There will be many options for watching the America’s Cup this summer, but none so luxurious as the offerings by SportsMark. The official corporate hospitality management partner for the 34th America’s Cup, the San Rafael company has created a suite of choices designed for fans or companies seeking a first-class experience.
Event experts who are used to handling VIP guests on behalf of blue chip companies, SportsMark used its experience with other top sporting events such as the Olympics and World Cup to create some unique offerings for the sailing set. Marin Magazine caught up with Jessie Giordano, director of business development at SportsMark, to learn more about the high-end packages now available for purchase.
At events like the US Open, you have a large VIP tent. What is the equivalent with the Cup?
The America’s Cup Club was created with this design in mind, situated right in the heart of the action of America’s Cup Park on Piers 27/29. It will be a waterfront hospitality venue using the new cruise terminal building as the backdrop. Guests can purchase semi-private tables and will have use of a shared lounge from where they can view the race finish. The feel will be very San Francisco, with modern elements that play off of the cruise terminal’s industrial feel with bits of America’s Cup nostalgia throughout.
Photo Credit: America's Cup Club by SportsMark
What about a more private option?
Then you are looking for the Private Waterfront Chalets, our luxury suites. The Chalets are all about “location, location, location.” Situated on Marina Green, the Chalets offer the absolute best views of the racecourse. We have 11 Chalets and each can hold 40-50 guests per day. The Chalets will also be very clean and modern, but will have the more traditional elements you’d find in a private club, such as wood and executive furnishings. What is also unique about the Chalets is your ability to customize them. Companies can add their brand elements and also can drive the programming, so their guests experience is entirely up to them.
Photo Credit: Chalets by SportsMark
What if you looking to get closer to the action?
Then you’ll want the On-Water Upgrade package. We call this our “Fast and Furious” experience. After donning official America’s Cup all-weather gear (that guests get to keep), just six guests board an official support boat to view the racing from right from the sidelines. These are only boats that allow spectators to move across the racecourse. In addition to being in the heat of the battle, guests will have headsets to hear all of the live commentary. It will be a once in a lifetime experience.
Photo Credit: SportsMark
What’s the difference between your America’s Cup Club options and what you would find at another top-tier event?
Unlike most other events of this stature, the amenities are included as part of the package. Parking, food, and beverage, including premium Napa Valley wines and Moet, are all included the one price.
Getting on the field of play is a pretty unique experience in sports. What has been the reaction to the On-Water package?
With six support boats hosting six guests (two sessions per day), we have just 72 spots each day available, and we’ve already sold out two days. In fact, a couple from London just purchased this package for their son for his birthday, so we’re seeing interest from around the globe.
Package Details:
- To purchase, visit www.americascup.com/experience, [email protected] or 800-387-8443
- America’s Cup Club hospitality is available for purchase for the Louis Vuitton Finals August 17-30 and the America’s Cup Finals September 7-21.
America’s Cup Club Package
- Waterfront hospitality venue located in the Pier 27/29 AC Park with a dedicated viewing deck located at the racecourse finish
- Option to secure reserved tables of ten or shared lounge seating
- Gourmet dining experience, including a premium hosted bar and wines from the Napa Valley
- Live coverage of all race activities
- Race-day analysis by America’s Cup Insider
- Commemorative photo with the America’s Cup Trophy
- Complimentary parking (1 per 2 guests)
- Lounge packages range from $800 – $2900 per person for Louis Vuitton Cup Finals, and $3000 – $5500 per person for the America’s Cup Finals
- Executive packages range from $7,500 – $26,950 per table of ten for Louis Vuitton Cup Finals, and $27,500 – $50,000 per table of ten for the America’s Cup Finals
Waterfront Chalets
- 20’ x 70’ footprint with the executive furnishings
- 40 tickets per day for all race days
- 20 VIP parking passes per day
- 40 America’s Cup programs delivered to the tent each day
- Premium food & beverage package
- Four (4) credentials for a Team Base Tour for a select day
- America’s Cup Insider Experiences
- One (1) table of ten in the America’s Cup Club for a select day
- (5) parking passes per day
- Pricing: Louis Vuitton Cup Finals, Single Day $62,500; Louis Vuitton Cup Finals $250,000; America’s Cup Finals $395,000 or both finals for $600,000
On-Water Upgrade
- On-water access for one race, providing sideline views of the racing
- Zip between the turning marks, following the AC72 catamarans
- America’s Cup Club all-weather protection gear
- Live race commentary
- Pricing: $950 plus America’s Cup Club ticket ($800 for Louis Vuitton Cup Finals, $7,500 for America’s Cup Finals)
