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 2026 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 SK Steak & Oyster, 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 delivers a refined yet vibrant lounge experience, perched on the River Terrace with sweeping views of the Melbourne skyline from its stunning rooftop bar. At the Champions Rooftop, enjoy al fresco casual seating on the Rod Laver Arena balcony above the players’ entrance, complete with canapés, grazing stations, and live theatre cooking by the acclaimed Chef Peter Gilmore. 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.
Grand Slam Oval is bringing together a fun mix of global flavours in one lively space. You can grab crispy Vietnamese fried chicken from Season, Malaysian street food favourites from Ho Jiak, classic burgers from JollyGood, and quick Italian bites like pizza slices from D.O.C. For something fresher, there are poke and salad bowls from Fishbowl, and for a local twist, the special collaboration between Stalactites x Taverna serves up Greek favourites. It’s the perfect spot to wander, snack, and soak up the atmosphere between matches.
Garden Square
Garden Square is shaping up to be one of the tastiest places to hang out at the Australian Open this year, with a food line-up that’s as exciting as the tennis.
You’ll be able to try iconic Melbourne sandwiches from Hector’s Deli, enjoy bold Middle Eastern flavours from Layla by Shane Delia, indulge in French-inspired comfort food like cheeseburgers, baguettes, and frites from Entrecôte, or go classic Aussie with a gourmet sausage in bread from Vic’s Meat, The Chef’s Butcher.
Whether you’re after something quick between matches or a proper sit-down bite with friends, Garden Square offers a mix of familiar favourites and elevated eats that make it the perfect place to refuel, relax, and soak up the atmosphere between sets.
Ballpark presented by Emirates
Ace your summer holidays at the Happy Slam, there’s plenty to do just for Kids & Families at the AO!
Play all day in Ballpark Presented by Emirates, a tennis playground for ages 3-12 yrs. Open daily 12 Jan – 1 Feb, choose between versing your family members on the mini courts, relax in the shade and watch a live cartoon character stage show, cool down on the jumbo waterslide, or challenge yourself to do all of these and more.
P.S Don’t forget your swimwear!
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 a delicious bar menu, the Courtside Bar will offer fans an elevated AO experience with a birds-eye view of all the tennis action below.
TOPCOURT
TOPCOURT, the AO’s vibrant precinct at Birrarung Marr, which debuted in 2025 is back with fan-favourite Game On, more live music and entertainment, POP and Pickleball courts, fresh activations, and shopping.
TOPCOURT will again be the place to be this summer, with Shake Shack bringing its first-ever Australian outlet to the AO, serving up its world-famous burgers and shakes from TOPCOURT for three weeks in January.
Likewise, the AO is set to serve up even more entertainment in 2026, with the debut of AO LIVE Opening Week – a brand-new series of exclusive live music events that will kick off the Grand Slam with a bang.
From Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 January 2026, TOPCOURT will transform into a buzzing open-air stage for four nights of world-class electronic music, including Hot Chip, Elderbrook, Cassian, and The Presets. Read more HERE.
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 2026 will transform Melbourne Park from Monday 12 January until Sunday 1 February. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.
