A review of the Chase Lounge and Terrace at the US Open: Chic lounges with a side of tennis
Editor's Note
Chase has been operating an exclusive lounge at the U.S. Open in Queens, New York, at Flushing Meadows for 13 years now. In fact, its presence at the U.S. Open was its first real lounge product before its now-famous Chase airport lounges.
This year, for the third Open in a row, Chase has brought back its outdoor terrace, where you can watch tennis with a bird’s-eye view of the courts and sip a cocktail in style.
There’s also a cool Chase ATM dispensing swag, a photo-op for tennis fans and stations where you can borrow phone chargers. Even if you can’t get into the main lounge, there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Chase invited TPG back to the U.S. Open again for 2024 to check out all the venues.
Here’s what it’s like to visit the various Chase experiences.
Chase Lounge at the US Open
One of the hottest tickets at the Open is the Chase Lounge. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for day sessions and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for evening sessions. You can visit during the U.S. Open through Sept. 8, and you'll find it on the second floor of the Chase Center.
Among the amenities are air conditioning and lots of space to cool off (if you can get a coveted spot).
Inside, there are lots of places to chill between matches; plus, there's food, drinks and other fun things to do and see. Upon entering, you'll find yourself in a large space with several connected rooms.
There are various seating areas and interesting views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The restrooms are nice and had no lines when I was there — always a bonus.
I loved the broadcast center that features live ESPN moments during the U.S. Open.
Friendly workers welcome you inside and serve drinks. Everyone seemed eager to help.
The morning I visited, there was fresh fruit and coffee by Lavazza (both cold and hot). There was also free lemonade, iced tea and ice water. You won’t be able to get a full meal here, but it will give you a little fuel on the go.
There are also complimentary light bites like fruit cups and pastries in the morning, soft drinks and a good selection of alcoholic beverages — though those are not free.
Domestic beer is $15 and Heineken is $15.50. Napa Cellars chardonnay, Daou rose and Franciscan Estate sauvignon blanc are all $19. Cocktails from Grey Goose or Dobel start at $21.
Be sure to grab a free Chase-branded baseball cap, a pair of socks or a tote bag, and head to the back of the lounge to get your name embroidered on it when you arrive.
It's a fun swag moment, but be prepared for a line. You can pick up the item later on a rack out front.
The lounge wasn’t totally packed when I was there this time, but as you can see from the photos from 2023, it can get crowded.
How to get into the Chase Lounge at the US Open
It’s not easy to get access. As in years past, all Chase cardholders are eligible, including those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees), Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees) and IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees).
To access U.S. Open benefits as a Chase cardholder, you need to make reservations or join the waitlist at ChaseGetsYouCloser.com.
Unfortunately, reservations were not easy to get even if you tried to sign up the first day they were available. Most folks get added to a waitlist. Chase representatives said that some people get moved off the waitlist, but you shouldn’t count on it. Hopefully, you’ll get lucky and get a spot.
Once you check in and enter the lounge, you’ll receive a wristband that allows reentry. However, the lounge is capacity-controlled, so you may need to wait for reentry if it's full.
The lounge is right inside the East Gate entrance of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s not far from the entrance you would use if taking the subway or the Long Island Rail Road.
Fortunately, it’s not the only opportunity for Chase cardholders to have that VIP feeling at the tournament.
Chase Terrace at the US Open
I actually preferred the Chase Terrace to the Chase Lounge since it was in the open air and had incredible views of several tennis courts. Of course, it wasn’t too hot when I was there, so your experience may differ.
Access is available on a first-come, first-served basis exclusively for Chase cardholders.
After checking in on the ground floor, you can get a bracelet and walk upstairs. The Chase Terrace will be on your left.
The terrace is in an outdoor hospitality area with sweeping views of three tennis courts and a few cash bars. The bleachers allow folks to sit and watch the matches. Complimentary lemonade, iced tea and water are also available here.
There's a full bar here, with mixed drinks for purchase. Order a Grey Goose Honey Deuce for $23, or get a 20% discount on the signature drink — the Dobel spicy margarita — from Chase partner Dobel for $17.60.
There's also a refreshment stand with grab-and-go snacks like Skinny Pop popcorn.
One other very popular feature was the IHG cobranded amenities bar.
Guests can pick one treat from the bar, including a fan, hand sanitizer, Evian face mist or even fancy La Roche-Posay sunblock.
There are also several shaded areas with soft-cushioned lounge chairs. Last year, I heard one woman say she really felt like a VIP in the space. Indeed, I would have been happy to spend a few hours here.
You do not need to make a reservation to enter the terrace, and it does not close between day and evening sessions. It's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Again, it's a great spot to watch a match or two.
Flash your Chase card for free swag
On the way to the Chase Terrace entrance are a few more Chase-branded areas, including the “Magic ATM” which dispenses swag instead of money. Among the prizes are fanny packs, sunglasses, fans, seat upgrades and more.
There was also a great feature that lets you pretend you just won the U.S. Open. We had TPG writer Caroline Tanner try it out, and there were smiles all around.
Chase charging centers
Another cool feature from Chase is the charging centers; you can text a code to Chase and get a fully charged power bank to keep your mobile phone going all day. A charger pops out once you text the number on the screen.
Once you're done, drop it off at one of the many big blue mailbox-looking stations on the grounds. You'll find these charging centers all over the U.S. Open campus and at the main lounge.
Chase Sapphire at Seaport
If you can’t make it to Queens but want a little taste of the experience, Chase created another lounge on the rooftop of Pier 17 in Manhattan's Seaport neighborhood. The lounge offers seasonal cocktails, exclusive menu items, a dedicated seating area, games and charging stations. You'll need to show your Reserve card to enter.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at The Seaport is located at 19 Fulton Street in New York City.
Chase also offers concerts and other events during the summer at Pier 17 in Manhattan. There's even a live recording session with Tennis Hall of Fame member Andy Roddick on Aug. 28. Go to Chase's events website for tickets
Related: Amex cardholders get these 6 perks at the US Open Tennis Championships
Bottom line
There’s a lot to do at the U.S. Open, even if you don’t have tickets to any actual matches. There are sponsored venues galore, and you can access some cool free extra perks if you’re a Chase customer.
Reservations are sold out for the Chase Lounge, but you can put yourself on the waitlist. In my opinion, though, the Chase Terrace is the real gem. It allows you to get close to the tennis action even if you can’t score tickets to a match or get into the Chase Lounge.
Related reading:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.