and luxury suites are drawing new audiences to the US Open — and driving away some of its most loyal ones.
Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktails are served at the US Open in New York City.
Photographer: Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesStep onto the grounds of the US Open this week and tennis is far from the first thing you’ll see.
First there are the people — a lot of people, usually 70,000-plus a day. Then there are all the concession stands, whose offerings include a $100 box of chicken nuggets topped with caviar and a $23 Honey Deuce cocktail (which at least comes in a souvenir cup.) Finally, nestled between the courts are myriad sponsor tie-ins, from the latest lineup of electric Cadillacs to complimentary skin checks courtesy of La Roche-Posay.