Australian Open crowds to be capped at 50 per cent

Crowds at the Australian Open will be capped under new restrictions as Omicron cases continue to surge in Victoria. This is what ticketholders need to know.

Australian Open crowds will be capped at 50 per cent under updated Covid restrictions, but existing tickets will be honoured.

The revelation comes as Australia’s Ash Barty was granted no favours in the draw for her home grand slam, the world No.1’s path to the title pitted with potential pitfalls.

The Andrews government on Thursday announced it would enforce a limit on attendances at the Open as Omicron cases continued to surge across the state.

All pre-sold tickets will be honoured, even to events that may have already exceeded 50 per cent of their capacity.

Further sales will be limited to stay within the new restrictions. The rules will not alter ground pass access, and mask wearing will be ­enforced except when eating and drinking.

It is understood tickets to many of the major match-ups at the end of the tournament have sold more than half their tickets.

Seats at the men’s final appeared to be still available on the Ticketmaster website on Thursday night.

Crowds at this year’s Australian Open have been capped at 50 per cent. Picture: Getty Images

Other Covid restrictions enforced across the state will also affect the event, such as the density limit of one person per 2sq m, which applies for indoor hospitality venues.

Work is under way to improve ventilation at indoor areas and air filters will be ­installed in some spaces.

“These updates to arrangements for the Australian Open will mean that fans, players and the workforce can look forward to a terrific Covid-safe event in Australia’s event capital,” Acting Major Events Minister Jaala Pulford said.

There were 17,922 fans in attendance on Monday.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief Felicia Mariani said the announcement was “really disappointing”.

“We’re such a short time to the start of the tournament and so many tickets have ­already sold,” she said.

“The biggest issue is what it means for the businesses that really rely on this event.

“This just adds another challenge and just makes it so hard.

“We understand that we’ve got to protect the community ... but, boy, it hurts.”

Meanwhile, Thursday’s Open draw confirmed Barty will meet a qualifier in the opening round, with seeded players her likely opponents from the third round, including a potential fourth-round match against reigning Open champion Naomi Osaka.

Originally published as Australian Open crowds to be capped at 50 per cent