The US Open’s social responsibility campaign, Be Open, will return for its fifth year in 2024, leveraging the global stage of the US Open to promote and amplify important messages of progress, positivity and equality. This year’s Be Open campaign is a focal point of the tournament, offering fans the opportunity to participate in curated cultural experiences and celebrate diverse communities throughout Fan Week and the main draw.
The 2024 lineup includes an expanded number of cultural performances, signature events, and other activations designed to emphasize that 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
The tournament will bring its message of equity and inclusion to life for all US Open attendees through the Equity Experience, an 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. On Monday, Aug. 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. On Thursday, Aug. 22, Anja Dance will perform on the Fan Week Stage, expressing the diverse Indian diaspora through dance and music.
Open Pride
The tournament will demonstrate its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community with celebrations and activations throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, from Gotham Cheer taking the Fan Week Stage for a fun-filled performance on Tuesday, Aug. 20 to a full day of events on Thursday, Aug. 29 featuring the Queer Big Apple Corps marching band, followed by an interactive LED light show during evening matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium. For those who want to wear their pride on their sleeve, an expanded selection of Open Pride merchandise will be available in US Open shops across the grounds.
Somos Comunidad
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. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, members of Ballet Hispanico will take the Fan Week Stage for a captivating performance, while students from the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will perform a traditional Mexican folkloric dance on Sunday, Aug. 25.
HBCU Live
HBCU Live will return for its fourth 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 traditions to fans.
On Friday, Aug. 23, the 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. A couple of days later on Sunday, Aug. 25, the US Open will pay tribute to tennis legend and HBCU alumna Althea Gibson’s birthday and the fifth anniversary of her iconic statue’s 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, Aug. 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 Day
The 13th annual Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation Day celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, honoring the bravery and commitment of service members in all branches of the military. The day includes a special ceremony honoring distinguished servicemen and women, in addition to a performance of the national anthem by the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Brass Quintet before the start of evening matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium, while the United States Marine Corps 6th Communication Battalion from Brooklyn, N.Y. will do a presentation of the colors.
Highlighting Adaptive Tennis
The 2024 US Open will highlight the various components of Adaptive Tennis by providing a platform for athletes and fans with disabilities.
During Fan Week, there are lots of options for visitors of all abilities to get involved and have fun on-court. On Tuesday, Aug. 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, Aug. 24, there will be "all-ability" designated tennis courts designed to support adaptive and wheelchair players.
New this year, the US Open will host its first-ever Para-Standing Invitational Tournament from Sept. 4-6. This tournament is for individuals with physical disabilities who play without using a wheelchair. The eight-person compass draw will feature three American players and five international players in singles and doubles competition.
Returning in 2024, Action Audio technology will be utilized for the men’s and women’s quarterfinals, semifinals and finals for fans with visual impairments. For visitors who may need to lessen the sensory overload while enjoying the tournament, KultureCity Sensory Bags will be available to pick up and utilize during their time on-site.
US Open Fan Week runs Monday, Aug. 19 through Saturday, Aug. 25, with the tournament’s main draw taking place Monday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 8. For more information about the 2024 Be Open campaign, click here.
