U.S. Open Tennis Tournament Faces Criticism for Lack of Engagement with Local Community
The U.S. Open tennis tournament, set to celebrate its 50th anniversary of equal prize money for men and women, is facing criticism for its lack of engagement with the local community. While the event generates huge profits and draws international attention to Queens, many close neighbors of the tournament feel excluded from the festivities.
Kamal Alma, owner of the 111 Corona Discount & Candy Store located less than half a mile from Arthur Ashe Stadium, has rarely seen tennis fans in his store and does not experience a noticeable increase in business during the event. The tickets for the main draw are too expensive for him and his family, despite their interest in tennis.
Donovan Richards, the Queens borough president, expressed concerns about the U.S. Open’s impact on the local community. He acknowledged the event’s economic benefits but emphasized the need for more support for the people of Queens. Richards plans to discuss these matters with the United States Tennis Association, which hosts the U.S. Open.
Since its move to the Corona and Flushing area, the U.S. Open has operated as a profit-generating event for the nonprofit U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), which pays rent to the city. The event raised $472 million in 2022 and paid close to $5 million in rent. While the USTA invests in the park, Richards and other locals believe more support should be directed towards addressing inequities in the surrounding community.
The U.S.T.A. offers free admission to a week of professional tennis during the qualifying tournament, but some residents feel disconnected from the U.S. Open. Carlos Inga, who owns a food stand in Corona Plaza, has never attended the event, and many of his friends haven’t either. There is a clear divide between the stadium and the local community.
Lew Sherr, the USTA’s chief executive, argues that the economic activity from the U.S. Open benefits the entire region. He estimates that a study on the event’s economic impact would now double the previous figure of $750 million annually for the New York City area. However, areas like Corona and nearby Elmhurst, which were devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have limited interaction with the U.S. Open.
Some employees at the U.S. Open have faced unfavorable conditions, with instances of wage theft reported in the past. The National Tennis Center has also faced accusations of underreporting revenue and underpaying rent. While the USTA contributes funds for the park’s upkeep, locals argue that more attention should be given to improving the surrounding areas.
In order to address concerns and foster a better relationship with the local community, discussions between USTA leadership and local officials are planned. The hope is that the partnership can be more mutually beneficial, ensuring that the U.S. Open provides support and engagement to the people it shares a neighborhood with.
The 2022 U.S. Open is expected to attract over 888,000 spectators and generate substantial revenue, but local residents are looking for a greater sense of inclusion and meaningful contribution to their community from the internationally renowned event.