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Getting home from the US Open after a late-night match can feel like its own endurance sport. This year, though, a lucky group of tennis fans can skip at least part of the post-match transit scrum for a ride back to Manhattan complete with pizza, Wi-Fi and, somehow, a facial.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching the IHG Racquet Cruiser, a free premium motorcoach that will shuttle eligible US Open attendees from Arthur Ashe Stadium to select IHG hotels in Manhattan after certain tournament sessions. And this is decidedly not your average shuttle bus: riders can expect Prince Street Pizza slices, express facial treatments, post-match replays, device charging, solid Wi-Fi and surprise gifts on board.
(Yes, you could theoretically leave Flushing after several hours of watching the world’s best tennis players sweat it out on the court and arrive back in Manhattan fed, freshly moisturized and with a fully charged phone. The 7 train could never.)
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There is, however, a catch: you can’t simply stroll out of Arthur Ashe and hop aboard. Fans attending the US Open can enter for a chance to ride the Racquet Cruiser at the IHG Racquet Bar inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. You’ll need a US Open ticket to access the grounds and the complimentary rides will only operate following select sessions.
The shuttle is part of IHG’s eighth year as the official hotel and hotel loyalty program of the US Open. The company is also bringing back its Watermelon Slice cocktail to the IHG Racquet Bar, made with Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, watermelon juice, elderflower liqueur and lime and served with a watermelon wedge in a collectible tennis-inspired cup. Unlike the Racquet Cruiser, however, that particular perk is available for purchase.
Considering the usual options after a night at Arthur Ashe involve a packed subway platform or a very expensive rideshare, free pizza and a facial on the way home sound like a pretty convincing straight-sets victory.