CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express has become synonymous with premium lounges, thanks to its Centurion Lounge network, now spread across dozens of airports around the world. But airports aren’t the only places you can find a high-end Amex lounge. During the 2023 US Open — underway from Aug. 28 through Sept. 10 in New York City — the issuer will again have two lounges at the event.
Depending on which Amex card you have, you may be able to get into both of these spots or just one of them, but there’s something for everyone with any type of American Express card. Just keep in mind that to access any of these Amex spaces, you’ll also need tickets to the US Open itself, as everything is located inside the tournament’s entry gates.
Food, drinks and perks at the US Open Centurion Lounge
The jewel is the pop-up Centurion Lounge, which is located on the second floor of Louis Armstrong Stadium at the National Tennis Center in Queens, where the US Open is held annually. This lounge is reserved exclusively for those with The Platinum Card? from American Express or The Business Platinum Card? from American Express, along with the invitation-only Amex Centurion cards.
The Amex Centurion Lounge at the US Open offers many of the same features that card holders are accustomed to finding at an airport Centurion Lounge but with a much smaller footprint. Because space is limited, you’ll only be able to spend an hour inside the lounge, and reservations are required. Spots are available from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the tournament through Sept. 6, and card holders can book through Resy. Many dates are already sold out, though you may be able to join a wait list.
When you arrive at your appointed time and check in at the Member Services desk (don’t forget to have your Platinum or Centurion card with you), you’ll be escorted to seats that are exclusively yours during your time in the lounge. As you’d expect, the lounge is well air-conditioned, so it’s a great spot to get out of the heat.
But while you’re resting, you’ll be able to take advantage of the lounge’s complimentary food and beverage offerings. Two chefs have designed the small plates this year: Cédric Vongerichten and Michael Solomonov, who are executive chef partners at the LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Centurion Lounges respectively. You’ll also find special cocktails curated by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan.
Another spot to relax at the US Open with Amex cards
If you don’t have an Amex Platinum card, you’re not out of luck. There’s another spot set aside for all American Express card members.
The Card Member Lounge on the second level of the US Open American Express Fan Experience also returns this year and is open to all American Express card members, along with up to two guests. Entry is free and reservations are not required, but demand is high, so you may have to wait a while to get in.
This lounge doesn’t have any complimentary food or drinks, but beverages are available at a cash bar, including espresso martinis from Lavazza and Grey Goose Honey Deuces. The Card Member Lounge also has exclusive merchandise from Ralph Lauren, sneaker-cleaning services and massage therapy.
Make sure to enroll your Amex card for US Open discounts
When you check in at any of these Amex lounges, make sure to ask the agent to enroll your card in the US Open $10 back offer. Once enrolled, you’ll get a one-time $10 statement credit when you spend $100 with your enrolled card in one or more purchases between Aug. 28 and Sept. 10, 2023, at participating merchants around the site.
Participating merchants include all merchants that accept American Express cards at the US Open but excludes US Open Event Cards, parking vendors, merchants that accept charitable donations and premium suites and banquets.
Amex authorized user cards are also eligible for this offer, and this year you can even enroll online ahead of time by logging into your account at Amex’s website or on its mobile app. And if you aren’t near one of the Amex lounges, you can also enroll at one of the American Express radio distribution booths around the site, any guest info booth or the American Express exhibit in South Plaza.
Learn more about and apply for the Platinum Card from American Express.
Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best credit cards currently available.
Get all the latest personal finance deals, news and advice at CNN Underscored Money.
