Archive for September 9th, 2005

Can’t make it to the US Open this year? No problem. Just head over to Madison Square Park at 23rd and Broadway and get the full experience. At one end of the park lies a Jumbotron playing the matches, complete with stadiun seating. And since this event is sponsered by American Express there is special reserved section for cardmembers with comfortable blue lawnchairs.

Lining the path to the other end of the park are concession stands set up by Blue Smoke and Tabla, which smell delicious and, just like at the Open, are way too expensive. Employees of American Express sit in high judges chairs all over the park in pale green polo shirts, and the sound system from the jumbotron reaches the lawn, so you can actually lay out and watch. You actual feel like you are at an event, and not just a corporate sponsored simulation of one.
At the other end of the park, you can put yourself in the action and climb into either the “Sportwall Challenge”, where aim is tested, or the appropriately titled “Speed Serve Alley”. When I was there everyone was having a turn from dressed up women in skirts coming from work to 5-year old kids that could barely hold the racket.

I’m not a huge tennis fan myself, but hanging out in the park with the backdrop of the US Open was very peaceful and relaxing. The event is going on until Sunday and the broadcast lasts from 11am-11pm. If you’re not going to the real thing and want to spend an afternoon in the sun this weekend, this should be your destination.