There is much excitement about the decision to allow a full capacity of fans into the US Open this year. Tickets for this year’s event go on sale in July and the tournament takes place at Flushing Meadows in New York from August 30 to September 12.
This is an important chapter in the history of the tournament as pandemic restrictions ease to allow more people to watch sport in a live environment. Twelve months on from a complete ban on spectators at the event, the courts will be 100% full the entire time.
Why the decision is great news for sports fans
The decision by the US Tennis Association (USTA) is an important one for sports fans everywhere, not only the people who want to purchase tickets for this particular event. It’s been a difficult year for sports and live events overall as the pandemic has taken its toll.
Now, the situation is gradually changing, and restrictions are being lifted. In the case of New York based sporting events, the change has much to do with social distancing rules being eased as a result of 70% of the adult population having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
This has not only had a positive effect on tennis but also on other sports. The New York Mets are returning to full capacity for their games. In other parts of the country, a similar picture is emerging. For example, the Indianapolis 500 which took place on May 30 sold around 135,000 tickets; approximately 40% of capacity.
For tennis fans, the news about the US Open is especially welcome given that this is the first Grand Slam tournament to run at full capacity since the pandemic took hold. The French Open admitted 5,000 people per day during the first week and 13,000 people per day in the second week. Wimbledon is running at 50% capacity for much of the tournament although there will be 100% attendance for the Men’s and Women’s finals.
Fans who attend this year’s US Open will get the benefit of the improved atmosphere that comes with full crowds. For additional excitement, they can bet live in-play on the action since online sports betting is now legal in New York State. Sites like betamerica.com give sports enthusiasts the opportunity to bet on players as well as the results of matches in the tournaments. Anyone looking for more information about their betting options, and a review of betamerica.com can find further details there.
Right now, Novak Djokovic is odds on favorite in the betting although that might change before the tournament starts.
Tennis fans can enjoy the tournament even if they are not attending
Betting on the US Open Tennis is not restricted to those who are attending the event in person. Sports fans across the country will place bets on the action from the comfort of their own home or while watching the action at a local sports bar.
The action is being screened on ESPN and ESPN2 with matches starting at 11 am or 12 noon each day local time. The event is also being live streamed on WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app. This means that fans can enjoy watching their favorite players even if they are not lucky enough to be part of the capacity crowd in attendance.
