HBCU Live returns for its fourth year at the US Open, celebrating the culture, history and pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCU Live activations will take place throughout the 2024 US Open, and aim to reconnect the schools’ alumni, family and friends, while also illustrating the relationship between HBCUs and tennis. The events will allow US Open fans to learn more about these great institutions, their history and their impact on both tennis and the Black community.
This annual event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, and will offer an experience that reflects the traditions and energy of HBCUs. One common feature of HBCU campuses is the “yard,” a space for the community to gather. The HBCU Live Yard Experience returns to the Fountain Plaza, and this celebration of HBCU tennis and culture will feature an LED display highlighting notable HBCU history and history-makers, and musical performances by the Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” marching band, along with headlining DJ and Clark Atlanta alum DJ Trauma, as well as DJ Nyla (Florida A&M) and DJ Jae Murphy (Howard University). Also taking place that day is a networking event and panel discussion for HBCU alumni and supporters on the role of HBCUs in building Black wealth, hosted in our private event space.
WATCH: HBCU Live at the 2023 US Open
Fan Week features the return of the Divine Nine Step Show on the Fan Week Stage on Friday, Aug. 23, with a performance by Black fraternities and sororities, which included Althea Gibson (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and Arthur Ashe (Kappa Alpha Psi) as members.
For more Fan Week fun, the Howard University men’s and women’s tennis teams are participating in Arthur Ashe Kids Day festivities on Saturday, Aug. 24, including leading a family tennis clinic with Jack and Jill of America.
To coincide with Florida A&M University alum Althea Gibson’s birthday on Aug. 25, a special ceremony will take place on the grounds, recognizing Gibson’s contributions to the sport and commemorating the fifth anniversary of her statue being unveiled at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
As part of the USTA’s goal to make tennis an inclusive sport open to anyone who wants to get involved, HBCU Live at the US Open is one of two signature celebrations returning for the first week of the championships. US Open Pride will also return for its fourth year on Thursday, Aug. 29, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Events celebrating the AAPI and Latine communities, as well as veterans and players with disabilities will also feature prominently during the three weeks of the tournament.
The 2024 US Open main draw will be played from Aug. 26 through Sept. 8, while US Open Fan Week, which includes free fun and entertainment for all ages plus the US Open Qualifying Tournament, begins the week prior on Aug. 19.
