Evian Unveils Floating Tennis Court Experience
Danone North America’s Evian is activating its sponsorship of the U.S. Open tennis tournament by offering a unique viewing experience of the men’s final match onboard the brand’s first floating tennis court, dubbed the SS Evian.
The men’s final, one of the most-watched matches of the Open, will take place on Sept. 10. Passengers can view the broadcast aboard an Evian-branded Circle Line cruise ship that will float along New York City’s Hudson River. Image renderings of the tennis court show a light pink court, tent and other signage all depicting the Evian logo.
Evian says the goal of this activation is to celebrate its “longstanding” partnership with the U.S. Open, while uniting the “love for tennis, the essential role hydration plays in propelling the sport to even greater heights and the beauty of the city that hosts the tournament,” according to a media release.
Guests on board the SS Evian will be able to watch the men's final from "courtside" seating on the main deck of the cruise.
Evian has designated former U.S. Open champion and Evian hydration ambassador Maria Sharapova as the ship's "captain.” She’ll participate in a “waterside chat,” offering attendees insights into the match and emphasize the role hydration plays in winning, per the release.
"[The SS Evian experience is] an amazing way to connect with fans and showcase in real-time how vitally important it is to stay hydrated for peak performance as we watch the men's side battle it out in the U.S. Open final,” Sharapova said in the release. “I can't wait to have fun with the fans and give everyone aboard the SS Evian an inside look at what it means to compete at the highest level."
Tickets for the premium viewing experience are available for purchase through a designated Circle Line web page. They are being released in limited quantities on Aug. 22, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5. Evian will donate all proceeds from ticket sales to Billion Oyster Project, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring oyster reefs in the New York Harbor and preserving the city's iconic waterways.
Additionally, Evian will award one guest the opportunity to volley with Sharapova on the floating tennis court, along with two tickets to the 2024 U.S. Open. Ticketholders can enter for a chance to win at the time of purchase. The winner will be randomly selected through a drawing based on the number of tickets sold and notified via email prior to the event.
"We are thrilled to embark on this extraordinary experience aboard the SS Evian, in partnership with the legendary Maria Sharapova,” Leeni Hamalainen, marketing director for Evian in North America, said in the release. “Together, we are excited to create a one-of-a-kind voyage that blends the passion for tennis with the iconic heritage of Evian from the French Alps.”
Play in the U.S. Open began Aug. 28, ending with the men’s final on Sept. 10.