NEW YORK: American Express has announced a string of benefits for its card subscribers and fans who will attend the US Open Tennis Championships at the city’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center starting on August 27.
The financial services company will enter into its 25th year of sponsoring the event as its Official Payments Partner and aims to enhance the overall end-to-end fan experience with new services such as the Amex Band, a contactless payment wristband that allows card members to pay for purchases and unlock benefits with a tap of the band.
A similar feature was introduced by VISA at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. For the brand’s advertising campaign in the form of a social and digital content series, American Express has continued its long-standing partnership with four-time tournament champion Venus Williams.
The American Express Fan Experience will have new additions this year such as the Super Rally, an interactive gaming experience that allows players to go beyond augmented reality and simultaneously play tennis in both the digital and physical worlds.
Players will enter one of eight bays featuring a life-sized transparent monitor. After getting a video tutorial on how to play by Williams, fans will use a custom-designed 3D printed racket to return virtual tennis balls in augmented reality against physical targets. Available to all US Open attendees, the experience will challenge players to score as many points as possible.
There will be a Centurion Suite opened at the new Louis Armstrong Stadium for the American Express Card Member Club on the second floor, which will serve more as a hospitality box for members to relax and enjoy several complimentary services such as highly prized food and beverage offerings by some of the finest chefs in the country. There will also be special flat-screen TVs, dedicated WiFi networks and restrooms and phone charging stations to enhance the viewing experience. To share it with their loved ones, they will also have an opportunity for a unique photo moment.
Other features such as The American Express Radios, exclusively for Card Members, continue to bring fans closer to the tournament, providing live commentary and updates from ESPN. American Express will distribute radios from four satellite booth locations across all the grounds while supplies last.
The company will also host Guest Information booths everywhere as well as a dedicated Guest Information section within the US Open mobile app, to help fans easily navigate their way around and find answers to frequently asked questions. It has incorporated large touchscreen ground maps into each of the booths to make getting information even easier. Fans will be able to zoom in and out on the maps to help them navigate the Open.
“Whether you’re a casual fan or have been attending the US Open for a decade, our goal is to deliver essential benefits and innovative experiences that enhance the overall Championship experience and reflect our brand’s best-in-class service platform,” said Deborah Curtis, vice president, Global Experiences and Partnerships, American Express.
“Our partnership with the USTA is a prime example of how we’re backing our Card Members and fans alike across their biggest passion points and favorite cultural events.”
