Acts Announced For Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

The 16th annual tennis and music festival – and official U.S. Open kick off event – takes place Aug. 27 in Flushing, N.Y., at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The U.S. Open begins two days later and runs through Sept. 11.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day honors its namesake tennis legend and “continues his mission of using tennis as a means to instill in kids the values of humanitarianism, leadership and academic excellence.”

This year’s event is hosted by TV personalities/actors La La Anthony and Quddus. Kids and their families are invited to enjoy free tennis games, live music and attractions between 9:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.

Between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. the event will feature fun exhibition matches and skills competitions with Rafael Nadal, Kim Cligsters, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, Venus Williams, Mardy Fish and David Wagner. The interactive activities offer children the chance to learn tennis and even to compete on the court with the top tennis pros. Actor Bradley Cooper and New York Knicks’ all-star Carmelo Anthony will also make special guest appearances.

In addition to the previously announced music acts, Greyson Chance, Jessica Jarrell and Mindless Behavior will also take the stage.

The Hess Get Pumped Up Festival Stage will feature performances from up-and-coming stars including Girls Nite Out, Action Item, Jacob Latimore, Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band, Love Jones Girlz and New Hollow.

Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster, usopen.org, and the USTA Billy Jean King National Tennis Center Box office. General admission promenade tickets are priced at $10 and loge tickets are $20.

A portion of the proceeds from the event, which is presented by Hess and produced by the USTA, benefits the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network. The event will be broadcast nationally by CBS on Aug. 28 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (EST).