AMERICAN EXPRESS SERVES UP ULTIMATE US OPEN EXPERIENCE FOR TENNIS FANS AND CARDMEMBERS
Flushing Meadows Comes to Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center with Chris Evert and Monica Seles battling in Celebrity Doubles Challenge
NEW YORK, August 24, 2004 -- American Express, a longstanding sponsor of the US Open Tennis Championships, today announced that it will again bring the experience and excitement of this year's US Open into New York City's Rockefeller Center, in addition to a significant presence on-site at Flushing Meadows.
For the second year in row, American Express will host a series of activities granting tennis fans and Cardmembers access to the ultimate US Open experience. To help build awareness and enthusiasm for the 2004 US Open, American Express, Tishman Speyer Properties, the owners of Rockefeller Center, and the USTA will recreate the Flushing Meadows US Open experience right in the heart of Manhattan.
American Express presents US Open Live at Rockefeller Center begins on Saturday, September 4 and runs through Sunday, September 12. The area between 49th and 51st streets will be transformed into the Tennis Center complete with stadium seating, a jumbotron screen where fans can enjoy the live broadcast of each day's matches from 11AM – 11PM, a tennis court, concessions and an assortment of other interactive activities for fans – all open to the public and free of charge.
“American Express is excited to once again provide tennis fans, New Yorkers and American Express® Cardmembers a unique US Open experience in Rockefeller Center and on-site at Flushing Meadows,” said Nancy Smith, Vice President Global Media and Sponsorship, American Express. “Through our sponsorship we will promote the game of tennis and offer premier benefits to our Cardmembers to enhance their experience.”
In addition to activities at Rockefeller Center, American Express presents US Open Live in Harlem, another unique viewing opportunity, in conjunction with the USTA. US Open Live in Harlem will be located outside the Adam Clayton Powell federal building at 125th Street in Harlem, and will run from Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6. At this site, fans can enjoy the live broadcast of the tournament on a giant mobile screen, take part in interactive tennis games and have the chance to win US Open tickets.
To support the program, American Express will also unveil new advertising promoting the company's “Official Card” status of the US Open. The company has served as the “Official Card of the US Open” for the past 11 years. The campaign includes new television spots featuring defending US Open champion Andy Roddick and two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, in addition to a television spot featuring two-time US Open champion Andre Agassi. Print and out-of-home advertising will feature Roddick, Williams, Agassi and the #1 ranked doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan.
Events at American Express presents US Open Live at Rockefeller Center1
Family Day Celebration: A daylong, family-focused “tennis world” festival where consumers can participate in activities including interactive tennis challenges, instruction from tennis pros, prize giveaways and much more. Monday, September 6
Tennis Fashions Event: A fun-filled display of tennis fashions. Tuesday, September 7
Celebrity Doubles Challenge: An action-packed afternoon of tennis featuring superstar tennis legends Chris Evert and Monica Seles, who have combined for 27 Grand Slam and 8 US Open singles titles, along with special guest celebrities battling it out in Rockefeller Center. Wednesday, September 8
Musical Performance: A special outdoor musical performance. Thursday, September 9
“From Rockefeller Center to Flushing Meadows” Ticket Promotion: A daily drawing enabling a Cardmember to win a pair of courtside-level tickets to the next evening's matches, complete with limousine transportation to the USTA National Tennis Center and complimentary dinner. Cardmembers can enter the drawing from 11AM– 5PM daily. A separate daily drawing for additional US Open tickets is also available for the general public.
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 special viewing experience.
“Pose with the Pros” Booth: A photo opportunity for tennis fans to obtain a souvenir postcard with an image of one of the featured athletes in the American Express “Official Card” advertising campaign.
Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation Silent Auction: An opportunity for Cardmembers to bid on Andre Agassi memorabilia each day with proceeds generated benefiting the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF). To participate, Cardmembers simply place a bid next to select memorabilia; items will be awarded to the highest bidders on September 12. American Express Cards and cash are the only forms of payment accepted.
American Express “Stadium Court”: A full court in place from Saturday, September 4 – Friday, September 10 featuring tennis instruction and clinics, speed serve and skills challenges and prize giveaways.
Cardmember benefits and services at Flushing Meadows2
As always, American Express Cardmembers have the advantage at the US Open for the tournament August 30 – September 12. The following services will be available to Cardmembers:
- Use
points to buy tickets: Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program can use points to purchase tickets to the US Open. To purchase tickets: Call 1-866-OPEN-TIX or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
- American Express Radio Live at the Open: Cardmembers who present their Card at the American Express Radio booths will be provided a radio for the session that carries the live broadcast of the matches from CBS Sports/USA Network, providing an opportunity for Cardmembers to get even closer to the action.3
- “Pose with the Pros” Booth: An interactive photo experience from American Express will allow fans to pose next to an image of one of the featured athletes in the “Official Card” campaign.
- 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 help Cardmembers receive assistance with lost, stolen or damaged Cards, check their balances and enroll in the Membership Rewards program.
- US Open Shops / www.usopen.org: By charging $75 or more on merchandise, restaurants or concessions 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 American Express campaign.4
For All Tennis Fans at Flushing Meadows
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 the American Express “Pose with the Pros” Booth. On Arthur Ashe Kids' Day fans will have the opportunity to watch tennis pros compete in the American Express Skills Challenge for cash prizes that will be donated to the pros' favorite charities.
For more information please visit www.americanexpress.com/usopen.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.
1 Programming subject to change.
2 Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.
3 Offer valid while supplies last. Subject to Card deposit.
4 Offer valid while supplies last.
