The U.S. Tennis Association plans background checks on all job applicants – from ball boys to burger-flippers – at the upcoming U.S. Open.
Fans arriving at the National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows in Queens also will be subjected to unprecedented screening.
“Obviously, the climate at this year’s Open is different than last year,” explained USTA spokesman Eric Handler.
Final plans are still being worked out, but spectators are expected to face bag checks, hand-wanding, metal detectors and X-ray machines.
And all personnel – from vendors, drivers and food-service workers to the media and tournament guests – will be required to undergo intensive pre-event security checks.
“The credentialing process is different because of [Sept. 11] – the safety precautions are important,” said Joanne Jordan of Restaurant Associates.
She added that all routes onto the grounds will be monitored and all deliveries will be screened at a central clearinghouse.
In its “Help Wanted” ads for on-site jobs at the Open, Restaurant Associations alerted potential employees that they would be subjected to “local, state and federal” background checks.
Handler said the USTA will not have access to any of the information gathered in the government security checks.
The Open tournament is scheduled to begin Aug. 26 with qualifying events, but free tennis-related programs begin Aug. 20.
Fans are being advised to leave extra time for traffic and security checks and to travel lightly.
