Forest Hills Stadium
A former US Open tennis stadium converted into a 13,000-seat concert venue in residential Queens, where the steep grandstand geometry puts the back row closer than the front row of most arenas. Built in 1923, closed for concerts, then fought through a neighborhood legal battle in 2025 to reclaim its license. No parking allowed. No BYOB alcohol. Don't expect a generic arena experience.
What to Know Before You Go
- 1Use LIRR or subway, not a car.
There's literally no parking at the venue or on the residential streets nearby. The venue explicitly recommends transit only. LIRR Forest Hills station is a 5-10 minute walk; the 71st Forest Hills subway (E/F/M/R) is also nearby. Pick whichever gets you home easier.
- 2Expect a single-exit bottleneck after the show.
Fans consistently report only one exit onto the street post-show, which means all 13,000 people funnel through the same point. Walk confidently toward the transit station; you'll have plenty of company, and crowds post-show are heavy for 15-20 minutes.
- 3The tennis court orientation shapes what you see.
The stage is oriented across the tennis court, not from one end. This means sections on the far baselines (not directly opposite the stage) see the performer at an angle rather than head-on. This is baked into the architecture and affects which sections are worth the price.
- 4Bench seating in the bowl, backed seats in the club.
The main grandstand sections have bench seats without backs. Club sections (401, 501, 601, 701) have backed seats and are significantly more comfortable for shows over two hours. The comfort difference is real.
- 5Bring a light jacket even for warm shows.
The venue is completely open to the air. Summer evening shows start at 75-85 degrees but drop noticeably by the encore. You'll be glad you have a layer.
- 6Steep sightlines are actually an advantage.
Because the grandstands rise at a sharp angle, even the "far back" sections are surprisingly close to the stage experientially. Fans 5'1" report seeing over crowds. This is the tennis stadium's superpower.
- 7Food is local and pricey like Barclays or Citi Field.
Expect to pay major-NYC-venue prices. Vendors include Nick's Bistro, 5 Burro, and Stacked Sandwich Shop. The concessions are described as "good options," but they're not cheap.
- 8Staff is described as helpful and friendly.
Multiple fans note that the intimacy extends to how the venue operates. This isn't a cold, corporate arena feeling. It's smaller and more personal.
- 9Watch out for the light tower.
Multiple fan reviews mention a "giant light tower blocking views" from some sections. Which sections exactly is unclear from available reports, but it's worth checking A View From My Seat reviews for your specific section before buying.
- 10The neighborhood permit story is real and shapes the vibe.
In 2025, the Forest Hills neighborhood association fought the venue over sound permits, and it took a legal battle to get concerts back. That tension is part of the experience. Shows run within strict noise limits. This isn't a "anything goes" venue.
- 11BYOB alcohol is not allowed.
Clear bags, no outside booze. If you're planning to drink, buy at the venue. They serve craft beer, wine, and cocktails.
- 12One factory-sealed water bottle per person allowed.
You can bring a 40 oz or smaller sealed plastic bottle of water, but nothing else. Water is also available for purchase, though pricing isn't documented.
At a Glance
- Capacity
- 13,000
- Venue Type
- Stadium (tennis court conversion)
- Year Opened
- 1923
- Seating
- Reserved bench + club sections, GA floor
- Cashless
- Yes
- Cell Service
- Not documented
- Climate
- Outdoor, unroofed
- Parking
- None (transit only)
- Transit
- LIRR Forest Hills (5-10 min walk), MTA 71st Forest Hills E/F/M/R
What It's Actually Like
The Tennis Bowl Geometry Changes Everything
The defining characteristic of Forest Hills Stadium is the grandstand seating arranged in a steep arc around a tennis court. This isn't a modern purpose-built venue. It's a 1923 tennis facility repurposed for concerts, and that decision reshapes the experience in fundamental ways. The bowl rises at a sharp angle, which means row 20 from the back is often closer to the stage than row 1 from a side section. Your seat number is almost meaningless; your angle to the stage matters more. Fans consistently report "incredible views" and "cozy" atmosphere despite the 13,000 capacity because the geometry compresses the experience.
Loud Sound, But It's Getting Better
The brick and stone structure creates natural acoustic bounce that feels clear and balanced across most sections. The newly installed 2026 state-of-the-art sound system was specifically designed to improve audio while reducing neighborhood sound bleed (a requirement given the residential area). One reviewer called the acoustics "incredible." The open-air design means some sound dispersal compared to enclosed arenas, and the single-stage orientation across the court (rather than from one end) creates asymmetrical effects. You might notice the sound differs from the far baseline sections vs. the side sections, but fans haven't reported significant dead zones.
Intimate Atmosphere with Neighborhood Teeth
Forest Hills Stadium is described as "cozy" and "garden party" atmospherics, which is unusual for a 13k capacity venue. The seated grandstands (not a festival GA field) encourage a less rowdy, more settled crowd than you'd find at massive outdoor GA venues. Staff is consistently praised as "helpful and friendly." But don't miss the context: this venue is in a residential neighborhood, and the 2025 permit battle is recent history. There's an undercurrent of neighborhood sensitivity. Shows run within noise restrictions. Doors close at times that would be normal elsewhere. This creates a different energy than venues in commercial districts. It's not tense, but it's aware.
[!quote] "The steep sightlines mean you get an incredible view from practically any seat, even far back. I could see over the standing crowd despite being 5'1"." - A View From My Seat review, 2025
All-Weather Exposure with No Shelter
This is an open-air stadium with no roof or cover. Summer shows (75-85 degrees at arrival) drop noticeably by the time the main set ends. Fans report needing a jacket by the encore even on warm evenings. Spring and fall shows involve actual weather exposure—rain isn't covered, wind isn't blocked. This venue requires you to think like you're going to an outdoor event, not a concert that happens to be outside.
Section-by-Section Guide
Floor / GA
Floor configuration varies by event. When GA is available, it uses the tennis court surface positioned in front of the stage. The floor experience differs significantly from the grandstand seated bowl. Specific details on floor compression, barriers, and best positioning are not yet documented from fan reports. If you're considering floor, check recent concert reviews on A View From My Seat or social media for the specific event.
Grandstand Bowl (Sections 101-318)
The main seating area is divided into multiple sections following the original tennis grandstand layout. These are bench seats without backs.
Sections 101-210 (Lower bowl, side-angle views): These sections are closer to the stage by distance but sit at an angle rather than head-on because the stage is oriented across the court. They offer good views but from the sides rather than straight-on. Comfort is adequate but bench seating without backs is a factor on longer shows.
Sections 211-318 (Upper terraces, steep angle): Despite being labeled as "furthest" and "budget seating," the steep bowl angle actually puts these sections competitively close to the stage in terms of experiential distance. Fans praise the "incredible views" and note that upper sections here don't have the obstruction typical of arena upper decks. These sections are genuine value plays. Multiple A View From My Seat reviews note great sightlines from these areas.
Comfort trade-off: Bench seating without backs creates discomfort on shows over two hours. Some sections are described as "comfortable and not cramped" while others draw complaints of "cramped aisles and uncomfortable seats." This variation by specific section is not yet documented with precision. Check A View From My Seat reviews for your specific section before buying.
Obstruction problems: Multiple fans warn of problem sections. One A View From My Seat reviewer stated "You can't see anything, don't buy tickets in this section," while another reported only seeing the performer when she was on the catwalk or at center front, with video screens not angled toward their seating area. The specific section numbers for these obstruction issues are not documented. Additionally, multiple fans report a "giant light tower blocking views" from some sections—specifics not yet available. Before finalizing your purchase, check recent reviews on A View From My Seat or fan social media for your section number to avoid obstruction surprises.
Club Sections (401, 501, 601, 701)
Located in the higher tiers of the bowl, club sections offer backed seats (vs. bench seating in the main bowl) and premium positioning. One A View From My Seat review of Section 401, Row A called it "one of the best views" with "center stage and no one in front of you" and noted the backed seats as comfortable. The backed seats make these sections significantly more comfortable for longer shows. Whether the premium price is worth it depends on your pain tolerance for bench seating and how much you prioritize comfort over savings.
Accessibility Seating
The venue states it offers accessible seating with companion seating and accessible entrances. Specific locations of accessible sections are not documented. A significant accessibility gap: the venue has zero on-site parking, and the LIRR and subway walks may present barriers for mobility-impaired guests. If you require accessible seating, contact the venue directly to understand the specific section location and whether the walks from transit stations work for your needs.
Getting There
Driving and Parking
Don't. There is no parking at Forest Hills Stadium. The surrounding area is residential, and street parking is prohibited. The venue's official guidance is explicit: do not plan to drive. This is a transit-only venue by necessity.
LIRR (Long Island Railroad)
Route: LIRR from Penn Station (Manhattan) or from Queens at Jamaica Station.
Station: Forest Hills LIRR Station, Burns Street
Walking distance: 5-10 minutes from venue. Cross through Station Square and head south on Burns Street.
Frequency: Regular weekday and weekend service. After-show service available but frequency decreases late night. Check the LIRR schedule for your specific show time.
Post-show crowding: The LIRR station is one of Queens' busiest and was upgraded with platform extensions in 2018 specifically for event capacity at Forest Hills Stadium. Post-show, expect heavy crowds for 15-20 minutes as attendees funnel to the platforms. One reviewer notes: "A lot of people you will be walking with so be prepared for delays due to crowds."
Advantage: Direct connection to Penn Station and across the LIRR network. Single-transit solution if you're coming from parts of Long Island or central NYC.
MTA Subway
Routes: E, F trains at all times; M trains weekdays during the day; R trains at all times except late night. Multiple options serve the 71st Forest Hills station.
Station: Forest Hills 71st Avenue station (E/F/M/R lines)
Walking distance: Not specified in available sources, but likely similar to LIRR.
Advantage: Frequent service on the E and F lines. Multiple options depending on where you're coming from.
Post-Show Exit Strategy
All 13,000 attendees exit through a single point onto the street. Post-show crowds are heavy but move. Head confidently toward your transit station (LIRR and subway are both walkable from the venue). The crowd clears noticeably after about 20 minutes. If you wait too long, you'll be waiting for the late-night frequency drop on whichever transit you're using.
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft logistics in a residential neighborhood are unclear from fan reports. The neighborhood is tightly zoned residential, which may affect where drivers can pick up. A rideshare surge is almost certain post-show. Check the surge pricing before committing and consider whether waiting it out for the crowd to clear might be worthwhile.
Food, Drink, and Merch
What's Worth Getting
Specific menu items and prices are not well-documented in fan sources, but the venue partners with local restaurants including Nick's Bistro, 5 Burro, and Stacked Sandwich Shop. The concessions are described as offering "good local food and beers." Expect to pay Barclays or Citi Field pricing—this is a major NYC venue concession tier. The craft beer selection is noted as a positive. Italian rice balls, burgers, hot dogs, and lobster roll options are available. Specific prices for beers, mixed drinks, and food items are not yet documented from current reviews.
Alcohol Service
The venue has a full liquor license with beer, wine, and mixed drinks available. Age 21+ requirement with ID. Alcohol cutoff time is not documented. BYOB alcohol is explicitly prohibited—no outside alcohol allowed. If you want to drink, you're buying from the venue vendors.
Water
One factory-sealed plastic water bottle (40 oz or less) per guest is allowed as a bring-in. Water is also available for purchase at the venue, though prices are not documented.
Merch
Merch booth locations, opening timing relative to doors, and whether venue-exclusive items are available are not documented in fan sources. Standard artist tour merch is sold, but venue-specific logistics are undocumented. Check the venue's website or contact them directly for merch-specific details for your show.
Venue History
1923: Built for Tennis
Forest Hills Stadium opened in 1923 as the home of the US Open tennis tournament and operated as a tennis venue for decades. The grandstand seating, steep bowl design, and court orientation were all built for tennis spectators.
1960s-1970s: Concert Heyday
During the golden age of outdoor concert venues, Forest Hills Stadium hosted iconic performances. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and Simon & Garfunkel all performed here during this era. The venue became a storied concert destination on the strength of these historic shows.
2000s-2020s: Decline and Closure
The venue gradually reduced concert activity and eventually ceased hosting major concerts. For roughly two decades, Forest Hills Stadium existed primarily as a tennis venue.
2025: The Permit Battle and Resurgence
In 2025, the venue announced a return to concerts with a full summer lineup including Phish, Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, Pulp, and Alabama Shakes. However, this resurgence immediately faced resistance from the local Forest Hills neighborhood association and the private Forest Hills Garden Corporation. Permit fights ensued. The NYPD initially denied sound amplification permits due to neighborhood opposition and the private property complications. After an extensive legal battle, Forest Hills Stadium ultimately won permission to hold concerts again. This battle is part of the recent history and shapes how the venue operates today—strictly within noise limits and with neighborhood awareness.
April 2026: Settlement and Momentum
A lawsuit from Forest Hills residents was settled in April 2026. The venue is now approved to host concerts with operational constraints that reflect neighborhood concerns. Billboard named Forest Hills Stadium the best amphitheater on the East Coast in 2025 based on its resurgence and overall experience. The 2026 season includes 20 events with artists like Bright Eyes, Dave Matthews Band, and Whiskey Myers scheduled.
Ownership and Operations
The venue operates in partnership with the West Side Tennis Club on private property. This creates unique operational quirks—street closures for concerts require approval from the private Forest Hills Garden Corporation neighborhood association. This private property status is part of why the venue feels different from municipal or corporate-owned venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest Hills Stadium Links
Log This Show
Been to Forest Hills Stadium? Log it in the Concerts Remembered app. Track your setlist, rate your seat, save your memories, and build your personal concert history.
This guide is based on fan reports, public records, and community discussion. It is not sponsored by or affiliated with Forest Hills Stadium.