French Open: Ground Passes vs Centre Court Tickets – What’s Better?

Planning a trip to a Grand Slam like the French Open comes down to one key decision - “Getting tickets to the tournament”. But like every other sporting event, you have to choose what kind of tickets you want because this single decision will shape your entire experience at the tournament.

French Open tickets officially go on sale early in spring, months after ticket lottery draws. Lots of fans keen on attending the tournament keep checking their phone, hoping to grab a ticket before they sell out, but fail to understand the experience they are looking for. Here's a detailed breakdown of the two main ticket types available at the French Open.

What is a Ground pass?

A Ground pass at Roland Garros will give you access to the full tournament grounds but not the main show courts.

You can:

• Enter all outside courts where matches run throughout the day.
• Access to the 5000 seater Simonne Mathieu courts.
• Sit on a first come, first served basis.
• Watch practice sessions and warm ups at practice courts.
• Explore the Fan Village.

Limitations:

• No Access to Court Philippe-Chatrier
• No Access to Court Suzanne-Lenglen
• You cannot secure a reserved seat anywhere

Buying a Ground pass ticket gives you flexibility. You are not limited to a single court or seat and you can watch over 10+ games in a single day (in Week 1), sitting just a few meters from the players.

What is a Centre court ticket?

A centre court ticket is a premium viewing ticket. With it you get a reserved seat on Court Philippe-Chatrier for a full game session (either day or night).

You get:

• A guaranteed seat for the biggest matches of the day.
• Access to headline games and those featuring top seeded players.
• Entry to outside and practice courts.

With this pass you do not need to queue for seating, your spot is secured from the very start.

Ground pass vs centre court: key differences

There are a lot of differences between both tickets and these differences will have a great impact on experience at the French Open. 

1. Type of Access and Movement

Ground pass:

• You can move freely across multiple outside courts.
• Does NOT include access to games at the Philippe Chatrier or Suzanne Lenglen.
• Freedom to watch several matches in one day.
• No guaranteed seat at any court.

Centre court:

• Reserved seat for the session
• Access to Philippe Chatrier or Suzanne Lenglen courts.
• Less flexibility to explore

2. Type of matches

Ground pass:

• Earlier tournament matches
• Upcoming players and qualifiers
• Close up action on smaller courts

Centre court:

• Higher seeded players
• High profile matches
• Intensive Later Round matches

3. Atmosphere

Ground pass:

• Busy and very energetic
• Constant movement between courts
• Feels like a full day event

Centre court:

• More structured and focused
• Stadium level intensity
• More controlled environment

4. Viewing quality

Ground pass:

• Very close to players on smaller courts
• Seating availability is limited
• Chances of a longer waiting time

Centre court:

• Clear and comfortable viewing
• No stress about space
• Better perspective of matches

5. Pricing

Ground pass:

• Lower cost starting (from $199)
• Access to many matches in one day
• Best for families, budget-conscious fans and first timers who want to experience the full atmosphere.
• Strong value in early rounds

Centre court:

• Higher cost (from $299)
• Premium matches included
• Better value in later rounds

Best days to attend the French Open

While every matchup at the French Open is exciting to watch, choosing the right tickets for the right day will significantly save you money and improve your experience.

Here is a breakdown of which ticket you should go for throughout the tournament.

Days 1 to 4

The earlier days are best experienced with ground passes. You get to experience:

• Full action across all outside courts
• Multiple matches running at the same time
• Easier to move around and explore multiple games
• Explore foods, fan zones and walkways.
• Strong value for money

Days 5 to 8

Heading deeper into the tournament, a mixed strategy will work best to continue enjoying the very best parts of the tournament. This means combining Ground access with one or two days centre court upgrades. Why? This is because:

• The tournament narrows down and Big names start appearing more regularly.
• Outside courts are still active.
• Demand for Centre Court games begins to increase.

Quarter finals 

Tickets from this stage onwards shift to games at the centre courts.

• Most matches move to main courts.
• Little to no outside court action.
• Demand and prices for centre court tickets skyrocket.

Finals weekend

Centre court tickets are essential to be part of the grand finale of the tournament.

• Only the main courts host matches
• Highest level of competition
• Full stadium atmosphere and lively energy.

When a ground pass is the better choice

Choose a ground pass if:

• You are attending in the first week.
• You want to see multiple games in one day.
• You enjoy discovering new players.
• You prefer a flexible schedule.

When centre court tickets are worth it

Choose centre court if:

• You want guaranteed access to top profile games.
• You are attending the later rounds of the tournament.
• You prefer comfort and structure.
• You want to avoid queues and uncertainty.

What to Do at the French Open

Take time to walk around Roland-Garros Stadium and enjoy the atmosphere. The venue is large, but more compact than the US Open, so it is easier to get around without long walks.

Plan your day properly. Your ticket gives access to several matches, but if there is a specific player you want to see, build your schedule around that match.

Make sure you:

• Watch at least one doubles match, as it is often more exciting in person
• Spend time on the outside courts where the action feels closer and more intense
• Move around instead of staying in one place all day

Also, take care of yourself during the day:

• Drink enough water
• Use sunscreen, especially on sunny afternoons
• Expect long hours outdoors

Day Trips Around Paris

If you have extra time, there are several great places to visit nearby:

• Champagne for wine tasting
• Palace of Versailles for a guided tour
• Eiffel Tower for iconic views
• Louvre Museum to see world famous art
• Catacombs of Paris for a unique experience
• Notre-Dame Cathedral for history and architecture

These spots are easy to add to your trip and give you a full Paris experience beyond the tennis.

Why You Should Attend the Next French Open Tournament

Only a few tournaments hold the prestige and allure of the French Open. You get to watch the best tennis players on the planet compete for the title on clay, while enjoying the lively atmosphere at one of the biggest events in sport.

The grounds are easy to explore, so you can move between matches and take in the full experience. Being in Paris also adds to the trip, with great food and plenty to see outside the tournament.

If you are attending for the first time, a ground pass often delivers more value and a fuller experience. If your focus is on top players and key matches, the centre court is the better choice. The best experience comes from understanding when to use each.

Tickets can be hard to get, but platforms like Loco Tickets make it easier to secure your spot without the stress.