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How Many Balls Do They Use at the US Open? 14 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know. Take a look at the mind-blowing numbers behind the big tennis event.

By Dan Bova

TPN | Getty Images

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the US Open, the nation's premier tennis event that takes place in Queens, N.Y. While millions will watch the likes of Nadal, Federer and Wozniacki battling it out on TV, computers and devices, ticket holders heading out to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center this year will not only experience incredible tennis, but will be hit with a crazy array of food options, interactive installations, appearances by tennis legends and did we mention food options? There will a lot of those, which you can learn more about from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who is feeding both fans and players. (Watch our interview with him here.)

Take a look at some of the incredible numbers that add up to the 2018 US Open.

Related: How Venus Williams Is Serving Up Her Entrepreneurial Dreams

CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images

It's a big anniversary.

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the US Open. In 1978, the tournament found its home in what is now called the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y. Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert were the singles champions that first year.

Wilson

Lots and lots of balls.

Over the course of the tournament, 71,001 tennis balls will be taken out of 23,667 cans. Wilson has been the official ball of the US Open since 1978.

James Leynse | Getty Images

They're always ready for emergency tennis.

Only 16 of the 17 tournament courts are actually used during US Open competition. One court is always left vacant for emergency use.

Related: Gary Vaynerchuk Shares the Biggest Secret in Pro Sports

Amazon

Thirsty players' most requested beverages.

Next to Evian water, coconut water and espresso are the two most consumed beverages by players.

Related: 30 Legendary Athletes Who Became Business All-Stars

REDA&CO | Getty Images

Hungry players' most requested meal.

Seared scallops is the most popular food item provided to players.

Photo by iSAW Company from Pexels

The fans are really into claws.

An estimated 9,000 pounds of lobster will be served during the US Open.

USTA

And burgers and dogs.

There will be 225,000 hamburgers and hot dogs served and devoured over the course of the tournament.

Bettmann | Getty Images

Thanks, Billie Jean!

The US Open has offered equal prize money for both men and women since King threatened to boycott the tournament in 1973.

Related: 10 Working Women Pioneers Who Changed the World for Good

aodaodaod | Getty Images

The line judges are electric.

The 17 tournament courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are equipped with 170 total cameras for electric line calling.

Related: 40 Most Entrepreneurial Athletes In the Game

AFP Contributor | Getty Images

No bouncing please!

For the first time in its history, ball persons will be required to roll balls on court versus throwing.

Don Emmert | Getty Images

Need a towel? No sweat!

Merchandise stands will likely sell 10,000 US Open towels this year.

Related: Serena Williams and the 9 Most Successful Entrepreneur Athletes

Dan Bova

A lot of butts in the seats.

More than 700,000 fans will visit the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center over the course of the tournament.

Dan Bova

A melon ball monsoon.

Some 275,000 melon balls will used to garnish the US Open's signature Honey Deuce cocktail.

Related: 19 Celebrities Who Started Alcohol Companies

USTA | Darren Carroll

Louis Armstrong got a new hat.

This year the USTA revealed the completion of a five-year, $600 million transformation project that included new practice courts, a retractable roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium and a new Grandstand and roof at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

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