On Tuesday night, about 100 people gathered on the lawn outside Hudson Yards to watch the U.S. Open for free on a 30-foot screen. Many New Yorkers complained of being priced out of live matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. "In sports, if I have to spend more than $200, I won't do it," said Maurie Keppens, 27, a Carlos Alcaraz superfan from Ghent, Belgium. She hoped to watch Alcaraz live but saw cheapest tickets at $500.

The U.S. Open continues to cater to the moneyed class. It removed some 2,800 upper-level seats for two new levels of luxury suites, accommodating up to 35 people and costing at least $29,500, all booked for finals weekend. The gift shop sells out of $1,400 gold tennis necklaces and touts $600 bomber jackets. With Disney World-inspired express lines and $100 caviar chicken nuggets, the tournament courts the wealthy.

The tennis has been thrilling. Friday night could be the match of the summer when two American men, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, battle for a spot in the final. But it won't be cheap. Some upper-level tickets for Friday's match at Arthur Ashe Stadium were going for more than $1,500 — more than twice face value. Add a burger and a beer — another $50 per person. Factor in car service, and a middle-of-the-road, two-ticket date could cost north of $3,000.

What's left is one tournament for two demographics: the frugal and the big spenders. "The Open doesn't seem to be for the middle class," said Jason Reyes, 44, of Jackson Heights, Queens. Although he lives a few subway stops away, he opted for a lengthier commute to Hudson Yards. He saved money and avoided crowds. By subway, or by yacht? Among the budget-conscious, those lucky enough to get tickets for the women's final (Saturday) or men's final (Sunday) will opt for the 7 Train, the cheapest and most popular way. For a few dollars more, the Long Island Railroad is quicker and lets passengers off closer to the stadium. But if money is no object, why take the train when you can hire a helicopter? Or charter a boat? The Williamsburgh Yacht Club in Flushing has a dock steps from Citi Field and a short car ride to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. For $1,500, Dream Boat NY will ferry six passengers from Chelsea Piers, offering a Champagne lunch ($80 per person).

For some, the wild blue yonder is the only way. According to Blade helicopter, interest has taken off this year. "We've never seen it like this before," said Lee Gold, a spokesman. The flight from the 30th Street heliport takes 5 to 7 minutes and lands at La Guardia Airport. A Blade SUV drives you to the grounds, included in the $595 ride. Private suite, or a spot near the jumbotron? Perhaps the most exclusive way is courtside tickets with Blue Room privileges, a clubby space in Ashe steps from the court with a private entrance manned by security and hosts guarding VIP privacy. Earlier this week, a single front-row seat with Blue Room privileges for the men's semifinal was...