Arthur Ashe Stadium — Photo courtesy of Adam Isserlis

As the fourth and final tournament in the Grand Slam of tennis majors (The Australian Open, The French Open and Wimbledon precede it), the US Open is an exciting and accessible professional sporting event for adults and children alike. Attendees can expect to witness sweat, tears and passion at this globally renowned tribute to athleticism consisting of five championships: Men's and Women's Singles, Men's and Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

The 2012 US Open takes place in New York City from August 27 through September 9, sandwiching Labor Day weekend, at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows - Corona Park in Queens.

Cheaper grounds admission passes get you into the tournament itself, but not to the main stadium. Grounds passes give you access to the field courts (nicknamed "The Pit"), Grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium. With five championships, there is plenty to see on all courts.

There are a number of free options available for the frugal tennis fan: attend qualifying rounds August 21-24, practice day on August 26 or Arthur Ashe Kid's Day (August 25), featuring a whole host of kid friendly activities from tennis clinics to actual matches to face painting. Concerts and professional tennis match tickets are also available for purchase during kid's day.

If New York is not on your vacation horizon, you can still get your professional tennis fix by attending the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati on August 11-19, 2012.