Free US Open 'Fan Week' kicks off in Queens including preview of new food options
FLUSHING, QUEENS (WABC) -- Game. Set. Match. It's time for the U.S. Open in Queens.
The tennis championship in Flushing kicks off with a fan week packed with fun for the whole family.
While the games are always a big draw, the food may be a close second.
Shopping, a taste of New York City and even interactive tennis experiences are available the week before the main draw begins.
The U.S. Open's fan week has a brand new twist on a crowd favorite this year.
"Essentially, we've moved the official mixed doubles Grand Slam Tournament to Fan Week, week one of the tournament to be able to shine a spotlight on the event," Nicole Kankam, USTA Managing Director of Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment, said.
The revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins is an official Grand Slam tournament where the sport's top male and female tennis players team up to compete on an equal playing field with a $1 million prize on the line. The stars battle it out on August 19th and 20th.
Studley is in charge when it comes to the food village and everything there is to eat.
"This is a food and wine festival and we play tennis here at the same time. It's special for everybody, whether you're people watching, it's a New York City cultural event," said Chris Studley, USTA Managing Director of Event Services.
A food vendor that is new to this year includes pastaRAMEN and an expansion of CQDQ after the success last year and is known for its iconic nuggets and will have a revamped menu.
Fan week continues all week in Flushing before the main tournament begins on Sunday.
The event is free to the public.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
