The US Open comes to New York next week and American Express cardholders will have the advantage. On Sept. 4 all spectators will receive a complimentary preloaded one-ride Metrocard. Michael Chang will be on hand a portion of the day to sign autographs and pass out the MetroCards. American Express cardholders can also lighten their loads by taking advantage of the American Express Package Check locations at the South Plaza and on the Club Level of Arthur Ashe Stadium. As a special treat, Martina Hingis and Patrick Rafter will serve as celebrity package checkers and sign autographs for guests. By charging $75 on an American Express card at the US Open, cardholders can receive a commemorative pin showcasing one of the featured players. AmEx also has free gifts or bonuses available to cardholders who shop, in conjunction with the US Open, at Paragon Sports, The Sports Authority, Health Nut, Chelsea Piers, NY Health & Racquet Club, and NY Sports Club. American Express will once again host the Fourth Annual American Express Skills Challenge on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, August 26. Celebrity players, including Patrick Rafter, Martina Hingis, Andre Agassi and others are scheduled to showcase their accuracy, speed and timing skills in a target contest on center court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. For each ball that hits the target, American Express will donate $2,500 to the player’s selected charity. Over the past three years, the American Express Skills Challenge has donated more than $200,000 to player charities.  For more information visit www.usopen.org.