Both tennis champs and rockstars have made history at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. This August, the historic venue will celebrate its 100th anniversary! Originally opened in the 192os to host the U.S. Open tennis tournament, the site now serves as a modern concert venue. While home to the West Side Tennis Club – which still occupies the adjacent Tudor-style clubhouse and tennis courts – the stadium played host to many groundbreaking moments in tennis history, such as when Althea Gibson became the first African American player to ever win a Grand Slam. In the 1960s, the stadium began to host concerts. Legendary acts like Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and Dolly Parton graced the stage. When the U.S. Open moved to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in 1978, the stadium went into a period of decline. Thankfully for New Yorkers, this Queens gem was restored and re-opened in 2013 and has since been the site of sold-out shows from superstars like Ed Sheeran, Chance the Rapper, Santana, and more. From its hidden dive bar to infamous concert moments, uncover the secrets of Forest Hills Stadium below!
Backstage Forest Hills Stadium Tour
Join Untapped New York Insiders for a backstage tour of Forest Hills Stadium on July 12th! This tour is $10 for Untapped New York Insiders. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today and get your first month free with code JOINUS! Registration for this event opens at 12:00 PM ET on June 28th.
1. There Are Hidden Speakeasy Suites
When you book a VIP suite for a show at Forest Hills Stadium, you aren’t just getting a private box. You get a mini adventure! Each suite is accessed by its own unique “speakeasy” entrance, whether that’s through a porta-potty or behind a vintage sign. The floor-level suites can hold 8 to 50 guests and come with a private viewing porch, private in-suite bar, and food service, access to private restrooms, a concierge service team to assist with your reservation, and expedited entry with an escort directly to your suite (so you’re sure to find the hidden entrance!). Inside, the suites are decorated with memorabilia from the stadium’s long and storied past.
