Australian Open crowd plans revealed
Tennis fans will be forced to decide between centre court, the best food and drink options or cheap seats at this year’s modified Aus Open.
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A new-look Melbourne Park — tweaked to be COVID-safe — will be unveiled for restricted numbers of fans at next month’s Australian Open.
The home of Victoria’s tennis Grand Slam will be divided into distinctly different areas, with fans forced to choose between centre court, the best food and drink options or cheap seats.
Three strict new zones, Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, will be rolled out with tickets restricting fans to those specific areas.
A rebadged version of popular fan zone Grand Slam Oval will return, dedicated to different regions of Victoria, with top chefs and restaurants.
And Garden Square, where fans traditionally lounge in front of the big screen by the Melbourne Park water fountain, will this year feature private cabanas small groups can book to eat and drink in luxury.
With fans unable to move freely between different areas of the site, Australian Open chief revenue and experiential officer Ben Slack said Victorians should choose their tickets carefully.
“The site will work very differently this year, and it’s our challenge to educate our fans on how to buy tickets to ensure they have the best experience for them,” he said.
“Ticket sales have sold strongly, particularly the middle weekend, and we recommend keeping an eye on tickets as there’s still availability.”
About 35 per cent of normal tickets have so far been released, with numbers capped to enhance safety and social distancing.
Mr Slack said the fact Victorians had done it tough during coronavirus lockdowns meant the Open would “be an incredible opportunity for them to enjoy live sport in a terrific atmosphere and in a COVIDSafe way”.
He said the Rod Laver Zone gave fans the best chance of seeing the likes of Rafael Nadal, Ash Barty and Serena Williams in action.
The Margaret Court Arena Zone was “for the educated tennis fan and those keen to spot the stars of the future”.
It also grants fans access to 1573 Arena, Court 3 and Garden Square.
“MCA zone tickets start at a lower price point than last year and you can come in the day for the first four days from $56 per person,” he said.
John Cain Arena Zone was “unbelievable value” from $49 per person, with Aussie Nick Kyrgios favouring the “people’s court” and tickets also granting access to the practice village.
John Cain Arena Zone tickets will also give fans access to a slice of Grand Slam Oval, which will be broken into four areas of its own in tribute to Victoria’s, coastline, mountains, wine country and bushland.
Victorian chefs and restaurants of Grand Slam Oval will include Adam D’Sylva from Coda and Tonka, Royale Brothers and Middle Eastern eatery Mizon.
The Sunday Herald Sun can also reveal Rockpool’s popular tennis tenancy will be moved from Melbourne Park to The Glasshouse at The Holden Centre and have a private dining room in Collingwood footy’s club’s boardroom.
And corporate hotspot The Atrium will be moved to a two level space overlooking the Yarra River with Melbourne chef Scott Pickett, of Matilda fame, creating an exclusive menu.
AUSSIE OPEN ZONES
*Rod Laver Arena Zone:
Centre court seats to see the best of the world’s best players. Grand Slam Oval access. Not entry to outside courts.
*Margaret Court Arena Zone:
Spot stars of the future and Aussie hopes on the second best show court. Also access to 1573 Arena, Court 3, outside western courts and Garden Square.
* John Cain Arena Zone.
Cheapest access to the Open, from $49. Access to former Melbourne Arena, two eastern courts, player practice village and part of Grand Slam Oval.
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