To help build awareness and excitement for the US Open, American Express, Tishman Speyer Properties, owners of Rockefeller Center, and the USTA will re-create the Flushing Meadows US Open experience right in the middle of Manhattan. US Open Live at Rockefeller Center begins on Saturday, August 30 until Sunday, September 7. The area between 50th and 51st street will be transformed into center court complete with stadium seating, a Jumbotron screen where fans can enjoy broadcasts of each day's games, concessions and a number of other “fun for the fans” activities — all free and open to the public.

Special events planned as part of Live at Rockefeller Center include an Afternoon with Aces on September 2, where some of the biggest names in tennis, past and present will share their unforgettable US Open experiences and a Super Saturday Skills Challenge event on September 6.

In addition to US Open Live at Rockefeller Center, American Express Cardmembers will have access to a number of benefits during the tournament on-site at the USTA National Tennis Center created to maximize the event experience including radio headsets that carry the live television broadcast of the matches from CBS Sports/USA Network and an opportunity to “Pose with the Pros” with an image of a tennis star.

“The US Open is a premier event that people around the world look forward to and this year more tennis fans, New Yorkers and American Express® Cardmembers can enjoy the experience,” said Nancy Smith, vice president, Global Media and Sponsorship, American Express. “Through our sponsorship, we are offering unique experiences and benefits to our cardmembers that add to the event, while raising awareness about the advantages of being an American Express Cardmember.”

In conjunction with its US Open on-site and Rockefeller Center activities, American Express is also launching a major advertising campaign promoting its “Official Card” status, which includes a television spot featuring Andre Agassi, along with print and out-of-home media featuring Agassi, Monica Seles and rising stars Daniela Hantuchova and James Blake.

Details on US Open Live at Rockefeller Center
An Afternoon with Aces — On September 2, live at Rockefeller Center, some of the biggest names in tennis, past and present, will share their unforgettable US Open experiences and take questions from the audience.

Super Saturday Celebration — A daylong, family-focused “tennis world” festival at Rockefeller Center on September 6 where consumers can participate in activities including interactive tennis challenges, instruction from tennis pros, prize giveaways, and much more.

“From Rockefeller Center to Flushing Meadows” Ticket Promotion — A daily drawing will enable a cardmember to win a pair of courtside-level tickets to enjoy that evening's matches, complete with limousine transportation to the USTA National Tennis Center and a Be My Guest Card for complimentary dining. Additional pairs of tickets will also be awarded. Cardmembers are able to enter the drawing from 11:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. daily at the guest information booth.

Cardmember Seating Area — A reserved-seating section with prime views of the Jumbotron in Rockefeller Center featuring low-to-the-ground beach chairs, allowing for a more comfortable viewing experience.

“Pose with the Pros” Photo Booth — “Green Screen” photo opportunity for tennis fans to obtain a souvenir photo with one of the featured athletes in the “The Official Card” advertising campaign.

Silent Auction of Andre Agassi Memorabilia — Each day of the US Open Live at Rockefeller Center, cardmembers will have an opportunity to bid on unique Andre Agassi memorabilia. The silent auction will take place within the American Express “Welcome Pavilion” at Rockefeller Center and proceeds generated will benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable foundation (AACF). To participate, cardmembers simply have to place a bid next to select memorabilia during 11:00 am to 11:00 pm each night with the exception of September 5 and 7, when bidding will be accepted until 7:00 pm. Items will be awarded to the highest bidders upon conclusion of the Rockefeller Center event on September 7. American Express Cards or cash will be the only forms of payment accepted.

US Open Guest Information Booth at Rockefeller Center — The booth will provide information such as general viewing details and tournament information.

Cardmember Benefits On-Site at Flushing Meadows
American Express Radio: Live at the Open! — Cardmembers who present their card at the American Express Radio booths will be provided a radio headset for the session that will carry the live television broadcast of the matches from CBS Sports/USA Network, providing an opportunity for cardmembers to get even closer to the action. (Offer valid while supplies last.)

American Express Concierge Services Program — Cardmembers can use the concierge service for recommendations and reservations for post-match meals at select city restaurants, access to reserved on-site restaurants and NYC transportation assistance to get back home.

Cardmember Assistance — American Express customer service representatives will be on-site to assist cardmembers with lost, stolen or damaged cards, to check their balances and to enroll in the Membership Rewards program.

US Open Shops/www.usopen.org — By charging $75 or more on merchandise, concessions or restaurants with the card at the US Open (or at the US Open Store at www.usopen.org), cardmembers can receive a commemorative “Official Card” pin showcasing one of the featured players in the campaign.

For All Tennis Fans
Additional activities during the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center include the American Express Skills Challenge as part of Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, the American Express Corporate Day and “Pose with the Pros Photo Booth.”

On Arthur Ashe Kids' Day fans will have the opportunity to watch tennis pros, including Agassi, compete in the American Express Skills Challenge for cash prizes that will be donated to the pros' favorite charities.

On American Express Corporate Day on Monday, September 1, fans who visit the US Open site will receive a preloaded Metrocard with a $2 fare good for a train ride home.

Tennis fans will have the opportunity to “Pose with the Pros” and obtain a souvenir photo with one of the featured athletes in the “The Official Card” campaign taken behind a “Green Screen.”

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