Spectators at the US Open endure heavy rain despite the $200 million stadium's enclosure, as a hurricane suspends the tournament's gameplay.
The Louis Armstrong Stadium, a key venue at the US Open, has undergone significant changes and faced challenges since its opening in 2018. Replacing its former namesake, the stadium now boasts a state-of-the-art retractable roof, a feature managed by consulting firm WSP Global under the guidance of project manager Matthew Payne.
Payne aimed to ensure the stadium retained its outdoor feel while offering protection from the elements. However, the structure faced issues during Hurricane Ida's visit to the US Open in 2021, with rain still reaching spectators under the roof.
In 2025, the Louis Armstrong Stadium, along with the Arthur Ashe Stadium, returned to action for the US Open. The hope was for no disruption from severe weather during the tournament, as the hurricane season was in full swing.
The US Open, held in Flushing Meadows, a public park located in the borough of Queens, New York City, has faced weather-related challenges in the past. Hurricane Sandy, which hit New York in October 2012, caused 53 deaths and an estimated $32 billion worth of damage across the state.
Despite these challenges, the Louis Armstrong Stadium has proven to be a resilient venue. The stadium, the first ever naturally ventilated retractable roof tennis venue, has a capacity of 14,053.
In the second round of the 2025 US Open, Diego Schwartzman and Kevin Anderson met on Wednesday of the first week. Their match was suspended due to weather conditions, a common occurrence at the tournament. After a long wait, Schwartzman emerged victorious, beating Anderson 7-6 [7-4] 6-3 6-4.
Notable exhibition matches have also taken place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, such as the one between John and Patrick McEnroe and James Blake and Michael Chang in 2018, which helped welcome the new-look stadium.
As the US Open continues to evolve, the Louis Armstrong Stadium remains a key part of the tournament, providing a stage for some of the world's best tennis players to compete, despite the occasional weather-related challenges.
