The countdown to the US Open is on, but the excitement is already underway at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with US Open Fan Week.

The three-week event offers fans and first-timers free access to watch the US Open Qualifying Tournament and open practices featuring some of the world's top players. 

"I don't think there's any other sporting event that gives you this type of accessibility, to be here. These are the practice courts where you'll see the likes of Novak Djokovic," said Nicole Kankam, US Open managing director of pro tennis marketing and entertaiment. 

Don’t miss the US Open Mixed Doubles presented by Vital Proteins on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Wednesday, Aug. 20. The new format brings together tennis superstars in an exciting, breakthrough event that is fast-paced, high stakes and full of electric energy. Get ready to see your favorite players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Frances Tiafoe and Madison Keys, and Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov, pair up and battle it out like never before for the official Grand Slam Mixed Doubles title. 

Another ticketed experience, the Stars of the Open exhibition on Aug. 21, will feature top players. "It's our tennis exhibition, which benefits the USTA Foundation that takes place on Thursday. We've got a number of top stars like Coco will be playing in that event. Venus Williams is supposed to come back, we've got Juan Martín del Potro, Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi. They're all going to be having a really fun-filled, celebrity-filled event," said Kankam. 

Fan Week also offers entertainment off the courts, from a silent disco and block party to happy hour specials like the Heineken Happy Hour near the Fountain Plaza, Monday to Friday from 5-7 p.m. 

Families can also enjoy Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation on Saturday, Aug. 23. "It’s our longest running event, and it’s meant to really inspire the next generation of kids to pick up tennis rackets,” said Kankam.

The event is the US Open’s annual celebration of the life and legacy of tennis champion, cultural icon and humanitarian Arthur Ashe. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment from top player practices and musical performances to face painting, balloon artists and more fun activities around the grounds — all of which are free and open to the public! As if it couldn’t get any better, the Dude Perfect show will be making a grand return, now taking the stage in Arthur Ashe Stadium at 11 a.m. (grounds open at 9:30 a.m.). 

Register HERE for a FREE Fan Access Pass for admission to the Arthur Ashe Stadium Experience.