The photo above was taken in the US Open's media center, where the working media folk gather to provide tennis fans all the information they can handle through their various media outlets. Hundreds of scribes work tirelessly around the clock, from sun up to sun down, to keep the world informed of all the happenings in Flushing Meadows throughout the entire tournament. It's like the brain of Arthur Ashe Stadium; a really big brain with high-water khaki pants, wrinkled floral print shirts, and an appetite for free donuts in the morning and free donuts left over from the morning at night.
That's not where we are.
The Outer Courts has its own office at the 2013 US Open, far away from judgmental stares and black coffee farts. We are in the cafeteria on a first-come, first-serve seating policy. Some call it an inconvenience; we call it home.
Take a walk with me into an area few have seen, unless they walk by on their way to the hot bar.
Yes, that's a Tennis Channel logo on my backpack.
This is my view: a direct shot (when people aren't walking by with beer) of practice courts P1 through P5. That's five courts in viewing distance without leaving my seat. It's so hard not to be spoiled.
As you can see, window seats are hard to come by. Especially one with a few of the TV if I lean back really far.
Check out the bar in the back corner. The media room may have lockers, statistics, reliable WiFi, interview areas and power outlets at every desk, but the media room doesn't have its own bar with FREE alcohol.
But The Outer Courts' office does.
Note: The free alcohol is only available to "M" credentials, which is everyone from the media room. We aren't allowed to partake.
Look! Condiments! Plasticware! US Open beverage napkins!
Just a few complimentary items we offer to our visitors. Take one. Take two. Take a handful. They're here for you, just as we're here for you at the 2013 US Open.
Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy your mayonnaise.
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