You managed to get French Open tickets? Here are a few tips to help you have the best of day at Roland Garros. Some advices might sound obvious, but forewarned is forearmed!
Be prepared
– verify you assigned correctly the name of the ticket holder on each ticket
– don’t forget your ID or passport with the name matching the name on your ticket
– check out the list of prohibited items: no cans, no glass bottles, no bottle over 1,5l, no stroller…
– check out weather predictions and prepare your bag accordingly
– bring some food and some water bottles you can refill at the drinking fountains
– print the order of play and write down the matches you’d like to watch
– have a look at the map of the grounds, and spot where the information stands, restrooms and drinking fountains are located
– follow @MyRG on twitter to know what’s going on inside the stadium
In the queue
– arrive early, you might have to queue a bit to enter the stadium (I had to queue 40 minutes the last days of the qualies)
– you can’t access directly your gate, you have to go through a security checkpoint before arriving at your gate and go through bag check, metal detector and body check
– be nice and polite with security guards, they’re only doing their job
– don’t jump the queue: 1. you’ll look like an asshole 2. people will make you understand (more or less nicely) where the queue starts 3. security guards will make you understand where the queue starts
In the stadium
– pick up Roland Garros daily program: it’s free, usually located near your entry gate and features the order of play, a map of the grounds, the schedule of animations…
– if you have any question, go to the information stand (near the Lenglen and the Chatrier)
– don’t lose your countermark ticket, especially in you have a seat on one of the show courts, you need to show it to the hostess to enter the court
– if you have a bit of time, have a walk around the grounds, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere and you might also see players at practice
Watching matches
– don’t take someone else’s seat. If someone took your seat, gently say: excusez-moi c’est ma place, and show him/her your seat number on your ticket
– put your mobile phone on silent
– if you’re a newbie tennis fan, I urge you to read Grandslamgal’s tennis spectator etiquette
– applaud the ball boys, linesmen and umpire when they enter the court
– you might be surprised that the crowd tends to boo and whistle a lot, sometimes you won’t understand why, and they probably don’t know why either
– the crowd likes its mexican wave too, sometimes they do la ola because they have fun and enjoy the match and sometimes because they are so bored they want to have some action
– don’t forget your bags when you leave your seat
To end up this post, a few usueful French words:
– bonjour hello
– s’il vous plaît please
– merci thanks
– droite right
– gauche left
– les toilettes restrooms
– parlez vous anglais? do you speak English?
– où est ma place s’il vous plaît? where is my seat please?
Enjoy your day at Roland Garros, and please share your story and pictures.
If you have any question not answered below, please leave a comment, we’ll do our best to answer.
How to get Roland Garros tickets?
There are only 2 ways to legally buy tickets:
– the official Roland Garros website
– official French Open agencies that propose exclusively VIP tickets and corporate hospitality offers. You can find the complete list here.
Read our article How to buy French Open tickets.
When do French Open tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales open to the general public on March 21, 2018. Premium packages are available for sale from March 7, 2018.
What do qualifyings tickets give access to?
It gives you access to courts 6 to 18. On Thursday and Friday you can also watch practice sessions on court Suzanne Lenglen.
What do Philippe Chatrier tickets give access to?
Philippe Chatrier tickets give you an allocated seat on court Chatrier, and access to outside courts (no allocated seat).
What do Grounds Passes give access to?
Grounds Passes give you access to all courts except Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen, or Court 1. There is no allocated seat, seating is on a first come first served basis.
What is the Roland Garros Kids Day?
Previously known as Benny Berthet Day, Roland Garros Kids Day is a charity event, devoted to fund raising for charitable organisations. On the eve of the tournament’s opening day, tennis stars are invited to take part in one set exhibition matches. So, for 20 euros, you can watch some of the top players in action and help a good cause!
When will the draw be published?
Thursday 23, around 6.
How to get to Roland Garros Stadium?
The easiest way to get to Roland Garros is by public transport. The closest subway stations are porte d’Auteuil and Boulogne-Jean-Jaurès on line 10, Michel-Ange-Auteuil and Michel-Ange-Molitor on line 9.
Shuttle buses are also available for the duration of the tournament to transport ticketed passengers to and from the stadium.
What should I wear?
Casual wear and comfortable shoes. Take clothing suitable for all conditions and don’t forget a hat, sunglasses but also waterproofs.
May I bring food into the Stadium?
Yes, and you should of course, because food in the stadium is overpriced and lacks variety. You’ll also avoid queues. There are bakeries and supermarket nearby, where you can buy sandwiches, drinks… But don’t bring cans, glass bottles or bottles over 1.5l.
May I bring my camera?
Yes, sure. But camera tripods and camera lenses of more than 20 cm are not allowed. Don’t forget to charge your camera battery and bring extra memory cards.
What happens if it rains?
Roland Garros doesn’t have any courts with roofs, so when it rains, play stops. There isn’t a lot of covered space to hide. If play has lasted less than two hours over the entire day, you may be eligible for a refund.
Where to find the schedule of play?
The schedule of play is released each evening and is posted on the official website as soon as it is made available. It is also displayed next to the big screens on Court Suzanne Lenglen and Court number 1. Grab a free copy of the daily Roland Garros newspaper and have a look at who is playing where.
Do they really verify the name on the ticket at the entrance to the stadium?
Yes! That’s how it works:
– you first have to scan the barcode of your ticket
– collect your countermark ticket
– show your countermark ticket and proof of identity with a picture (passport or ID card) to the steward
– the steward will check that the name shown on your proof of identity matches with the name on the countermark ticket
– when you enter a show court, you have to show your countermark ticket again, so don’t lose it!
Can I leave the grounds and come back later?
No! Any exit is final.
Who was Roland Garros?
Not a tennis player, but a French national hero who perished in World War I. Roland Garros was a pioneer aviator who made the first solo flight across the Mediterranean Sea. He was killed in aerial combat in 1918.
A few more tips to enjoy your day at Roland Garros:
– arrive early: in accordance with the Vigipirate plan, you have to go through a security checkpoint before arriving at your gate
– bring your own food and drinks
– pick up a free copy of the daily Roland Garros newspaper: it contains a map of the grounds and the order of play
– scour the practice courts: you may watch your favorite player hit balls for an hour
– watch a match on the big video screens just outside of Court Suzanne Lenglen, and court 1
Please leave a comment below if you have any question, I’ll answer the best I can.
Le guide complet pour vous aider à acheter des billets pour Roland Garros. Si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire, je ferai de mon mieux pour y répondre!
Les événements Roland Garros
Qualifications du 21 au 25 mai 2018
Les billets permettent l’accès aux courts 6 à 18, sur lesquels se déroulent les matchs de qualification, mais aussi au court Suzanne Lenglen sur lequel les meilleurs joueurs s’entraînent avant le tournoi.
La journée des enfants samedi 26 mai 2018
La traditionnelle journée caritative (anciennement appelée la journée Benny Berthet) a lieu la veille du tournoi. Les trois courts principaux accueillent des matchs exhibitions. Des entraînements et diverses animations sont aussi programmés sur les courts annexes.
Roland Garros du 27 mai au 10 juin 2018
Depuis 2006, le tournoi commence un dimanche, le premier tour s’étale donc sur 3 jours, du dimanche au mardi. Les autres tous se jouent sur 2 jours. Contrairement à l’Open d’Australie et l’US Open, il n’y a pas de session de nuit, uniquement une session journée. Le calendrier prévisionnel est disponible ici.
Trophée des Légendes du 5 au 10 juin 2018
Le Trophée des Légendes rassemble 24 anciennes gloires du tennis (hommes et femmes) qui s’affrontent en double. Les matchs se disputent sur les court Suzanne Lenglen et numéro lors de la deuxième semaine du tournoi.
Tennis en fauteuil du 7 au 9 juin 2018
Les matchs du tournoi Tennis en Fauteuil sont accessibles à tous les titulaires de billets courts annexes.
Les courts
Les billets pour les courts principaux (Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen, court numéro 1) donnent l’accès aux courts annexes. Les places sont numérotées sur les courts principaux, sur les courts annexes le placement est libre: premier arrivé, premier assis!
Court Philippe Chatrier
Bâti en 1928 pour accueillir la Coupe Davis, il peut accueillir 14 840 spectateurs. Anciennement nommé Court Cental, il a été renommé en 2001 Court Philippe Chatrier, en l’honneur de l’ancien président de la Fédération Internationale de Tennis.
Court Suzanne Lenglen
Le 2ème court principal, construit en 1994 peut contenir 10 068 spectateurs. Suzanne Lenglen, née en 1899, surnommée La Divine par la presse française, est considérée comme la première star internationale du tennis.
Court numéro un
Surnommé l’arène en raison de sa forme circulaire, le court 1 (3 800 places) sera malheureusement détruit dans le cadre des travaux de modernisation du stade.
Courts annexes
Les courts annexes sont souvent le théâtre de victoires surprises. Lors des premiers tours, il est possible d’y voir les champions s’entraîner. La capacité totale des courts annexes est de 8 590 places.
Les tickets
Tickets à l’unité
Tickets journée: le billet classique qui donne l’accès au court de votre choix (Chatrier, Lenglen ou Court 1) et/ou aux courts annexes. A partir de 20€ pour les courts annexes, de 50€ pour le Chatrier.
Visiteurs du soir du 27 mai au 6 juin 2018: permet l’accès à partir de 17h. Réservez vos tickets à partir de 17h la veille du jour souhaité. A partir de 12€.
Pass multi journées
Les pass offrent des meilleurs prix que les billets achetés à l’unité. Les pass disponibles:
– week end: samedi 2 et dimanche 3 juin. A partir de 200€ pour les 2 jours sur le Lenglen, à partir de 225€ pour le Chatrier.
– demi-finales: jeudi 7 et vendredi 8 juin. A partir de 265€.
– finales: samedi 9 et dimanche 10 juin. A partir de 290€.
Offres premium
Les offres premium comprennent un ticket pour le Court Philippe Chatrier ou Suzanne Lenglen ansi que certains services: loges, repas, hotels … Plus d’infos sur le site officiel.
Limites de commande
– 1 commande/paiement par personne.
– 4 tickets pour les courts principaux par personne sur l’ensemble du tournoi.
– 12 tickets pour les courts annexes sur l’ensemble du tournoi.
– aucune limite pour les qualifications et la journée des enfants
Comment acheter vos tickets
Il n’y a aucune vente de billets sur place avant ou pendant le tournoi. Attention, les billets s’écoulent très rapidement.
Il n’y a que 2 moyens légaux d’acheter des billets:
– le site officiel Roland Garros
– les agences officielles qui proposent uniquement des offres packagées (billets + prestations). La liste complète ici.
Site officiel Roland Garros
La billetterie grand public ouvre le 21 mars. Les billets s’écoulent très rapidement, je vous conseille de vous préparer un peu à l’avance pour le jour J!
Tous les billets commandés sur le site sont des e-billets strictement nominatifs, vous avez jusque la veille pour attribuer à chaque e-billet les nom et prénom du bénéficiaire. Attention, les cartes d’identité sont vérifiées à l’entrée du stade!
A partir de mi avril, vous pourrez aussi acheter et vendre vos tickets sur le site officiel de Roland Garros.
Quelques conseils
– créez votre compte à l’avance ou vérifiez que vos identifiants fonctionnent
– préparez vous! Allez sur le site officiel, notez les tickets qui vous intéressent, les prix…
– attention aux limitations d’achat: 1 seule commande par carte bancaire par personne
– l’an dernier, la billetterie a ouvert à 10h le premier jour
– ne rafraîchissez pas la page de votre navigateur, vous perdriez votre place dans la queue
– si vous n’avez pas réussi à acheter vos billets souhaités, réessayez à partir de mi-avril.
Here’s my guide to help you buy tickets for Roland Garros, the second Slam of the season. If you have any question, feel free to ask below, I’ll do my best to answer.
The events
Qualifyings – 21 to 25 May 2018
Tickets give access to the entire public area within the stadium. Courts 6 to 18 have unreserved seating and are open to all. Court Suzanne Lenglen is also open to all spectators to watch players from the main draw practising before the tournament starts. (Check out my report from last year’s qualifyings 3 days at Roland Garros: Rafa, Andy, Petra and more).
Roland Garros Kids’ Day – 26 May 2018
Roland Garros Kids’ Day is a charity event, devoted to fund raising for charitable organisations. On Kids’ Day, exhibition matches are scheduled on the three main courts, with plenty of other activities and practice sessions on the other courts and throughout the stadium.
French Open – 27 May to 10 June 2018
Since 2006 the French Open has started on a Sunday, that means the first round is played over three days from Sunday to Tuesday. Every other round is played over two days. Unlike the Australian and US Opens, there is no night session, only a day session.
Legends Trophy – 5 to 10 June 2018
The Legends Trophy (Trophée des Légendes) brings together twenty-four of history’s greatest champions, grouped according to age in the two men’s draws, and twelve former women’s tennis stars. Matches are played on court 1 and court Suzanne Lenglen during the second week of the French Open and can be watched by holders of outside courts tickets.
Wheelchair tennis tournament – 7 to 9 June 2018
The wheelchair tennis tournament is held during the second week of the French Open. All wheelchair tennis matches can be watched by holders of outside courts tickets.
Check out the provisional schedule.
The courts
Tickets for show courts (Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen, court number one) also give access to the outside courts; you will be assigned an allocated seat for the whole day. On the outside courts, seating is on a first come first served basis, there is no allocated seat.
Court Philippe Chatrier
Court Philippe Chatrier was built in 1928 as Roland Garros’s centerpiece and remains its principal venue, seating 14,840 spectators. The stadium was known simply as “Court Central” until 1998, when it was renamed for Philippe Chatrier, the long-time president of the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) who helped restore tennis as a Summer Olympics sport in 1988.
Court Suzanne Lenglen
The secondary Roland Garros stadium with a capacity of 10,068 spectators, the court Suzanne Lenglen was built in 1994. Suzanne Lenglen, born in 1899, was the first female tennis celebrity and one of the first international female sport stars, named La Divine (the divine one) by the French press.
Court One
Nicknamed the “Bullring” because of its circular shape – is a favorite among serious tennis fans because of its relatively small size ( 3,800 seats) and feeling of close proximity to the action.
Outside courts
Courts 3 to 18. Outside courts and have been the scene of some stunning French Open upsets in the past. In the early rounds of the tournament, outside courts are also the place to be to watch the top players practicing.
The tickets
Individual tickets
Single all day tickets: Allow a reserved seat on one of the show courts (Chatrier, Lenglen and Court 1) and/or unlimited access to the outside courts. From €20 on outside courts, from €50 on Chatrier.
Evening Visitors from 27 May to 6 June: Tickets to outside courts or one of the show courts from 5pm. Pre-book your tickets from 5 pm on the evening before the day you wish to attend. From €12.
Multi day passes
Multi-day passes available:
– week end: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 June. From €200 for 2 days on Lenglen, from €225 on Chatrier.
– semifinals: Thursday 7 and Friday 8 June. From €265.
– finals: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June. From €290.
Premium packages
All Premium packages include one ticket to the Court Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen and dedicated services: lounges, dining, hotels … Premium ticket sales open on March 7. More details on the official website.
Booking limits
– 1 order and payment per person: Only one payment may be made per credit card (for the same card number). Bank e-cards or virtual credit cards shall not be accepted.
– 4 tickets for the main courts over the entire tournament.
– 12 tickets for the outside courts over the entire tournament
– no limit for qualifyings or Roland Garros Kids’ Day
How to order tickets
Keep in mind that there are no ticket sales at the stadium itself before or during tournament. All bookings have to be made before the event. The tickets sell out really fast, so you better be prepared.
There are only 2 ways to legally buy tickets:
– the official Roland Garros website
– official French Open agencies that propose exclusively VIP tickets and corporate hospitality offers. You can find the complete list here.
Roland Garros website
Ticket sales open to the general public on March 21. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, so check out the website in advance to plan what days and courts you would like tickets for.
The e-tickets need to be printed and will be scanned at the entrance gate of the stadium, where a pass will be printed in the name of the ticketholder. These will be checked against an ID to enter the stadium.
From mid-April, you can also resell tickets via Roland Garros website and buy tickets up until the day of the event, depending on their availability. Find out how to buy resale tickets.
Tips to order your French Open tickets
– create your account in advance
– tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, so check out the website in advance to plan what days and courts you would like tickets for
– write down the tickets you want to order
– check out the booking limits: only one order and payment per person
– no need to try to log in at midnight on the first day, tickets sale open at 10am Paris time (9am GMT)
– don’t refresh your browser page, you would only lose your place in the queue
– if you didn’t get the tickets you wanted, try again from mid-April
If you manage to get tickets and want to share your pictures and stories on Tennis Buzz, please leave a comment below.
Read also:
– Roland Garros FAQs
– How to buy Roland Garros resale tickets
– How to get last minute Roland Garros tickets
