Luxe ways to enjoy the Australian Open 2020 in Melbourne
Invite-only access to a secret on-course restaurant, being coached by a tennis legend, and paying up to $27,000 for a seat. Some people aren’t afraid to spend big at the Australian Open — here’s a look at how the rich and glamorous will enjoy the high life.
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There’s a secret space at the Australian Open known to only a few people, where the privileged can eat and drink when they’re not watching the tennis from their on-court seats.
Hollywood A-listers like Will Smith and Will Ferrell have been invited in the past, as have models Karlie Kloss and Jessica Gomes.
The experience, costing up to $27,500 a seat, is one of the many luxe offerings Melbourne and the world’s elite can enjoy at the tennis next week.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain on the extravagant ways to enjoy the tournament.
FINALS TABLE
Melbourne’s finest restaurants will play doubles during the Aus Open finals weekend, letting well-heeled punters eat at some of the city’s best restaurants before watching the tennis.
There are six levels of dining varying in cost.
Some of the paired dining experiences include Sunda and Tea Room at the European, Tokyo Tina and Maha East, Atlas Dining and Tulum, Chin Chin and Kisume and Cutler and Co and Marion.
The most exclusive experience is the Vue De Monde and Attica package on finals weekend where up to 14 guests can enjoy a degustation menu at Attica on Saturday from 1pm and Vue De Monde on Sunday from 2pm, before watching the Women’s and Men’s Finals at Rod Laver Arena.
Each experience comes with champagne or a cocktail or arrival, luxury car transfers to the arena and a gift bag including an official Australian Open bag, program and pin, plus Atrium bar pass and a water bottle.
COST: $4995 per person
ON-COURT SEATING
Will Smith’s done it, so has Will Ferrell, models Jessica Gomes, Karlie Kloss and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
On-court seating is the ultimate luxe experience at the Australian Open, letting you sit metres from some of the world’s best tennis players.
The experience can costs upwards of $27,500 per person, and includes perks not available to the every punter like lunch or dinner at secret, invite-only space ‘ate.’
You also get access to your own private lounge, called The Dressing Room, for the entire session which is stocked with Penfolds wine, Piper Heidsieck champagne and nibbles.
COST: $1500- $27,5000 per person
VANTAGE
This new experience lets you book premium seating at Rod Laver behind either end of play The seats are for all 25 sessions over the tournament and includes all-day access to The Atrium, an area exclusively for corporates to entertain guests. The Atrium has live entertainment and regular Q+A sessions with the world’s former top tennis stars. Food and drinks are available to buy at the bar. Ticketholders get priority access inside the court and to AO dining and experiences like Nobu or Rockpool.
COST: $10,450 per person
SHOW COURT FINALS
This is one of the few available ways to secure final tickets to the Australian Open 2020. The Melbourne Arena, three-hour event comes with fine dining, live entertainment and Q+A sessions with tennis legends before access to the finals on February 1 and February 2.
You’ll also get to choose your priority seat at Rod Laver Arena.
COST: $3300 per person for both days
GLASS HOUSE
Chef’s Series
Four celebrity female chefs are part of the 2020 AO Chef Series. Chefs will cook lunch and dinner at The Glasshouse, opposite Grand Slam Oval, in two day stints during the first week of the tournament.
Chefs include Bo-Duanporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava; chef and partner of Michelin Star restaurant Bo. Lan in Bangkok , Sarah Todd; Former MasterChef contestant, cookbook author, TV personality and owner of three restaurants in India, Analiese Gregory; former head chef of Franklin in Hobart and Donna Hay; culinary icon and cookbook author.
Tickets include dinner and seating at Rod Laver or Margaret Court area.
COST: Analisese Gregory and Bo Songvisava prices start at $295 dining-only. Donna Hay and Sarah sold out
Get a taste of South Australia during week two of the Aus Open tournament at the Penfolds Magill Estate pop-up at The Glasshouse.
Head chef Scott Huggins’ menu includes crab with kombu and tomato ice, kingfish and ponzu radish and pork jowl with ginger compressed apples and eggplant.
COST: Dining-only experiences start at $265 pp for lunch and sommelier choice wines , $450pp for lunch and luxury wines. Dinner starts at $320 for food and sommelier choice wine and $470pp for food and luxury wines
SIP FANCY CHAMPAGNE
Piper Heidsieck returns to the Australian Open as the official champagne of the tournament.
Sample some of the best from the range at the La Maison Piper-Heidsieck marquee on Grand Slam Oval like the cuvee brut, rose sauvage, essential, Vintage 2008.
COST: A glass of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut costs $23 and Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage $29
TENNIS CLINIC
Learn from the best with a private tennis clinic on Show Court 3 with a one-hour session with a coach.
The sessions are held on week two of the Aus Open tournament. Tennis legends are available to be part of your experience, at an extra cost. Breakfast, tea and coffee provided after at The Atrium. Arrive at 6.45am for a 7am start.
COST: On application
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FAN WALK-ON
Step out on centre court at Rod Laver or Margaret Court arena 20 minutes before play for the match of your choice. Ticket prices are subject to the arena and session time.
COST: From $75pp