Tips on enjoying the U.S. Open live

The U.S. Open can be as thrilling as a power serve -- or as frustrating as a net ball. The key: Prep before you go.

Take finals nights, when huge crowds descend on the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows to see . . . well, not that many matches. You'll have more fun -- and see more tennis -- if you go the first week, during the day, suggests WFAN talk radio host Lori Rubinson. "Watch the matches on the side and backcourts," she says. "You may not know all the players but you can sit close and get a feel for the speed of the game."

Then wander about -- you may find champs practicing. "There's nothing better than seeing top players drilling with their coach," says Rubinson.

Stargazers may also catch Tony Bennett (celebrating his 85th birthday at a Moët & Chandon party in the president's box before Monday's opening ceremonies), Will Ferrell (playing in a doubles exhibition with Hall of Famers John McEnroe and Jim Courier on Sept. 8) and Queen Latifah (leading a 9/11 tribute before the men's singles final on Sept. 11).

Here are five more tips for making the most of the Open.

WHAT TO BRING One bag per person (12 x 12 x 16 inches max) with a bag lunch or dinner ("food is ridiculously expensive," warns Rubinson), bottled water (ditto), sunscreen and hat, and a printout of the match schedule (so you don't have to buy a draw sheet). Nix backpacks, coolers, glass, cans, alcohol, recording devices, laptops, rackets and banners.

TENNIS TIPS American Express cardholders (and non-cardholders) can get live expert tips on improving their serves and tournament info from "curators" at the "U.S. Open American Express Fan Experience," outside the Hospitality Pavilion. Cardholder concierge services are also available.

KIDS CAN PLAY Check out the "10 and Under Tennis Exhibition," with top young players during the night session Sept. 8. Think your half-pint has what it takes? Children age 10 and younger can play on field court 12 Sept. 3, from 1 to 7 p.m. Just line up and it's first come, first "serve." (Rackets provided.)

ALL IN THE FAMILY Parents and children ages 14 and younger sit together in reserved seating in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Family Day, which is Tuesday. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, giveaways and other activities.

LOVE YOUR APP Download the U.S. Open app for iPhone or Android to receive live scores, news, "Around Me" info (like nearby matches and concessions), and access to USOpen.org Radio, with live streaming play-by-play, "so you can tell if there's a good match going on somewhere else," notes Rubinson.

WHAT U.S. Open 2011

WHEN | WHERE Monday through Sept. 11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows (exit 22B off the Long Island Expressway)

INFO Prices vary; 718-760-6200, usopen.org