Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

American Express has been a sponsor of the United States Tennis Association for 21 years and has announced an extension of the longstanding backing for both the nation’s governing tennis body and the US Open.

Although the branding of American Express will again be prominent at Flushing Meadows during the upcoming fortnight of the year’s fourth and final Grand Slam event, the deal also ensures funding for the grass roots level of the sport.

Over the course of its expanded relationship with the US Open, American Express will support the on-going $500 million transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

As part of the renewal and expansion of the National Tennis Center, American Express will work with the USTA to innovate how fans experience the US Open, while providing increased amenities and services for American Express® Card Members and US Open fans.

“We are thrilled to be continuing a long and fruitful partnership with one of the world’s most innovative and successful brands,” said Lew Sherr, USTA Chief Revenue Officer.  “American Express is ready to support our vision to redefine tennis in the U.S., both through our transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the creation of the New Home of American Tennis in Orlando, FL.  They truly are embracing tennis from the grassroots to the pinnacle of the sport.”

At the US Open, American Express has continually worked with the USTA to elevate the fan experience.  American Express joined the USTA in pioneering and programming the US Open American Express Fan Experience, which has leveraged technologies to serve fans and present tennis in engaging ways.  Previous offerings in the Fan Experience included professional swing analysis, MyOpen Pass, an RFID-enabled wristband which aggregates a fan’s experience at the US Open, and the Rally Cam, in which fans could capture a 180-degree sharable candid video.  This year, American Express is unveiling “You Vs. Sharapova,” a virtual reality experience, where fans will be able to try their hand at returning Maria Sharapova’s blistering serves, volley against her and more.

In addition to the US Open, American Express will continue to impact the sport through its sponsorship of the “Fresh Courts” program, a facet of the USTA’s Facility Assistance Program that refurbishes and builds tennis courts in communities around the country.  In the past five years, American Express has helped the USTA refurbish over 100 courts.

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.