Forest Hills Stadium is an outdoor concert venue on the grounds of the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City. Built in 1923, the horseshoe-shaped stadium was originally constructed to host tennis, serving as the home of the U.S. National Championships (the forerunner to the U.S. Open) for decades before the tournament moved to Flushing Meadows in 1978.
Beyond tennis, the stadium became one of the era’s defining concert stops, most famously hosting the Beatles for two sold-out nights in August 1964. After decades of disrepair following the loss of the U.S. Open, the venue underwent a multi-year renovation and reopened as a concert destination in August 2013 with a show by Mumford & Sons, and it has hosted major touring acts ever since.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Forest Hills, Queens, New York City
- Type: Outdoor stadium / concert venue
- Opened: 1923
- Reopened for concerts: August 2013
- Capacity: About 14,000-16,000 for concerts
- Former use: Home of the U.S. National Championships / U.S. Open, 1923-1977
- Famous for: The Beatles’ August 1964 concerts, their first-ever stadium shows
From Tennis Cathedral to Concert Stage
The stadium’s horseshoe design and Tudor-influenced clubhouse date to 1923, when it was built by the West Side Tennis Club to accommodate the crowds drawn by stars like Bill Tilden. It hosted the U.S. National Championships across two stretches, 1915-1920 and 1924-1977, along with ten Davis Cup finals, and introduced innovations such as tournament seedings, tiebreakers, and equal prize money for men and women.
Once the U.S. Open relocated to Flushing Meadows in 1978, the stadium’s tennis prominence faded and the structure fell into disrepair, at one point described as a crumbling ruin. A comprehensive renovation beginning in 2013 preserved the venue’s Neoclassical facade and its row of eagle statues while modernizing seating, staging, and infrastructure.
A Landmark Concert Venue
Forest Hills Stadium’s concert history stretches back to the 1960s and 70s, when it hosted the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones. The Beatles’ August 1964 shows drew more than 31,000 fans over two nights and remain among the venue’s most celebrated moments.
Since its 2013 relaunch under promoters Mike Luba and Jon McMillan, the open-air stadium has again become a sought-after New York stop for major touring artists, pairing its historic architecture with a permanent stage designed by Mark Fisher, known for his work on tours for Pink Floyd and U2.
Explore more: Explore more legendary music venues.
Forest Hills Stadium FAQs
When was Forest Hills Stadium built?
The stadium was built in 1923 by the West Side Tennis Club to host tennis championships, and it later became a major concert venue.
What is the capacity of Forest Hills Stadium?
It holds roughly 14,000 to 16,000 people for concerts, depending on the show’s configuration.
Did the Beatles really play at Forest Hills Stadium?
Yes, the Beatles performed two sold-out shows there on August 28-29, 1964, drawing more than 31,000 fans combined.
Get More from Forest Hills Stadium
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Forest Hills Stadium, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Scu ba / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.