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American Express Serves the Best Moments of US Open Tennis on and Off the Courts to New Yorkers and Fans Across the Country

Posted by J.S.

August 19, 2008

American Express Entertains Cardmembers with Exclusive Benefits at the US Open

NEW YORK, August 19, 2008 — For the 15th consecutive year, American Express will offer sports fans and tennis aficionados everywhere boundless opportunities to experience the exhilaration of the US Open. Cardmembers will be able to take in all the action on complimentary handheld televisions streaming live matches from each court and, new this year, one-of-a-kind footage of favorite Open moments as told by tennis greats such as Venus Williams, James Blake and Billie Jean King. For fans that can’t make it to the courts, American Express will present daily online highlight shows in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and invite New Yorkers to Madison Square Park to experience “US Open Live,” providing unparalleled access to this quintessential summer event.

American Express will support its 2008 US Open partnership with a multi-platform communications campaign featuring Venus Williams and James Blake. The campaign, which will include the Company’s “Are you a Cardmember®?” thematic, celebrates the excitement, energy and passion that is intrinsic to the Open. American Express ensures that Cardmembers never miss a moment of the Open and experience it like no one else can. The campaign will launch with out-of-home units throughout New York City beginning August 20, followed by print and online executions.

“By giving Cardmembers, New Yorkers and tennis fans around the country new ways to experience this great social event–from personal TVs at the US Open to viewing events in the heart of New York City–we hope to feed their love for the sport and bring people together to enjoy the greatest moments of the US Open,” said Jessica Igoe, Director of Global Sponsorship Marketing, American Express. “We want to provide consistent access and encourage memorable experiences at the most prominent events in entertainment and sports, and the US Open is another great way for us to do so.”

American Express Cardmembers Ace Access at the Courts
American Express Vision Live at the Open: American Express offers one of the hottest items on the grounds of the US Open — free personal televisions to borrow for the day to enhance the live tennis experience. Fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium or on USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds will be able to watch all the action on the courts and access draws, live scoring (in conjunction with IBM) and player bios when and how they want, right on the personal TV. Cardmembers don’t have to miss a match or major play with multiple channels and video recorder features to pause and rewind the action. There’s an exclusive channel highlighting Venus Williams, James Blake and Billie Jean King as they share their beloved moments playing and watching the Open, their childhood memories and favorite players, as well as spotlights on other great competitors throughout the tournament and a compilation of Cardmembers’ most memorable moments.

American Express Radio Live at the Open: To make sure Cardmembers are fully connected, they will receive free radio devices at the Open to listen to the play-by-play commentary and current match updates on CBS and USA Networks while they watch the action from the center court. The radio can also tune into other FM radio stations so Cardmembers can take the radio home for later use.

Commemorative Milton Glaser US Open Poster: The must-have keepsake of the tournament is sure to be the limited edition commemorative US Open 2008 poster designed by celebrated graphic designer Milton Glaser, creator of the iconic “I Love New York” logo and co-founder of New York Magazine. Glaser’s unique and vibrant depiction of a player in motion will complete any tennis super-fan’s memorabilia collection. Available exclusively to Cardmembers who charge a cumulative $75 or more at any on-site US Open merchandise vendor, restaurant or concession stand with their American Express Card (or at the US Open Store at www.usopen.org).

American Express Invites Everyone to Experience the US Open
Live @ the Open, Presented by American Express: Tennis fans who want to make sure they don’t miss a beat can log on to USOpen.org and experience “Live @ the Open, Presented by American Express.” This highlights show will feature hourly updates on players and action on the courts, in addition to unique footage of tennis greats sharing their favorite moments both on and off the court.

American Express presents US Open Live at Madison Square Park: Back by popular demand, American Express presents US Open Live at Madison Square Park where, once again, New Yorkers and tennis enthusiasts can witness the excitement of the Open in the heart of New York City. From Friday, August 29 through Sunday, September 7 between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm, Madison Square Park will be transformed into the ultimate tennis experience, including giant viewing screens, stadium seating and concessions from NYC-area restaurants, including Country, Hill Country Barbecue Market and Rickshaw Dumpling Bar.

US Open Guest Information hosted by American Express: Comprehensive tournament information, along with on-site restaurant and transportation assistance, will help all attendees make the most of their experience at the Tennis Center and stay in the know about all of the action on and off the courts.

To purchase tickets to the US Open, call 1-866-OPEN-TIX, visit www.usopen.org or www.ticketmaster.com. Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewardsâ program can use points to purchase tickets to the US Open.

About American Express
American Express Company is a leading global payments and travel company founded in 1850. For more information, visit http://www.americanexpress.com.

About the USTA
The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 94 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. A not-for-profit organization with 725,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.