Tennis fans were welcomed into the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens on Sunday as Arthur Ashe Kids Day kicked off the beginning of Fan Week at the US Open.
The free event brought out fans of all ages, including Kennedy Bullock, who said the annual event gets her excited for the rest of the festivities.
“I think it makes people like want to watch tennis more, because they see all the cool events happening,” Bullock said.
The day was filled with free activities people can expect in the week ahead.
“So much of these events are expensive and a little bit like not appropriate for kids or not as fun for kids. So, it’s nice to see something that’s just like entirely oriented around kids,” visitor Aidan Thomas said.
Fans can get a close look at their favorite players practicing and they can test out their own skills with kid-friendly tennis drills.
Balloon artists, food and live music can also be found on the tennis grounds.
Michael Fiur, executive producer of entertainment, said there’s always something different to check out.
“We have an amazing new light and laser show that will be in Arthur Ashe Stadium every night,” Fiur said.
The event has only grown since live music first came to Arthur Ashe Kids Day in 1997.
“We have a new sonic identity, this music that’s been created just to be the sound of the Open that is going to be so cool,” Fiur said.
According to Fiur, roughly 40,000 people were expected for Kids Day alone.
“People are coming with families, people who have never come to the US Open. The idea’s about opening up tennis to new people and new experiences,” Fiur said.
There are mainly free events throughout Fan Week leading up to main events like the singles matches next Sunday.