The former NYPD tow pound site at Pier 76 is being transformed by American Express into a tennis center during the US Open — and tennis fans can book one of the six popup courts for just $5.
The center will open on August 23 and AMEX is taking bookings on their site — piertennis.com — until the end of the month. Five of the six courts will be reserved for the sponsor’s cardholders. There will be an Amex Lounge offering food and drinks for purchase, ping pong tables and more
The tennis takeover of the Hell’s Kitchen pier coincides with the 2021 US Open, which starts in New York on August 30.
Members of the public will be able to access the sixth court on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking fees will be donated to the USTA Foundations’ Excellence Team program, in support of youth tennis for the underserved around the United States.
Pier 76 opened to the public in June after Governor Andrew Cuomo took the stage at a star-studded Tribeca Festival lunch with New York A-Listers Whoopi Goldberg and Robert De Niro.
The organizers are ready for the changeable summer weather on the Hudson. “The Pier will be cleared if there is a lightning strike within 10 miles of the Pier and/or if there is audible thunder,” AMEX said.