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 than you can imagine.
John Cain Arena
Victoria’s home of elite indoor sport and renowned for being ‘the people’s court’, JCA has historically served up some of the most entertaining AO matches.
It’s also where, for the first time at Australian Open 2025, fans can buy tickets to dedicated night sessions at the 10,000-seat arena, scheduled for 12-17 January.
Unreserved seats are also 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.
Margaret Court Arena
Experience the best of sports and entertainment at this iconic 7,500-seat arena! With a roof that opens in under five minutes – rumoured to be one of the fastest in the world – and a design inspired by the elegant pleats of a tennis skirt, this venue is as stylish as it is innovative.
Rod Laver Arena
With around 15,000 seats, this iconic arena has been upgraded as part of the $972 million Melbourne Park redevelopment! Be ready to experience it like never before – a must-visit, ticketed venue for unforgettable events.
1573 Arena
Fans can expect a new shade structure for 1573 Arena, like the structure on Court 3, a favourite among players and fans alike. Shade on 1573 Arena will increase from 325 square metres to 1170 square metres, making the tennis viewing experience more comfortable and fun for thousands of spectators.
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.
Fancy upgrading to a Premium Experience?
At Australian Open 2025 they are taking their Premium Experience offerings to the next level with a variety of exclusive dining and viewing options.
Indulge in sophisticated meals at The Bistro by Rockpool, featuring curated dishes, premium beverages, and a private terrace overlooking Garden Square, paired with premium Rod Laver Arena seating. For a more social vibe, the Riverside Social offers canapés, cocktails by LA’s Grandmaster Recorders, live entertainment, and stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline from River Terrace. At the Champions Rooftop, enjoy Spanish-inspired cuisine by London-based Cambio de Tercio, premium drinks, and visits from tennis legends, all on the Rod Laver Arena balcony. The Glasshouse provides a relaxed, light-filled dining room with meals crafted by esteemed chefs and paired with premium beverages. For the ultimate luxury, On-Court by Piper Heidsieck delivers an omakase-style dining experience by Sushi Room, premium drinks, exclusive on-court seating, and a behind-the-scenes VIP tour. Discover more information on experiences HERE.
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 enjoy some of the AO’s endless fun and activities – here’s everything you need to get planning.
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, Lebanese charcoal chicken from El Jannah, D.O.C — Traditional pizza by the slice (and espresso!) and CDMX Taqueria – delicious and authentic Mexico City-inspired tacos.
You can also find Canadian Club Cabana Bar, Peroni Aperitivo Bar, Aperol Terrazza, and many more!
Garden Square
There will be something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds with a few new additions to the Garden Square lineup. Some of Melbourne’s best including the famous Entrecôte – think cheeseburgers and Mitraillette steak sandwiches. A1 Bakery, a north-side cult favourite serving up Lebanese pastries, falafel bowls and chicken wraps and Piccolo Panini Bar slinging Italian-style deli rolls and home-style desserts. There’s also Maltese-inspired pastizzi and Mediterranean salads from Ostro.
Ballpark presented by Emirates
Young fans can become immersed in hours of exploration at Ballpark presented by Emirates. This year’s event features the Kids Tennis Day and the Kids and Families Zone, offering a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include the Arena Spectacular at Rod Laver Arena, performances at the Grand Slam Oval, and interactive sessions like Hot Shots Tennis.
Ballpark presents obstacle courses, meet the characters from PJ Masks, Peppa Pig, Octonauts, and more!
They are serving something different at Wonder Pies! Chef Raymond Capaldi is cooking up delicious gourmet pies alongside crowd-pleasers like Fish & Chips, Chicken & Chips, Kids’ Nuggets & Chips, and convenient Party Packs. Plus, parents can enjoy a bonus coffee on the go!
P.S Don’t forget your swimwear as you can to experience our 2.5m or 6m slide!
The Courtside Bar
The 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.
With increased capacity, enhanced tennis viewing, an intimate rooftop bar and delicious bar menu, the Courtside Bar will offer fans an elevated AO experience with a birds-eye view of all the tennis action below.
Plus, don’t miss the delicious bagels from Hank’s Bagelry – you can order at the bar!
TOPCOURT
Get ready for TOPCOURT at the Australian Open 2025 – a dynamic new precinct at Birrarung Marr Middle Terrace designed especially for Gen Z fans! This high-energy playground blends sport, digital media, and pop culture, offering immersive gaming experiences like VR Tennis and retro arcades, live music, DJ battles, beauty transformations at the MECCA Summer Club, and exclusive food collaborations. It’s the ultimate destination to play, glow and experience tennis like never before! See what to expect below:
Heading to the AO25 in the evening? Check out the AO Night Ground Pass!
Whether you’re planning to hit the AO after work or want to make the most of these summer evenings, the AO Night Ground Pass is for you. Enter after 5pm and you can enjoy the epic Australian Open atmosphere. As the sun sets, there’s plenty going on across the precinct – head to Garden Square and watch the on-court action on the big screens, explore all the entertainment, sounds and tastes on offer at Grand Slam Oval, as well as heaps more. Check out ground passes now.
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!
The Australian Open 2025 will transform Melbourne Park from Sunday 6 January until Sunday 26 January. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.
