Win exclusive access to U.S. Open while helping NPC Journalism Institute

The National Press Club Journalism Institute is auctioning off two tickets for courtside seats and Presidential Suite access at the 2012 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York to benefit news media training and scholarship programs.

The highest bidder will enjoy lunch in the luxurious and exclusive U.S. Tennis Association President's Dining Room, access to the hospitality lounge in the Presidential Suite, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Arthur Ashe Stadium. This is an opportunity available to only a select few and never for sale to the general public.

To bid, click here: http://www.press.org/institute/us-open-tickets

Bidding ends at 5 p.m. July 27. See additional rules below.

In addition to the great lunch and VIP treatment, winners of these tickets witness the tournament from seats in the USTA President's Courtside Box. The tour includes a look at the Players' Lounge, the Players' Dining Room and the media center.

These special passes also include access to:
-- Courtside seating in the Louis Armstrong Stadium
-- All other courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
-- US Open Bus Transportation from the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City

The one-day passes may be used on any one of the following days of the U.S. Open: Aug. 28, Aug. 29 or Aug. 30, 2012.

As of Tuesday, the highest bid stood at $500 -- a great deal for a tennis buff.

These tickets were donated by Jon Vegosen, chairman of the board and president of the United States Tennis Association. Proceeds from the auction benefit the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which provides education and training to professional journalists and scholarships to aspiring journalists.

Follow the bidding here: http://www.press.org/institute/us-open-tickets