By Rick Limpert, Special to USTA Georgia
Outside of the 100’s of matches that take place annually at the US Open, one of the biggest events of the three-week run is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
For 2024, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open set an all-time attendance record of 47,875, breaking the previous record of 40,868, set in 2023.
USTA Georgia and USTA Southern annually play a role in the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day happenings.
“We had two of our staff that were selected to help with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day in Fionna Hatton and Lindsey Davila,” stated Darren Potkey, Executive Director, USTA Georgia. “We are very proud of both for this recognition!”
Hatton and Davila said they both realize what an honor this is for 2024. “I am so excited to be a part of Arthur Ashe Kids Day this year. I’ve gone to NY and the US Open when USTA National had their semi-annual meetings, but never had the chance to do AAKD,” said Davila.
The 26th edition of this great day includes family fun, interactive games, face painting, balloon artists, prizes, music, special guests, and more. Kids can step onto the US Open courts, just like the pros, with tennis activations and activities for all ages and abilities.
It’s about opportunity as kids at the Arthur Ashe Kids Day can play and/or watch numerous tennis matches and practice sessions before and after the main event at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Center.
To some, the main event at the stadium will just be a concert and tennis matches. But for Davila and the USTA volunteers, it is about kids.
“I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, especially when it comes to teaching tennis. My specialty is with the eight and under group—they’re my absolute favorite! There’s something truly magical about watching a child’s face light up when they hit a shot over the net. When this opportunity came up, I knew it would be such a unique experience to help kids on the court and share my love for the sport with them. And what better place to do that than the iconic Billie Jean King Tennis Center?”
Along with the volunteers, tennis greats that have appeared annually at Arthur Ashe Kids Day include Venus and Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic and Kim Clijsters. It’s all part of Fan Week at the US Open.
In 2023, Fan Week drew a record crowd of 157,000 across six days. This year, with an extra day added and expanded programming slate, USTA CEO and Executive Director Lew Sherr is confident that attendance will eclipse 200,000 and combine with the main draw (799,402 in 2023) to push the U.S. Open beyond a coveted threshold: 1 million visitors over three weeks.
Davila summed up the event as the day closed. “There were lots of smiling, happy faces, high energy, and an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for being a part of Arthur Ashe Kids Day.”
