American Express (AmEx) is engaging customers and fans at the US Open, which opened this week, via interactive tennis-themed experiences both online and at the event. For its 16th year as a sponsor, the company is running mobile tennis games at the tournament. It also is sponsoring an iPhone app and USOpen.org.
“We’re featuring on-site, online and mobile experiences around this year’s US Open so that card members and tennis fans can enhance their experience of the game wherever they may be,” said Jessica Igoe, director of global sponsorship marketing at AmEx, in an e-mail to DMNews.
The on-site games include “Challenge a Pro,” in which fans can play a virtual game of tennis against up-and-comers Sam Querrey, Shahar Pe’er, Caroline Wozniacki or Gael Monfils on a green screen. When they are done, they can opt in to receive a video of their play via text message or e-mail.
In addition, there is the “Rally Experience” — another virtual game at the event that engages up to 100 users at once via phone. Players can also opt in to receive a text with their score.
The US Open iPhone app, which AmEx is sponsoring, features scores, news and updates, as well as an interactive grounds map of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the tournament is held. The app also contains links to vendors giving special points to AmEx users.
AmEx is also the presenting sponsor of USOpen.org Radio, which is available on the Web site and in the iPhone app. Fans can interact with the show through the “Ask the Booth” feature by submitting questions to the hosts.
