Unusual Event: Luxury Hotel Turns Grand Ballroom Into Tennis Court for One Night

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is serving up one of the most unusual luxury events of the year, transforming the legendary Grand Ballroom at Waldorf Astoria New York into a full-size tennis court for a single night.

Scheduled for August 27, 2026, the event, known as the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational, marks the debut of the brand's new global Racquet Club platform, which aims to blend luxury hospitality with the growing culture surrounding tennis, padel, and other racquet sports.

Waldorf Astoria New York. Photo: © 2026 Hilton

For the first time in its history, the Grand Ballroom, which has hosted the Tony Awards, early Met Gala events, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, will welcome live tennis beneath its chandeliers.

The exhibition matches will feature some of the sport's biggest names, including ATP stars Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton, alongside WTA players Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari.

Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club Ballroom Tennis Invitational. Photo: © 2026 Hilton

More Than Tennis

Guests attending the invitational will enjoy a curated culinary experience led by Lex Yard, the hotel's signature restaurant headed by four-time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Anthony. Champagne from Moët & Chandon, interactive chef stations, seafood offerings, and tennis-inspired cocktails will also be part of the evening.

Tickets start at $1,500 and include access to the live matches, food and beverage experiences, player meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise. Limited overnight packages are also available, combining accommodations at the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York with tennis clinics and treatments at the Guerlain Wellness Spa.

Waldorf Astoria New York - Backhand Ballroom. Photo: © 2026 Hilton

The luxury hotel brand says the event is the first chapter in a broader strategy to connect its destinations with the world of racquet sports. Future experiences are expected at properties including Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. A pop-up activation is also planned in Sydney.

Five percent of net proceeds from the event will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with matching contributions provided by the Hilton Global Foundation.