The US Open celebrates progress, positivity and equality. Photo courtesy

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced the expanded lineup of its social responsibility campaign, “Be Open,” leveraging the global stage of the 2024 US Open to promote and amplify important messages of progress, positivity and equality.  A focal point of the tournament, the 2024 “Be Open” campaign offers fans the opportunity to participate in curated cultural experiences and celebrate diverse communities throughout Fan Week and the Main Draw.

The 2024 “Be Open” lineup includes an increased number of cultural performances, signature events, and other activations designed to inspire everyone to have a more “open” mind toward all things and all people. Tennis is open to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or national origin, and the USTA and US Open remain committed to the pursuit of equity and inclusion on and off the court.

“Tennis is more than a sport—it has the unique ability to forge human connections and improve the physical and mental health of everyone who plays it,” said Marisa Grimes, USTA Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. “We are excited for fans to experience our ‘Be Open’ campaign, which reflects the inclusiveness of tennis and reinforces our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and their impact on sports and society.”

The following activations will be open to fans as part of “Be Open” at the 2024 US Open:

US Open Equity Experience – throughout the tournament

The tournament will bring its message of equity and inclusion to life for all US Open attendees through its new interactive Equity Experience. This three-part immersive booth near Court 17 aims to educate, inspire, and celebrate the “Power of Tennis” and its positive impact on society. Fans will have the opportunity to learn and play, gaining a better understanding of how tennis makes their lives better through mental, physical and emotional wellness.

AAPI Amplified

The US Open will celebrate and amplify Asian American & Pacific Islander voices and inspire future change-makers through various events during Fan Week. Specific highlights include:

• Monday, August 19, New York City’s Chinatown Young Lions Dance Group will perform a traditional dance to kick off Fan Week and bring good luck to the tournament. There will also be an AAPI Community Tennis Clinic with AAPI-themed activities, including arts and crafts, cultural dance performances, special character appearances, and more.
• Thursday, August 22, Anja Dance will perform on the Fan Week Stage, expressing the diverse Indian diaspora through dance and music.

Celebrating Open Pride

The tournament will expand its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community with celebrations and activations throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Specific highlights include:

• Tuesday, August 20, members of Gotham Cheer, a diverse and spirited adult cheer team, will take the Fan Week Stage for fun and exciting performances.
• Open Pride events will continue through Main Draw, with several activations on Thursday, August 29, including a performance by the Queer Big Apple Corps marching band, followed by an interactive LED light show during evening matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fans will also enjoy an expanded variety of Open Pride merchandise available in US Open shops across the grounds.

Somos Comunidad at the US Open

The tournament will recognize and honor the Hispanic and Latin American community and its influence on sports and society, including the many Latine pioneers in tennis. Specific highlights include:

• Members of Ballet Hispanico will take the Fan Week Stage on Wednesday, August 21, for a captivating performance.
• Students, ages 15-19, from the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will perform a traditional Mexican folkloric dance on the Fan Week Stage on Sunday, August 25.

HBCU Live at the US Open

HBCU Live will return for its 4th year at the US Open, celebrating the culture, history and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs have played a vital role in American history, producing some of the most successful business people, entertainers, athletes and world leaders throughout every sphere of society. This year, the US Open will bring greater awareness of HBCU tradition directly to fans. Specific highlights include:

• On Friday, August 23, New York City Metro Black Fraternity and Sorority Step Teams will perform on the Fan Week Stage during the Divine Nine Step Show, hosted by Kyle on the Mic and music by DJ C Devone.
• On Sunday, August 25, the US Open will pay tribute to tennis legend and HBCU alumna Althea Gibson’s birthday and the 5th anniversary of her iconic statue unveiling at the USTA’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
• At an HBCU, the “yard” is the center of the community, and on Wednesday, August 28, the 2024 US Open will bring together music, food and a fun, celebratory atmosphere that captures the spirit of the yard experience with a performance by Clark Atlanta’s “Mighty Marching Panthers” and music provided by HBCU alumni DJs: DJ Trauma (Clark Atlanta University), DJ Nyla (Florida A&M University), and Jae Murphy (Howard University).

Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation

The 13th annual Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation celebration will take place on Saturday, August 31. It honors the bravery and commitment of service members in all military branches. Specific highlights include:

• A special ceremony honoring distinguished service men and women will take place on the grounds.
• In addition, the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Brass Quintet will perform the National Anthem before the start of evening matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the United States Marine Corps 6th Communication Battalion from Brooklyn, N.Y. will do a presentation of the colors.

Highlighting Adaptive Tennis

The US Open will highlight the various components of Adaptive Tennis by providing a platform for athletes and fans with disabilities. Specific highlights include:

• On Tuesday, August 20, fans will have the opportunity to meet current athletes and coaches and experience how people who are blind or visually impaired can enjoy and compete in tennis at the “Come and Try BVI” activation.
• During Arthur Ashe Kids Day on Saturday, August 24, there will be All-Ability designated tennis courts designed to support adaptive and wheelchair players.
• The US Open will host its first-ever Para-standing Invitational Tournament on September 4-6. This tournament is for individuals with physical disabilities who play without using a wheelchair. The eight-person compass draw will feature three US players and five International players in singles and doubles competition.
• KultureCity Sensory Bags will be available to fans who may need to lessen the sensory overload while enjoying the tournament.
• For fans with visual impairments, Action Audio technology will be utilized for Men’s & Women’s Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals matches.

The 2024 US Open Fan Week runs Monday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25, with the tournament’s Main Draw taking place Monday, August 26 through Sunday, September 8. For more information about the 2024 “Be Open” campaign, please visit usopen.org.

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