The Group Chat: A $40 sandwich? In this economy?

The US Open officially begins today, kicking off much more than a tennis tournament — this Grand Slam is a massive cultural phenomenon. The celebrities, the style, the influencers, and the brand activations have turned the major into a spectacle that reaches far beyond the sports world. It’s the epitome of cool…which means it’s now expensive AF to attend.

• Mayor Mamdani’s heroics aside, just getting in the stadium for the men’s singles final will run you a cool $661 as of this week — and you can expect that number to rise as the tourney rolls on. Ouch.

• Want the US Open experience for less? Here’s how you can make your at-home watch party feel like the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, minus the credit card debt.

🍔 FOOD & DRINK

When you think US Open concessions, the tourney’s signature cocktail, the Honey Deuce, probably comes to mind. In the stadium, it’ll run you $23 per bev, but it’s actually super simple to make: You just need vodka, raspberry liqueur, and lemonade, plus the iconic tennis ball–shaped honeydew.

• This recipe includes instructions if you’re making batch cocktails for a group. So pretty in pink — but watch out, there’s another new signature drink in town…

• Event sponsor Moët & Chandon is introducing the Moët Serve, which is their Ice Impérial Champagne with lime juice over ice. At the tourney, it’s served in a can that resembles a tennis ball canister…but it will taste just as good in a special glass from your cabinet (bonus points for tennis ball–shaped ice cubes).

On the food front, the US Open has made some gourmet upgrades to its offerings. Several high-end NYC restaurants will host pop-ups on the grounds, with particular buzz around the tourney debut of Salt Hank’s French dip. But at a whopping $38 per sandwich, you’re sure to find a local spot that can fuel you and the homies for way less.

• Other concessions that have us drooling? Cosme chef Enrique Olvera shared this recipe for Pekin duck flautas if you’re feeling fancy, or you could try making chef Eyal Chani’s hummus from Mediterranean restaurant Miznon. It’s no COQODAQ fried chicken sandwich, but you can still serve a damn good meal for your pals.

🖼️ DECOR

If you want to spruce up your place with something inventive and on-theme, draw inspiration from this year’s poster. Brooklyn-based artist Eugenia Mello designed it to reflect NYC’s diversity and undeniable energy. Let bright, bold pops of color against a deep blue backdrop guide your aesthetics.

👗 STYLE

From the court to the stands, the US Open is also known as a major fashion event. Celebrities and everyday attendees alike have already been lighting up Fan Week, and so far, florals seem to be the look: Anna Wintour, Savannah Guthrie, and Gayle King all sported flowered prints. Florals for late summer? Groundbreaking.

• But if you’re looking for something a little more innovative, there’s always Travis Kelce’s cardigan and bucket hat, Rosalía’s stunning take on tennis’ little white dress, Naomi Osaka’s Billie Jean Bling, and of course, every single look from Zendaya’s Challengers press tour.

Want to go in a sportier direction? Some of Venus and Serena Williams’ most iconic looks have come from the US Open and can provide plenty of inspo. Our favorite Serena ’fit from Flushing Meadows comes down to a tie between her denim skirt from 2004 and her “magical fairy” tutu from 2018. Venus rocked quite a few floral prints herself throughout the 2010s, but her 2010 LBD was particularly memorable.

• The best part is that the sisters will reunite to take on the doubles draw later this week, meaning there are even more outfits to be had. Locked in.