Watch the 2021 US Open Tennis Championships on a Deluxe NYC Vacation
Tennis anyone? How about the tennis championship that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators each year? The one that was played in 2020 but with the viewing stands empty due to pandemic restrictions. The one that takes place in the borough of Queens. Yup. We are talking about the US Open and we are thrilled to announce that not only will spectators be allowed this year, but they are opening it up to 100% fan capacity!
Whether you are a tennis fanatic or barely know the sport – the US Open is an exciting time here in the city. And as with all the major events taking place here – the team at Beyond Times Square has come up with not one, but two VIP packages for you to choose from to experience it in total luxury! Not only that but they have designed a fabulous NYC vacation package to compliment them and give you the opportunity to enjoy the best of New York City while you are in town!
Tell you what. How about we get you up to speed on why the US Open should be on your list of not-to-be-missed sporting events and then help you decide which of these two incredible VIP opportunities to take it all in is the perfect match for you, and finally, why you should hang out in style in the Big Apple as long as you are already there? Sound like a plan? Cool – allow me to serve it up to you below.
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The History Of The US Open
Founded over a century ago – 140 years ago to be exact in 1881 – the US Open is basically a more modernized version of the US National Championship which is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world. Even if you aren’t that familiar with tennis you have most likely heard the term Grand Slam – and the US Open is one of them – the fourth in a series of four that includes the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon (which is a venue you may also be familiar with).
The US Open takes over Corona Park’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens for two weeks at the end of August / beginning of September, including Labor Day Weekend. Originally held on the grass courts at Newport Casino in Newport Rhode Island, it was moved to Forest Hills, Queens and the West Side Tennis Club in 1915. Here it was still played on grass until 1975 when an onslaught of complaints about the surface forced the switch to clay courts. With the year 1978 a new era of play was ushered in as it was relocated to the then larger and newly built USTA National Tennis Center featuring acrylic hard courts – where it has taken place every year since. Today’s name – USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center – was updated in 2006 in honor of tennis legend Billie Jean King, a four-time US Open singles champion and women’s tennis pioneer.
One fun fact? What is called “the open era” didn’t start until 1968. Up until that time only amateur players were allowed to enter, but that year it was opened to professional tennis players for the first time. Hard to imagine watching today without the likes of King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Venus and Serena Williams, Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and more now, isn’t it?
And bringing us up to the present era…both organized and owned by the non-profit United States Tennis Association – aka USTA – all monies from ticket sales, sponsorships and tv contracts go towards the development of tennis in the United States. Five primary championships make up the tournament – men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles. In addition, it also hosts events for senior, junior and wheelchair players.
And that is your history lesson on the US Open in a nutshell – or in 400 words or less.
The 2021 US Open Details
This year you can catch all the action in Flushing Meadows from August 30th through September 12th. And a word to the wise – after going spectator-less last year – this year’s tickets are sure to be even harder to come by than before – in fact many sessions are already sold old. And that my friends is just one of many reasons you’ll want to take advantage of the Beyond Times Squares deluxe offers that allow you to not only take in the matches up close and in person – but also offer you some marvelous New York City experiences while you are there!
In addition to playing at full capacity they have also announced that fans are NOT required to be vaccinated or even to show evidence of a negative COVID test – thanks to the fact that NYC has reached the goal of having 70% of adults having received at least one dose of the vaccination. And as per the US Open website, at this time, all fully vaccinated fans do not need to wear a mask. However – in accordance with current CDC guidelines, unvaccinated fans should still be masked. And of course, all of this is subject to change, but with BTSQ on your side you don’t need to worry because they always make certain you have the most up to date protocols prior to departure.
And we should mention two things that are not available this year. First is the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day that has been very popular in the past. Although it is not on the schedule this year, they do plan on bringing it back in 2022. Second is the fact that the practices and qualifying that take place the week prior to the start of the US Open will not be available to the public for viewing. (Spoiler alert – if you go the route of the BTSQ experience – you do get practice court access during the tournament!)
The Ultraluxe US Open Experience
So yes, as I previously announced, Beyond Times Square has come up with not just one incredible VIP package to the US Open this year – but two – both with elevated luxury and giving you the choice on just how you want to take in this year’s tournament. I mean you can say you went to the US Open or you can say you went and had once-in-a-lifetime access while you were there. The ball is in your court – check out the inclusions for each below to help you decide!
• Deluxe Courtside Premier Package
With this primo package you’ll start off with a parking pass, then get private entry to the grounds and the stadium where you are then seated in prime courtyard seats in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Next add in exclusive access at practice courts, tournament concierge service and in-seat beverage and snack service as well as a premium gift. Oh, and top it off with a reserved table in the 1968 Room, an exclusive and intimate dining space located within the Overlook hospitality club.
But that’s not all! Depending on when you choose to go you also get even more amenities. For instance, if you attend the first week, you’ll get a behind the scenes tour and press conference (depending on the session/package purchased). Planning on going over Labor Day Weekend? You’ll get a photo with the US Open trophy. Should you decide on the quarterfinals you get court time and a clinic. And if you choose to attend the semifinals and /or finals you’ll get private car service, chef’s table hospitality in the Player Café and the pre-match Chalk Talk.
• American Express Center Court Club Package Including Finals Weekend
This sweet package – pun intended – includes access to the largest, all-inclusive, court facing suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium complete with panoramic, up-close views and is
offered on an individual seat basis for full series and weekly packages. The American Express Center Court Club is a one-of-a-kind club where you will be treated to a prime
Arthur Ashe Stadium center court view from a private outdoor balcony on the mezzanine level. And no – of course that’s not all! There’s also access to multiple private ensuite restrooms and an air-conditioned lushly appointed lounge with additional viewing including multiple TVs located in the restrooms as well as throughout the private indoor lounge for non-stop views of the action. And don’t forget the food and drink! There is all-inclusive premium bar service with beer, wine and spirits, assorted passed hors d’oeuvres PLUS a chef-curated lunch or dinner service!
And as always, both packages come with BTSQ’s 24/7 support line should you have any questions before, during or after this great adventure! And you can always add additional options – such as private transportation from your New York City hotel to the venue – just ask your BTSQ luxury travel expert for details.
The NYC Deluxe Vacation Package
Look – you’re going to be in the city anyway so why not take advantage of this super-amazing NYC vacation package the oh-so-fabulous BTSQ team has put together to top off your US Open experience? What is this super-amazing package you ask? Well let me tell you. It’s the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue 2-Night Getaway. And what does that include you’re wondering. Well let me tell you that too.
First – it’s two nights at the 4-star, completely refurbished and newly re-opened NH Collection Madison Avenue Hotel. Located in the heart of Manhattan the modern décor of this 100 year old building brings together the best of both worlds. Plus, it is centrally located which means it’s within walking distance to NYC’s major attractions – think the Theater District, Empire State Building, Times Square and more.
Along with that two night stay are orchestra or front mezzanine tickets to a Broadway show – yes – Broadway is back starting in September folks! – plus your choice of one of Beyond Times Square’s exclusive private walking tours. Completing this exceptional vacation package is access to the 24/7 support line AND a complete list of the newly updated BTSQ Travel Health Protocols – including the very important fact that all BTSQ guides and drivers are vaccinated. The NH package sounds like an NB to me (no-brainer 😉)!
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And that is game-set-match! Which is my cute way – or corny way – depending on how you view it – of letting you know that you have come to the end of this blog. And that means it’s time for you to ace the way you view the US Open this year – and your accompanying NYC vacation. So, be a love, grab your phone and give those super-knowledgeable travel specialists over at Beyond Times Square a call and let them help get you to the US Open 2021 in style!
