Serena Williams (AP)
#10SNE1? Fans post comments to the US Open Social Wall (above) in Queens yesterday, and are certain to tweet about top-seeded Serena Williams (right), who plays today. (
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Us Open tennis honchos are serving up a new high-tech experience
This year’s tournament, which begins today at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, introduces the US Open Social Wall — a giant screen that will broadcast running online commentary about the event.
Set up next to the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the 50-by-8-foot wall will display real-time Internet comments — both good and bad — related to the event.
“It’s a fun thing that gives people going to the US Open a chance to see their quotes up on a wall,” said Melissa Shuffield, a spokeswoman for JPMorgan Chase, one of the new feature’s sponsors.
“You can see what celebs are saying and check out cool moments from games,” she said.
The wall will display popular posts from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram — using the hashtag “#usopen” — and will be monitored for obscenities and inappropriate comments, Shuffield said.
Event organizers are encouraging fan participation by offering a $1,500 prize to the user who posts the photo that best captures the spirit of the tournament, she said.
Those interested in seeing what’s displayed on the social-media wall can visit the games or usopen.org.
The tech treat isn’t the only new feature for patrons this year. Attendees will be able to grab a bite at a renovated two-story dining area, including an outdoor Heineken House cabana lounge complete with TVs for watching live matches.
The lounge, near the food village southwest of Arthur Ashe Stadium, will feature fare from the Manhattan and Brooklyn eatery No. 7 Sub, including a Broccoli Cuban sandwich.
Other new Open restaurants include Oyster Bar, which sells lobster rolls, and Hill Country BBQ, which peddles slow-cooked Texas-style brisket.
“The experience for fans at the US Open should be unforgettable,” said Pattie Falch, a director for Heineken, which sponsors the tournament and contributed to the renovation.
Grammy-winning rocker Lenny Kravitz will kick things off on opening night with a concert featuring nearly 10,000 pounds of lights and video equipment.
And Mount Sinai Medical Center will offer a health desk, where doctors will provide fans with a question-and-answer session on topics ranging from injury prevention to weight loss.
The tournament runs through Sept. 9. The women’s singles final is Sept 8; the men’s is Sept. 9.