Making the most of the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open kicked off at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center this week, and it's the hottest ticket in the city this weekend. Here's everything you need to know before you head to Flushing.

Can I still buy a ticket?

Tickets are available both for stadium access and grounds only. To purchase tickets go to USOpen.org, ticketmaster.com or call 866-OPEN-TIX. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office is open through Sept. 12, and tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Are there ticket discounts for students or seniors?

There are no discounts for students or seniors. Children under 24 months do not require a ticket but must sit on the lap of a ticketholder.

Can I get there on the Long Island Railroad?

The LIRR provides direct service to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from Woodside. Take any LIRR train to Woodside and transfer to a Port Washington Branch train. Get off at the Mets-Willets Point Station.

When can I enter the venue?

Gates open at 10 a.m. for all day sessions except for Sunday, Sept. 12, when they open at 11 a.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. for all evening sessions. Fans with restaurant passes, hospitality invitations, and luxury suite ticket holders may enter at 5 p.m. Early entrance evening ticketholders may enter the grounds at 4 p.m.

Can I bring a camera?

Only cameras (including camera phones) that meet the 12-inches wide-by-12-inches-high-by-16-inches long bag requirements are allowed on site. Using flash is not permitted. Commercial video cameras or recording devices are prohibited.

Where is the best place to see players?

Practice courts 1 through 5 located by the President's (West) Gate give fans a chance to get close to the athletes. Marquee players likely will practice on Court 5.

Can I get an autograph?

Autograph sessions will be held at the SmashZone and on Family Day, including book signings by Venus Williams and Andre Agassi. Fans can pick up a draw sheet for a list of special guests, autograph sessions and player demonstrations at the SmashZone, located in the Indoor Training Center.

Where do I buy souvenirs?

There are 48 merchandise stands and stores spread throughout the grounds. The Octagon, where 50 percent of the merchandise is sold, is located in center of he facility between Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Where can I purchase concessions?

There are 47 food and concession stands spread throughout the grounds, but the main food court is the South Plaza Food Village. There's you'll find the all-organic Stonyfield Farm stand, offering a menu of salads, main dishes, beverages and desserts; and the Carnegie Deli stand with its grand-slam pastrami sandwich. The Master Chef Café was created by alumni of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters." Among the offerings: a pulled pork sandwich with mango slaw on brioche, roast chicken panino with basil aioli, and care asado tacos with braised achiote pork; prices range from $9.50 to $17.50.