Hilton to debut Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club with ballroom tennis

Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will officially launch a global racquet sports programme with a tennis event inside Waldorf Astoria New York’s Grand Ballroom on August 27, 2026. The Ballroom Tennis Invitational will feature a full-size court and professional players, with tickets starting at $1,500 and overnight packages already available.

The new Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club platform builds on tennis and padel facilities across the brand’s portfolio, linking hotel experiences to sporting and social occasions, according to Hilton. For hotel operators, the New York launch brings together event admission, accommodation, food and beverage, coaching and wellness services within a single programme.

Showcase matches and hotel packages

The main event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with ATP and WTA players taking part in 45-minute singles showcase matches. Hilton has not named the participating players and said appearances, schedules and programming remain subject to change.

Ticketed experiences include match viewing, food and beverage offerings and opportunities to meet players, while event merchandise will be sold separately. An overnight package combines accommodation with two event tickets, breakfast at Lex Yard and a welcome amenity.

A two-night suite package adds a private one-hour clinic with a touring ATP or WTA player, a Guerlain Wellness Spa treatment and commemorative amenities. Ticket holders can also book a separate Grand Ballroom clinic for two guests on August 28, 2026, with limited availability.

Hilton Honors American Express Consumer and Business Card Members can redeem Hilton Honors Bonus Points for exclusive packages, subject to availability. Those redemptions are limited to a maximum of five packages per Hilton Honors Member each calendar year.

Dining and wellness join the event programme

Food programming will feature Lex Yard, the hotel’s restaurant led by Chef Michael Anthony, alongside interactive chef stations and seafood offerings. Moët & Chandon will provide Champagne, and the beverage programme will include tennis-themed cocktails.

The hotel is also bringing back its original Racquet Club cocktail, which will remain available at Lex Yard through September 13. The restaurant will offer a limited-time Lobster Club, while Guerlain Wellness Spa will provide beauty and wellness experiences, including personalised assessments.

Five percent of net sales proceeds from the event will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the Hilton Global Foundation matching the contribution. Hilton said the support extends its nationwide partnership with the organisation, covering mentorship, hospitality career exploration and travel experiences for young people and their families.

Global platform builds on existing courts

The New York ballroom has previously hosted the first Tony Awards, some of the earliest Met Galas and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Managing director Luigi Romaniello said the tennis event would introduce a new use for the space as the hotel welcomes guests back.

Elsewhere in the portfolio, the programme draws on tennis and padel courts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, clay courts at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and beachside tennis at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Jamie Kerr, Hilton’s vice president, Luxury Marketing Strategy, said the programme would develop across destinations and seasons.

Before the New York invitational, Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club will make an early appearance through a pop-up experience in Sydney. Hilton did not provide a date or further programming details for that event.