Sport

Get to know the Australian Open Ground Pass

Squeezing in as much action off court as on it – here’s your guide to everything included in the Australian Open Ground Pass!

From food to fashion, big screen lounging to a spot of table tennis – the Australian Open Ground Pass is your all-day ticket to enjoy the very best of the AO experience.

With access to select arenas and a host of outdoor courts included as well, there is so much to see and do with a Ground Pass – that’s why we’ve got you covered.

Australian Open Ground Pass: On Court

Of course we have to start with all the on court action – and with a Ground Pass, you have more options that you can imagine.

John Cain Arena

Renowned for being ‘the people’s court’ — are set to become the hottest tickets in town given JCA has historically served up some of the most entertaining AO matches.

Unreserved seats are available to Ground Pass holders on a first come, first in basis. And with some of the Open’s favourites set to take to the court in week one, it’s a pretty good place to start.

Kia Arena, Show Court 6, & Court 1573

Just as their name suggests, the Show Courts always put on a show and with a new arena in the mix, things have gotten even more interesting for AO24.

Seating 5,000 spectators, Kia Arena is the fourth-largest tennis venue at Melbourne Park. Then, of course, you’ve got the 3,000 capacity Court 1573, and the unmissable Court 6.

Across these three courts you can catch some electric tennis action – including a host of Aussie talent – especially in week one of the tournament. Add onto that, the atmosphere around Court 6, where you’ll find a brand new two-story bar right alongside the court, with a capacity for more than 400 fans to drink, eat, listen to live DJs, and watch the best of the action.

Practice Courts

Thought that was all the on-court action we had in store for you, Ground Pass Holders? Think again!

When they aren’t competing in the Australian Open draw, the competition’s biggest names might just squeeze in a little practice time on the AO Practice Courts – allowing you to get up closer than ever and see these champions first hand. You might even get the chance to get a sneaky autograph if you’re patient enough.

Australian Open Ground Pass: Off Court

The Australian Open experience doesn’t stop with on-court action – whether you want to indulge in some of the best flavours Melbourne has on offer, lounge in front of one of Melbourne Park’s countless big screens, or you want to indulge in some of the AO’s endless fun and activities – here’s everything you need to get planning.

Garden Square

Want to catch the action on Rod Laver Arena or Margaret Court? Then the Garden Square Big Screen is the place to be. Sit back and relax on one of the seats or recliners and enjoy some food and drinks from the likes of Brunetti Classico, D.O.C, Cambio de Tercio and more! Want to level things up? Grab a seat at AO Stokehouse, Fusion Feast or Penfolds for a premium dining experience. 

Grand Slam Oval

If you want to add some food, drink, music, and art to your AO experience – make your way over to Grand Slam Oval.

Here you can enjoy live music throughout the day, check out some of Melbourne’s edgiest artists, and devour bites from some of Melbourne’s best CBD restaurants and sips from AO partner bars.

We’re talking mouthwatering burgers from Easey’s or get a taste of Sydney’s Indian food scene with bites from Pinki Ji. The ever-popular Stalactites souvlakis will again return for this year’s Australian Open.

You can also find Canadian Club Cabana Bar, Tanqueray, Aperol Terrazza, and more.

Oh, and we can’t forget table tennis. There are plenty of tables for everyone to try their luck so make sure you give it a go! Then cool off under the Bondi Sands water sprinklers.

AO Ballpark presented by Emirates

Young fans can become immersed in hours of exploration at AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, trying out totem tennis, Hot Shots Tennis and the Emirates Sky Cadets Challenge, the AO’s own nine-metre-high aerial adventure. It will also feature a fun obstacles course full of activities.

There is also the AO Ballpark Stage, which features daily performances from the likes of Looney Tunes and Batman, and the Splash Zone, which includes a waterslide to cool down the kids.

If all that action and crowds become too much, a reprieve is in store for neurodivergent fans at the soothing and calming Sensory Room.

AO Courtside Bar

The AO Courtside Bar, a stunning two-story structure overlooking Court 6 is set to literally raise the bar in the entertainment and lifestyle stakes at the Australian Open in January.

As the place to see and be seen at AO 2024, the AO Courtside Bar will offer more than 400 fans a brand-new experience where they can choose from a delicious drinks menu and enjoy gourmet bar bites by Sydney’s Joel Bennetts with a birds-eye view of all the tennis action below. 

A rotating roster of DJs will be on hand to entertain, making it the perfect place to unwind and take in the AO atmosphere.

Big Screen Viewing

There are countless places to lounge around catching all the best matches at the AO. Alongside Garden Square’s famous big screen spot, the AO has added even more big screen action around the park. If you’re out that way, stop by the AO Ballpark for lots of the fun and music.

Heading to the AO24 in the evening? Don’t miss the AO Night Ground Pass!

Whether you’re planning to head down after work or you want to make the most of your evening, don’t miss the AO Night Ground Pass. Enter after 5pm and you can enjoy all the Australian Open atmosphere – head out to Garden Square and watch all the main court action from the lawn, grab a seat in John Cain Arena and watch the night match unfold, explore all the sites, sounds and tastes available on Grand Slam Oval – and that’s only the beginning.

From incredible tennis action to world-class food and drink, and so much more – a day of fun and adventure is on the cards with an Australian Open Ground Pass, starting from just $59 in week one and $29 in week two. (Prices may vary depending on days.)

The Australian Open 2024 will transform Melbourne Park from Sunday 14 January until Sunday 28 JanuaryTickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.