US Open
US Open is a sports observed in many countries.
Capitalize on the US Open's global sports viewership with sponsorships, branded activations, and merchandise tie-ins targeting passionate sports fans during peak engagement windows.
- Behind-the-scenes athlete spotlights and training content
- Live-event viewing party promotions and hospitality packages
- Limited-edition US Open branded merchandise drops
- Fan prediction contests and interactive engagement campaigns
Campaign ideas8
- Partner-led activations: Create exclusive brand experiences on tournament grounds (VIP lounges, sampling booths, tech demos). Follow Chase, American Express, and Dove's models of on-site engagement that extend beyond stadium walls.
- Iconic brand ritual creation: Develop a signature product/moment tied to the tournament (like Grey Goose's Honey Deuce cocktail). Make it so synonymous with the event that fans expect it every year.
- Transit & out-of-home blitz: Dominate NYC subway lines (especially the 7 train) with contextual tennis messaging during the tournament. Use player endorsements, tennis lingo, and local relevance.
- TikTok challenge with athlete stars: Launch a user-generated content challenge (like Ralph Lauren's US Open TikTok campaign) encouraging fans to show themselves 'winning' in real life. Offer branded merchandise as prizes.
- Podcast & live content hubs: Host live podcast recordings and interviews at venue stages (like Vital Proteins did with lifestyle podcasters) that fans can access freely, creating shareable moments.
- Local business partnerships: Collaborate with NYC-area retailers and artists during tournament week (Chase's candy shop and art vending machine activations), turning the city into an extended brand experience.
- Interactive tech-driven activations: Build VR experiences, AR filters, selfie booths, and video games at the event (Wilson's VR tennis, Chase's gaming zones, American Express's Tennis Ball POV).
- Real-time subway train wrapping: For non-official sponsors, wrap actual 7 train cars with bold creative (Morgan Stanley's approach when locked out of sponsorship). Creates unavoidable visibility for 3+ weeks.
Social angles6
- [Tournament Opening Week] 'The energy is here. Are you? #USOpen2026' — tease the atmosphere, FOMO, celebrity sightings, Fan Week buzz.
- [During Tournament] 'Your best shot starts here. Share how you're winning at [brand values]' — Tie product to fan participation; spotlight user-generated content using branded hashtag.
- [Player Focus] 'Standing with [athlete name]' — Leverage official athlete partnerships for win moments, emotional reactions, behind-the-scenes access. #USOpenChampion #USOpen
- [Sponsor Activation] 'Experience [brand] at the US Open' — Highlight on-site booths, exclusive perks, limited experiences (samples, events, photo ops). Create urgency for venue visitors.
- [Lighthearted] 'Breaking: [Brand] spotted at [Arthur Ashe/Billie Jean King Center]' — Use meme-ified sponsorship moments, playful commentary on the tournament drama.
- [Heritage) 'X years running. Still serving the best moments at the US Open' — Celebrate sponsor longevity and brand equity tied to the tournament.
Ad copy starters6
“'Greatness isn't born. It's served. Experience it at the US Open.' (luxury/premium positioning)”
“'When the best compete, [brand] is there. Are you?' (aspirational/VIP angle)”
“'Celebrate every rally, every win, every moment. [Brand] at the US Open.' (community/participation)”
“'Your move. Your moment. Your US Open.' (fan empowerment)”
“'From the court to the city. [Brand] brings it all. #USOpen' (local NYC relevance)”
“'Excellence demands excellence. That's why [brand] never misses the US Open.' (brand loyalty/heritage)”
Tips4
- Do: Lean into contextual relevance — use tennis lingo, player names, tournament imagery. Make your ads feel like they *belong* at the US Open, not forced into it.
- Don't: Treat it as just another sponsorship. Create a memorable ritual, product, or moment that fans expect to see *every year* at the tournament (see Honey Deuce, Dove's activation booth setup, Chase's local partnerships).
- Do: Activate beyond the stadium gates. Use NYC transit, partner with local businesses, extend the experience into neighborhoods fans travel through. Tournament fans generate $1.5B+ annual economic impact on the city.
- Don't: Ignore player power. Athlete endorsements (On Running with Federer/Swiatek, Electrolit with Sabalenka) drive massive earned media and fan connection. Secure meaningful partnerships early.