The 22,547-seat behemoth’s size means most fans are isolated from the action on court. The once sparkling newcomer has become a loathsome dinosaur
Twenty years ago, Arthur Ashe Stadium opened as the centerpiece of the USTA’s National Tennis Center with a stirring dedication ceremony headlined by Whitney Houston. It’s been mostly downhill from there.
Aerial shots of the US Open’s octagonally shaped main show court have become a signal of New York City glamor beamed round the world. But while the pictures may look attractive to the millions who will never get the chance to attend the season’s final grand slam in person, the real-life experience is anything but. Clumsy design, tepid atmosphere and just plain bad luck have all conspired to hasten Ashe’s life cycle from sparkling newcomer to loathsome dinosaur. Two decades on, it endures as the worst major sports venue in America.
Related: US Open 2017 men’s form guide: Federer favourite to claim 20th grand slam
Related: Garbiñe Muguruza is US Open favourite but Johanna Konta remains ‘contender’
Continue reading...