American Express Serves Up Ultimate US Open Experience for Tennis Fans; New Advertising Campaign, Fan Events and Cardmember Services Across New York to Make Life Rewarding

Business Wire, August 19, 2002

The Official Card of the Fan

Just a click away from US Open fun -The net gain for this year's US Open is American Express bringing the on-site experience on-line, with player news and photos, updated scores and highlights and games via www.usopen.org/americanexpress, right to fans' fingertips.

Highlights of the new site include a free PDA download tennis game, photo gallery, player's picks, celebrity sightings at the US Open and more. In addition, users can sign up for a service for the duration of the US Open where they can get this information via e-mail, daily fax or phone, as well as through SMS text messaging on a wireless device or a cell phone. Cardmembers can also access special NYC deals on the site, good for discounts at restaurants, hotels and other products and services.

More fans can experience US Open mania through the American Express "Ball Blitz," to be held prior to the tournament on August 23. Teams will descend upon the New York metropolitan area handing out tennis balls with the American Express "Ball Blitz" logo and website address. There will be an online sweepstakes of the "Ball Blitz" that runs from August 23-26 and will feature its own designated web page at www.tennisanyone.org, where fans can register to win select tickets, including courtside seats to the men's final, as well as autographed posters and postcards from stars such as Capriati, Sampras and Roddick.

Grand Slam At Grand Central Terminal - - August 23, 2002

What better way to bring the US Open to the fans than to set up courts in Grand Central Terminal? The Grand Slam at Grand Central put on by Tennis Magazine will feature two tennis courts in Vanderbilt Hall on Friday, Aug. 23. American Express will sponsor appearances by Blake and Roddick and a children's tennis clinic run by Blake who will also be on hand to meet fans from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

American Express Corporate Day (Sept. 2).

The ride is on us this Labor Day! American Express will present Cardmembers and every fan in attendance with a complimentary preloaded one-ride Metrocard and a US Open carrying case featuring an image of one of the tennis greats from the American Express campaign.

Cardmember benefits and services:

As always, American Express(R) Cardmembers have the advantage at the US Open. The following are services that will be available to Cardmembers:

-- Use points to buy tickets, Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards(R) program can now use points to purchase tickets to the US Open. To purchase tickets: Call 1-866-OPEN-TIX or visit ticketmaster.com

-- American Express Radio: Live at the Open! Cardmembers who present their Card at the American Express Radios booths will be provided a radio headset that will carry the live television broadcast of the matches from CBS Sports/USA Network, providing an opportunity for Cardmembers to get even closer to the action. (Offer valid while supplies last.)

-- American Express "Pose with the Pros" Photo booth, Interactive photo experience from American Express will allow fans to pose next to an image of one of the featured talent in the campaign.

-- American Express Concierge Services Program, Cardmembers can use the concierge service for recommendations and reservations for post-match meals at select city restaurants, access to reserved on-site restaurants and NYC transportation assistance to get back home.

-- Cardmember Assistance, American Express customer service representatives will be on-site to help Cardmembers receive assistance with lost, stolen or damaged Cards, check their balances and enroll in the Membership Rewards program.

-- US Open Shops/www.usopen.org: By charging $100 on merchandise or concessions with the Card at the US Open (or at the US Open Store at www.usopen.org), Cardmembers can receive a commemorative "Official Card" pin showcasing one of the featured players in the campaign.