Amex Announces unique perks and Centurion Suite for the 2021 US Open
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Today, American Express announced a slew of exciting and unique experiences for cardmembers and tennis fans at the 2021 US Open tournament, including the first-ever pop-up tennis courts along the Hudson River and fan favorites such as on-site complimentary bag check, access to the Centurion Suite and more. This year’s US Open will be held from Aug. 30, through Sept. 12 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.
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Amex has been a key sponsor of the US Open since 1994, elevating the fan experience and providing exclusive curated benefits to its cardmembers every year. This year, Amex cardmembers are in for a treat, with the latest perks involving a new lounge experience, cardmember statement credit offer and a special dining experience.
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Freebies and Statement Credits
Here are a few perks that will either save you money or make your time at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center a bit more enjoyable:
Free bag check
American Express is making it more comfortable for cardholders to attend the US Open. Cardmembers can drop off their bag at the East and South gates before entering the stadium complex. This is an especially useful benefit if you’re going right to the venue from work and will be carrying a briefcase or backpack that you don’t want to lug around.
$20 statement credit
Cardmembers can also get a one-time $20 statement credit when spending $100 with an enrolled, eligible card at participating on-site merchants. It can be a $100+ purchase at one merchant or several purchases at different merchants totaling $100 or more. “Participating merchants” include those on-site that take American Express, with the exception of US Open Event Cards, parking and charitable donations.
To enroll in this offer, you must visit any American Express location on-site (i.e., an American Express Radio Distribution booth, American Express Card Member Lounge, Centurion® Suite, any guest information booth or the American Express Exhibit in South Plaza). An Amex Brand Ambassador will guide you through this process and confirm whether your card has been successfully enrolled in the offer.
Eligible consumer credit cards must be issued in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand or the U.K. Prepaid cards (excluding Serve and Bluebird) are not eligible and neither are corporate cards or international cards from countries not mentioned earlier.
The cool thing about this offer is that authorized users are also eligible to receive their own statement credit.
American Express Radio
American Express Radios are making a comeback. Just as it did last year, Amex will give out earpieces (while supplies last) to anyone with any Amex card so you can hear ESPN broadcasts and live US Open updates. Limit one per card.
Amex Experiences and Lounges at the US Open
Here are the spaces American Express has designed for its customers — and general public — at the US Open.
American Express Fan Experience
Making its debut for the 2021 US Open tournament, American Express will bring the energy of this celebrated tennis tournament outside of the stadium grounds with the opening of the first-ever American Express Courts at Pier 76 in New York City. Between Aug. 23 and Aug. 31, cardmembers and tennis fans will have the ability to book one of six new pop-up tennis courts alongside spectacular views of the Hudson River. Players can also enjoy food and drinks at the on-site open-air lounge.
Five of the six courts will be available to pre-book for American Express cardmemembers via Go.Amex/Courts, with the sixth court available on a first-come-first-serve basis. A $5.00 court booking reservation fee is required and proceeds will be donated to the USTA Foundations’ Excellence Team program, supporting youth tennis in underserved communities across the country.
Amex Card Member Lounge and Patio
As the name of this lounge implies, you do need to be a customer holding an American Express card to gain access to this space. You can bring up to two guests. The key here is that you don’t need one of Amex’s top cards to gain entrance. Any Amex card will get you through the door. Just note that the lounge is first come, first served so you may be turned away at the door and asked to return later if the Card Member Lounge is at capacity.
The Card Member Lounge is an exclusive space on the 2nd level of Louis Armstrong Stadium accessible to all cardmembers. The space is designed as a perfect refuge from a hot day, with air-conditioning, charging stations for your mobile devices and food and beverages available for purchase.
In addition to having access to the Card Member Lounge, Amex cardholders can also visit the newly-added, Amex Patio. Located near Court 17, the Amex Patio will be an open-air space for American Express Card Members to relax and recharge, enjoy misting fans and take in the shade in between tennis matches.
Centurion Suite
The place you really want to be though is the Centurion Suite in Louis Armstrong Stadium. You’ll be among the VIPs in attendance if you carry a Platinum or Centurion card. You can bring up to two guests with you but, again, access is first-come, first-serve and could reach capacity during busy periods.
The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can enjoy delicious bites from chefs Ignacio Mattos and Cédric Vongerichten, the executive chefs of the Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, cardmembers can sip on cocktails developed exclusively by Centurion Lounge Mixologist, Jim Meehan. If you have plans to visit the Centurion Lounge Suite while attending the US Open, make sure to book your spot through Resy.
One thing to keep in mind is that with the coronavirus still a factor, events could be scaled back or moved so keep that in mind when planning. You never know these days.
Bottom line
Several American Express cards are synonymous with lounge access at airports — but now all cardmembers have access to at least one of several exclusive lounges that will offer refreshments, charging stations and a break from the outdoor elements at the 2021 US Open Championships in New York. In addition, Amex cardholders will be granted a free bag check, savings on on-site purchases and a brand new fan experience.
Whether it’s The Platinum Card® from American Express or one of the many Amex cobranded credit card options, carrying an American Express card goes a long way to reaping extra rewards and sweet perks.
Featured image courtesy of American Express.
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