The cancellation of Wimbledon for the first time ever since World War 2 was a big blow to the tennis community all around the world. However, June came up with cheery news for the US Open’s fans, increasing their serotonin levels.
US Open set in motion in New York at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre and is scheduled between August 31, 2020 – September 13, 2020. Now, to make the event a success, the pressure is on the most critical player of the tournament – The SPONSORS. This year, sponsors have a hefty task to play a vital role in keeping the game lovers’ adrenaline rush and pulse high.
Let us look at some of the key sponsors and how they will be playing a significant role in this unique season.
American Express has been a key sponsor of the US Open for the past 25 years. With the 26th year of continuing their sponsorship and being a prominent sponsor since 1990, they have developed something new for their fans. As people aren’t allowed inside the stadium, the matches are being played in closed doors around something called a Fan Cam. US Open Fan Cam by American Express has allowed its fans to be part of the game and raise the intensity bar through video recordings. It will help the players listen to the fans’ cheers and provide a better experience in an empty stadium.
US Open and Emirates Airlines are flying high together since 2012. Although a lot has changed this year, the promise of Fly Better is still the same. With the lockdown restrictions being lifted worldwide, Emirates is trying to provide safe and protected travel to its fans to reconnect to each other and enjoy the US Open experience with their loved ones together at home. They have also come up with a new way to help the affected small businesses during the pandemic. This year, after the on-court post-match interview, the player who wins will hit three balls at Emirates-branded Rally to rebuild targets in the stands. A donation of $1,000 will be made in support of the USTA Foundation’s Rally to Rebuild initiative for every target hit, as part of the Emirates Serves for Good campaign.
Recently in August, Chubb has been chosen as the official insurance sponsor of the US Open 2020. It is a multi-year agreement that has been signed between both of them. Being an insurance company, its objective is to focus on the theme called ‘comebacks.’ Lew Sherr, Chief Revenue Officer, USTA came up with a statement, “Uniting the US Open with Chubb, a global leader in helping people and businesses during times of adversity, is very fitting in 2020.” It will be challenging yet interesting to see how Chubb tries to play the role of an important sponsor while top-tier sponsors like American Express, Emirates, and J.P Morgan have served as a major contributor for so long.
J.P. Morgan and the US Open started dating each other in 1982 and their relationship still stands strong. With later sponsoring the Women’s Single Championship since 1996, they aim to achieve a goal of giving back to society. They have been contributing about $180,000 to support the junior tennis stars and also has been a backbone for providing education among 12 underserved communities across the United States. J.P Morgan and Chase merged back in 2000 and have been an integral part of all these years. With the current situation, Chase will be providing the virtual experience with high quality to its customers.
The luxury carmaker, Mercedes Benz, has been a lover of the game since 1996. They are the “Official sponsor” and also the “Official vehicle” of the US Open. They feel like the characteristics of a US Open Champion is as equal to the company’s goal of persistence, passion, and precision. This year they have come up with a charitable initiative which is Mercedes-Benz ‘Ace The US Open’. In this out of the box yet charitable approach, Mercedes has decided to donate $50 for each ace hit in every men’s and women’s singles match this year. This donation will help the NTJL (National Tennis Junior and Learning) network provide tennis and educational opportunities to more than 160,000 under-resourced youth each year.
One of the world’s leading financial consulting agency, Deloitte, has been the official professional sponsor US Open since 2017. They have been a great player in the game and have been smashing quite well. Needless to say, Deloitte helps in the essential financial matters of the US Open.
IBM and US Open partnered up 29 years ago and have toger been providing a world-class digital experience to the many tennis fans worldwide. Millions of fans, coaches, players have been the backbone of their partnership, making it stronger every year. US Open has been the part of sports digital transformation with IBM’s help over the last several years. This year IBM has decided to come up with a different approach due to the COVID-19 situation. With no spectators around the stadium, they have decided to introduce AI for an in-depth analysis of the matches, analyze millions of articles, and make them adopt this new approach.
BODYARMOR announced on August 13, 2020, that they would be sponsoring the US Open this year. As per the multi-year agreement, BODYARMOR LYTE will be the official sports drink at the event.
Did you know that it was Bermuda who introduced tennis to America? And of course, the rest is history. Bermuda Tourism Authority is a proud sponsor of the US Open since 2019. The Bermuda Islands’ response to the COVID-19 situation was quite successful, and it is now open and welcoming the visitors. With fresh ocean breezes and islands all around, Bermuda is a treat for the visitors.
Ralph Lauren has been the Official Outfitter of the US Open since 2005. They have been involved in designing the outfits of all the on-court tournament staff. They are continuing to celebrate the US Open heroes, including the heroes who are also working off the court during COVID-19 crises.
In 2018, Rolex replaced Citizen as the official timekeeper and official time timepiece of the US Open.
America’s largest beer importer, Heineken, has been in a partnership with the US Open since 1991. Providing smooth buzz to all tennis fans worldwide, they are looking to get stronger this year.
The global media organization that aims to provide excellent journalism is a part of the US Open and has access to exclusive content on the mega grand slam.
IHG Hotels and Resorts are a proud partner of the US Open and will be providing great hospitality to all the participating players.
Wilson balls are being smashed around US Open courts for the past 40 years. Being a consistent partner of the US Open, it has seen a variety of emotions on that court.
This year, the French Vodka brand, Grey Goose, is celebrating 14 years of partnership with the US Open.
Mount Sinai is the official medical service provider for the event. It aims to provide injury prevention among the players and educate the people about tennis’s health benefits.
Lavazza, founded in Italy, is the official coffee for the US Open and is crafting one of the world’s desired coffee. It has been the official coffee of all the four grand slams and soothes people with the refined taste of Italy’s favorite coffee.
Spectrum is the official Wifi sponsor for the US Open 2020 season. It aims to provide world-class entertainment with their best value and highest quality TV, Internet, Voice, and Mobile services.
Evian has been a proud partner of the US Open for the past 30 years. Doing the noblest work in the sweetest way possible, Evian provides Refreshing and naturally hydrating spring water with a unique blend of natural electrolytes and minerals.
The number-one Sauvignon Blanc and New Zealand’s finest wine brand in the United States is the 2020 US Open season’s exclusive wine partner.
Tiffany & Co. is the reason behind the blood and sweats of every player on that court. It is an official supplier of the 2020 US Open and the proud maker of the US Open Championships trophies.
American ticket sales and distribution company, Ticketmaster, is proud to be the Official Ticketing Partner of the US Open.
ESPN is the Domestic Broadcast Partner of this year’s US Open.
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