While of course my favorite thing about credit cards is the ability to earn points which I can redeem for amazing travel experiences, there are some other cool experiences which credit cards can open up as well.
Many of these are thanks to the partnerships and sponsorships that airlines, hotels, and banks have with sporting and music venues.
For example, I’ll be going to London soon, as I have a few seats in the SPG Suite at the O2 Arena for an Adele concert. I’ve had similarly awesome experiences at the US Open, a One Direction concert, etc.
SPG Suite at The O2 ArenaWell, if you’re a tennis fan and have either the Citi Prestige® Card or Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, you have access to a pretty cool event through Citi Private Pass. Here’s how it’s described:
Join us for a very special Private Pass BEYOND experience with two legends of tennis: 39-time Grand Slam Winner and the co-founder of World TeamTennis and the Women’s Sports Foundation, Billie Jean King, and former Men’s Tennis Olympics captain and famed ESPN commentator, Patrick McEnroe. The duo will participate in a private tennis clinic at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, named one of “The 50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts” (Tennis Magazine).
Be instructed and mentored by King and McEnroe throughout the 1 hour and 45 minute-long clinic. Participate in singles and doubles drills and contests, and rotate amongst the legends who will give your tips and tricks on every part of your game. Then, enjoy a cocktail hour and Q&A session where you will be able to mix and mingle and ask the legends about their lives, careers and thoughts on the 2016 professional tennis season. You will also enjoy a meet and greet photo opportunity, autograph session and a special autographed gift to commemorate your experience!
There are two types of tickets available. For $110 you can buy VIP tickets, which include a tennis clinic, cocktail reception, meet & greet photo opportunity, autograph session, and Q&A. Otherwise for $65 you can get a ticket for everything except the tennis clinic, which you can either watch or skip altogether.
The event takes place from 1PM to 4:30PM on Saturday March 26, 2016, at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne.
Bottom line
I realize this is pretty specific, but as someone who loves tennis, it seems like a pretty awesome event. While I’m a big fan of SPG Moments, I hadn’t been paying much attention to the Citi Private Pass events, so will keep an eye on them going forward.
Has anyone attended a Citi Private Pass event?
I believe not, as one of the requirements is to be a cardmember. However, best course of action is to call them. Always. If you call the number for purchases they will probably be able to tell you if you can give the tickets to someone else: 800.301.3345
Source: https://www.citiprivatepass.com/beyond/billiejeanking
Do you know if it is mandatory for the cardholder to attend? Or could I purchase then gift these tickets to someone else? Thanks!