Know before you go
Tickets, Access & How Roland Garros really works
At Roland Garros, your ticket defines both your reserved seating and the areas of the grounds you may access. Understanding this structure in advance makes a significant difference to how smoothly your day unfolds.
A ticket for Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen includes a reserved seat in the stadium listed on your ticket for the entire day session (or night session, if applicable). In addition to your reserved stadium seat, these tickets also grant access to the outside courts (Courts 2–14), subject to capacity.
The outside courts operate on an open-seating basis. This means you may enter, watch a match, and leave freely between matches as long as the court has available capacity. Once a court reaches its maximum capacity, stewards temporarily restrict entry until spectators exit. This system is normal at Roland Garros and ensures safety and comfort for all visitors.
Grounds-only tickets provide access exclusively to the outside courts and do not include entry to Philippe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen. These tickets are ideal for visitors who want to explore multiple matches across the grounds but do not require reserved stadium seating.
A common misconception among first-time visitors is that a stadium ticket limits you to that one court. In reality, stadium tickets offer the most flexibility, combining a guaranteed reserved seat with the freedom to explore the outer courts throughout the day.
Movement between courts is allowed, but seating rules are strictly enforced inside stadiums. Stewards check tickets at stadium entrances and within seating sections, and re-entry into seating areas may be restricted during active play.
Understanding these access rules allows you to plan your day with confidence. Whether that means settling into your reserved seat for a headline match or discovering emerging players on the outside courts.
Match scheduling, players & realistic expectations
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Roland Garros is how the match schedule works. Unlike many other sporting events, Roland Garros does not publish full schedules weeks or months in advance.
The order of play is released only one day ahead, usually in the late afternoon or evening for the following day. This applies to all courts, including Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen.
There are important reasons for this:
- Matches can last anywhere from under one hour to well over four hours
- Weather conditions can cause delays or rescheduling
- Tournament organizers must react to results from previous rounds
- Television and broadcast priorities may influence court assignments
As a result, match start times are indicative, not fixed. A match listed as starting at 11:00 may begin later if earlier matches run long. This is completely normal at Grand Slam tournaments and part of the rhythm of Roland Garros.
It also means that no ticket can guarantee seeing a specific player on a specific court on a specific day. Even if you attend on a day when your favorite player is expected to play, final court assignments are confirmed only once the order of play is released.
If your goal is to see as much top-level tennis as possible, flexibility is key. Early rounds offer significant rewards, with more matches spread across multiple courts and the possibility of multiple top players appearing on the same day. Stadium tickets increase the likelihood of seeing high-profile matches, but they should be viewed as access to a premium experience, not a single guaranteed player.
Night sessions on Philippe-Chatrier are sold as separate tickets and usually feature one or two headline matches. Day session tickets do not include access to night sessions unless this is explicitly stated on the ticket.
The best mindset is to treat Roland Garros as a full-day tennis experience rather than a single-match event. Some of the most memorable moments for visitors happen unexpectedly — often on outside courts where future stars compete just a few meters away.
Arrival, security & entry rules (very important)
Security at Stade Roland Garros is strict and well organized, and procedures are comparable to airport-style screening. Understanding the entry process in advance will save time and help you start the day calmly.
Arrival timing:
Gates typically open one to two hours before the first scheduled match. Arriving early is strongly recommended, especially on busy days.
Early arrival allows you to:
- Pass through security with shorter queues
- Access outside courts before they reach capacity
- Find your bearings and explore the grounds without rush
- Enjoy food or coffee before matches begin
Your ticket displays a recommended entrance gate. Always check this before arrival and follow on-site signage. Staff may redirect visitors to alternative gates to manage crowd flow efficiently.
Bags & prohibited items:
Only small bags are permitted inside the venue. Large backpacks, suitcases, rigid bags, and oversized totes are not allowed. Importantly, there is no large-bag storage facility at Roland Garros.
Items that are not permitted include:
- Glass bottles or cans
- Alcohol brought from outside
- Large umbrellas
- Selfie sticks
- Professional camera equipment
- Hard containers
Items typically allowed include:
- Small, soft-sided bags
- Mobile phones and compact cameras
- Sunscreen (non-aerosol is recommended)
- Empty or small plastic water bottles
Security checks are applied consistently, and exceptions are rarely made. If you are unsure about an item, it is best to leave it at your accommodation.
Inside the grounds: Movement, Food, Weather & Comfort
Once inside, Roland Garros feels more like a tennis village than a single stadium. The grounds are extensive, and visitors often walk more than expected throughout the day.
Moving between courts:
Outside courts operate on an open-seating basis. Spectators may enter and leave freely between matches, but not during active points. Queues may form for popular matches, with access temporarily restricted until spectators leave.
Stadium seating is reserved. Stewards may limit movement during play to avoid disruption, and re-entry into seating sections is usually easier between matches.
A practical tip:
If you plan to explore multiple courts, allow extra time for walking and queues, and prioritize matches you are most interested in earlier in the day.
Food, drinks & payment:
Roland Garros offers a wide range of food options, from quick snacks to more elaborate dining. Vegetarian options are widely available.
Free water fountains are located throughout the grounds, and bringing an empty bottle is strongly recommended. Alcoholic beverages are sold inside the venue.
Payments are generally cashless, and international debit and credit cards are accepted.
Weather & clothing:
Paris weather in late May and early June can change quickly. It is common to experience sunshine, clouds, rain, and cooler temperatures all on the same day.
Recommended items include:
- A light jacket or sweater
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A compact rain poncho
While Philippe-Chatrier has a retractable roof, most courts are open-air, and weather preparedness greatly improves comfort.
Practical rules, re-entry & common mistakes
Re-entry is generally not permitted. Once you leave the venue, your ticket is usually invalidated. For this reason, visitors should plan to remain inside the grounds for the duration of their visit.
Families & accessibility:
Children are welcome at Roland-Garros, and every spectator requires a valid ticket. Strollers are usually not allowed inside the grounds.
The venue provides accessible seating, ramps, and assistance services. Visitors requiring accessibility support are advised to arrive early and allow additional time for entry and movement.
Photography & merchandise:
Personal photography and short videos on mobile devices are allowed, provided they do not disturb play. Flash photography during points is prohibited. Professional equipment, tripods, and commercial filming are not permitted.
Official Roland-Garros merchandise stores are located throughout the grounds and offer apparel, accessories, and limited-edition items. During later rounds, popular sizes and items may sell out.
Common first-time mistakes to avoid:
- Bringing bags that exceed permitted size
- Expecting fixed match times or guaranteed players
- Arriving late and missing access to outside courts
- Underestimating walking distances between courts
- Failing to prepare for changing weather conditions
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