Record 1M spectators expected for US Open as NYPD rolls out tight security measures
A record 1 million spectators are expected to descend on the US Open, organizers announced Monday, as NYPD officials said that while there are no credible threats, the department will be out in full force to keep tennis lovers safe.
The worldwide ripple effect of tensions fueled by the Israel-Hamas War played into this year’s security planning for the annual tennis championships, which kicked off Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, and will run through Sept. 8, officials said.
“We’re in a different threat environment than we were last year at this time, and so when we are collectively thinking through all of the measures that we’re putting in place around this US Open, we are mindful of what’s happening around the world,” said NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner.
Weiner also pointed to the increase in protests across the Big Apple since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel — saying such demonstrations won’t be tolerated around the stadium.
An “increased police presence” will be visible inside and outside of the tournament complex, including uniformed cops on foot posts, screening checkpoints, NYPD bike teams and regular patrols, Police Commissioner Edward Caban told reporters.
Drones will be deployed, as well as the department’s Counterterrorism Bureau, Aviation, Harbor, Transit, K9 and other specialized units, the top cop said.
“At this time, we can tell you there are no specific or credible threats to the US Open, and the NYPD will be out here every day making sure it’s safe,” Caban said. “So as you’ve walked the grounds, there’ll be security measures that you’ll see, and others that you won’t see.”
The counterterrorism team alone will bring in resources aimed at explosive detection, “radiation detection” and “hostile surveillance detection,” Weiner said.
“So whether it is barriers or dogs or heavy weapons teams or all of the patrol officers that are going to be stationed around this facility, ingress, egress points and through it, know that this is your team here for your public safety,” Weiner added.
NYPD officials touted the city’s mass transit system as the quickest and most efficient way to get to the games — especially considering the number of people expected to attend.
Daniel Zausner, the chief operating officer of the USTA, said the US Open is set to see a record number of spectators this year – after 210,000 fans attended Fan Week.
“Coupled with the two weeks of the main draw, beginning today, we will see more than 1 million fans for the first time ever,” Zausner said.
