$120 for lunch? Fans stunned by Australian Open food prices
For the Newey clan, a day at the tennis has involved a lot of sunscreen – and a lot of food prep.
Showing The Age a cooler bag filled with homemade sandwiches and snacks, Jade Newey said she got some early insight into the Australian Open’s food and drink prices when she came to the tournament’s day one with her mum, Alison, and brother, Ashley.
The Newey family brought their own cooler bag to cut down on food costs for the day.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Shocked by the prices, the Pakenham family decided that when they returned with Jade’s children – Charlee, 12, Jordan, 10, and Lacey, 6 – they would do BYO food.
Jade felt the cost of ground passes stung compared with what they used to be. An adult’s pass is $59, a ticket for children aged three to 12 is $15, and $35 for teens aged 13 to 17.
Higher food prices have also followed as the Open has transformed into a trendy food destination with stalls from well-known restaurants.
The Neweys were sitting on the lawn at the food hub of Grand Slam Oval. Here, a can of beer costs almost $15 and soft drink $6.40, while a slice of pizza from D.O.C or a souvlaki from Stalactites is about $20.
Australian Open food prices.Credit: The Age
Over at Garden Oval, an Entrecote steak-frites baguette will set you back $27.50.
Jade said they wanted to treat themselves to dinner later, but they’d go to the John Cain Arena food stall where there is a kids’ combo of nuggets and chips for $10.50.
Ashley said he wasn’t bothered by ticket prices, but the costs inside the venue were another story.
“The price of the tickets is fine, but it almost feels like a lure because you come in, and then you get hit with all the prices for the food. That’s my disappointment. If you don’t come prepared, your hip pocket cops it.”
Jade said the overall cost of the Open could be tough for families and she wished there were more kids’ activities close to the arena, but coming still felt worth it.
“I love the tennis, and the atmosphere is good,” she said.
Yong Sim was less surprised by the prices. Yong flew from Sydney with his parents, Sue and Seng, wife Yvonne and children Emma, 15, and Hugo, 11.
The Sim family is fine with the food and drink prices for a special day out.Credit: Photograph by Chris Hopkins
Yong said while the ground passes were higher than expected, the cost of food felt appropriate.
“It’s an experience, so I don’t think I’m overpaying for anything.”
Yvonne said that for lunch, the family got five meals from Fishbowl and a plate of CDMX tacos, each dish costing about $20.
She estimated they would spend more than $200 on food and drink alone, but she said they have loved coming to the tennis ever since a stint living in London when they’d go to Wimbledon.
“It’s expensive for a day out, but we don’t do it very often – it’s really a once-a-year thing.”
A spokeswoman for the Australian Open said organisers wanted to ensure the tournament was accessible to as many people as possible, allowing fans of all ages to enjoy world-class sport and entertainment.
“This year’s line-up of cuisines and menu offerings ensure there’s something for every taste and price point in the arena, from $5.20 toasties, hot chips from $6.80 … to more gourmet options for those who want to try something new,” she said.
“Across the precinct, the majority of menu items are priced between $12 and $23.”
People were also welcome to bring their own food and drink, she said, and water bottle refill stations were located across the site.
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