Following strong public criticism over soaring US Open resale prices, New York City officials and tournament organizers have stepped in. With ground passes reportedly reselling for more than $300 and the prices rising far above those of other Grand Slams, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the USTA have introduced an affordability measure to help local fans attend the tournament.
Zohran Mamdani Helps New Yorkers Get $100 US Open Tickets Amid Soaring Resale Prices
The US Open recently announced a record $108 million player compensation package, which was welcomed by players but has also drawn criticism from fans over rising ticket prices and the sudden “sold-out” status of Fan Week. With the prize pool up 20% from last year, fans questioned resale prices, with grounds passes listed for as much as $363 on Ticketmaster.
The soaring prices sparked strong backlash, with some saying it could actually be cheaper to fly to Paris for the French Open or travel to Wimbledon than pay for a mid-level seat at the US Open in their own city.
This is why Mayor Mamdani and the USTA introduced an initiative offering 1,000 US Open tickets to New York City residents for a flat $100. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday and cover main-draw sessions from August 30 through September 8. The buyers must provide a valid NYC ZIP code to qualify and ensure the tickets go to local fans only.
The Athletic broke the news with its exclusive article on Tuesday.
From @TheAthletic: Amid surging resale prices, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has secured 1,000 tickets for the U.S. Open priced at $100, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to New York City residents. https://t.co/49BofyxOap pic.twitter.com/Ks8D8v2JfS
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 25, 2026
On X, the reactions to Mamdani’s affordable US Open ticket program have been a mix of gratitude and frustration over the sport’s commercialization.
Tennis journalist Simon Cambers, who had been vocal about the ticket costs, praised the intervention: “Good to see something can be done about tickets for the @usopen. Hopefully just the first step in a sea change in tickets/resale”
Good to see something can be done about tickets for the @usopen. Hopefully just the first step in a sea change in tickets/resale https://t.co/Agw6yJdGyj
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) August 25, 2026
Many fans agreed, viewing the move as a win for the community. An X user commended the effort: “Not a huge thing in the grand scheme of things but such a smart move that earns a little goodwill. Hope New Yorkers who couldn’t afford to go with the inflated prices grab these!”
Not a huge thing in the grand scheme of things but such a smart move that earns a little goodwill. Hope New Yorkers who couldn’t afford to go with the inflated prices grab these! https://t.co/SMAd8gusad
— Viggie Smalls (@Viggie_Smalls93) August 25, 2026
Another fan shared that celebrating a $100 benchmark is a reminder of how quickly the market has shifted away from the regular fans:
“2 years ago i paid 80 dollars resell to go to the us open which felt extravagant at the time. that 100 dollar tickets are now being advertised as an affordable concession to the masses shows just how ridiculously expensive it become to be a tennis fan in nyc.”
Meanwhile, one X user asked: “why can’t you just make like all the tickets more reasonably priced?”
There was a deeper question by another supporter: The 1,000 U.S. Open tickets Mamdani got to sell for $100 is nothing. It’s a small and nice gesture. But my question is where did USTA get the tickets? Did they buy them from Ticketmaster off the resale market or were they holding them for this purpose?
A fan also criticized the initiative on X, calling for more tickets to be made available to local fans: “How about 10,000. You have a stadium on NYC parkland and you cater only to the ultra wealthy.”
While 1,000 tickets will not solve the US Open’s affordability issues for every fan, the initiative will give some local supporters a chance to experience the tournament without paying huge prices.
The US Open is already underway, with qualifying and the star-studded mixed doubles event, featuring teams such as Serena Williams-Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic-Aryna Sabalenka. The singles main draw will begin on August 30.
