Boardroom got an inside look at the invite-only Emirates hospitality suite located at center court within Arthur Ashe Stadium.
For more than a decade, Emirates has been as synonymous with the US Open as the honey deuce, humidity, and, of course, the world’s best tennis players battling it out on the blue hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., in the sport’s fourth and final Grand Slam of the calendar year.
This summer’s tournament, included Serena Williams’ swan song, a Nick Kyrgios meltdown and Frances Tiafoe’s remarkable run. It also marked the 11th year for Emirates as the official airline of the US Open Tennis Championships.
With record-setting crowds at Arthur Ashe Stadium throughout, capped by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Spanish sensation Carlos Alcarez taking home the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, any seat in the house was highly coveted, especially those within the Emirates Suite.
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Spanning 1,232 square feet inside with an additional 600-plus square feet comprising a balcony overlooking center court, the invite-only hospitality suite serves as an extension of the airline by giving guests a similar experience without having to board a plane at JFK Airport.
“We are proud to embody the essence of Emirates’ ‘Fly Better’ promise in our suite, which comes to life through the fine dining offerings and premium experience at the US Open,” Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President, USA and Canada said via email. “The Suite is one-of-a-kind and encapsulates the airline’s sought-after hospitality, while serving as an extension of Emirates’ commitment to connecting people around the globe through a shared passion for sports.”
Upon entering the hospitality suite, guests are greeted by Emirates cabin crew and offered items ranging from red branded hats and sunscreen to cold towels, depending on how hot and humid it is that day. The space, which spans suites 133-136, can host up to 80 people and has welcomed athletes and celebrities to this year’s tournament, including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Andy Roddick, Offset, and Amanda Seyfried.
Guests can enjoy champagne and whiskey tasting while sampling a selection of global dishes, including chilled lobster, arancini, roasted Faroe Island salmon, sushi, and macarons.
Ticket-holders are also able to visit the Emirates Sports Cafe on the west side of the South Plaza for a different viewing experience. Emirates also has a booth and experience available to all Open visitors who can try out the airline’s premium economy seats and can enter for a chance to win various prizes.
Emirates also sponsors the post-match ceremony occurring up until the end of the quarterfinals where each match winner signs three tennis balls and hits them into the stands for the fans to collect a souvenir from their favorite player.
The Dubai-based airline’s relationship with the Open and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) goes back to 2012, and also includes sponsorship of two other Grand Slams. It also sponsors 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP Tour.
“The US Open is one of the most highly anticipated events on the global sports calendar and we are thrilled to be the Official Airline that brings worldwide audiences together to enjoy the game,” Sulaiman Ahmad said.
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