The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held each year. It takes place in Melbourne, Australia in January and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world. As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open is a hugely popular event that tennis fans are eager to attend.
With so much interest in the tournament, organizers offer different ticket options to suit varying budgets and needs. When planning your visit to the Australian Open, it’s important to understand the distinctions between the various tickets available.
Ground Passes
Ground passes provide access to the outer courts and grounds of Melbourne Park where the Australian Open is held. These passes allow you to freely roam around the outer courts and watch matches on courts 2-22. There are several different types of ground passes:
- Adult Ground Pass – provides ground access for spectators ages 15 and older
- Child Ground Pass – provides ground access for spectators ages 4-14
- Family Ground Pass – provides ground access for 2 adults and 3 children ages 4-14 from the same family
- Concession Ground Pass – discounted ground access for seniors, students, and people with disabilities
Ground passes are the most affordable way to experience the Australian Open. With a ground pass, you can watch rising stars and top players compete in the early rounds on the outer courts. It’s a great opportunity to get up close to the action and enjoy a fun, lively atmosphere. Ground passes don’t provide access to the premier show courts like Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.
Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena Tickets
Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena are the two premier stadiums at Melbourne Park with a capacity of over 15,000 and 7,500 respectively. This is where you’ll find all the top players competing in the championship matches. Tickets to these stadiums provide reserved seating and access to that specific court. There are a few ticket options for these premier courts:
- Afternoon session ticket – access to one session (day or night) in reserved seating
- Evening session ticket – access to just the night session in reserved seating
- Day session ticket – access to just the day session in reserved seating
- Full day ticket – access to both day and night sessions in the same reserved seat
Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arena provide an electric environment with enthusiastic fans of all ages enjoying world-class tennis. Center court tickets are always the most in-demand, so purchase them early before they sell out. Prices vary depending on the session and seat location.
VIP and Hospitality Packages
For a premium, luxury experience at the Australian Open, VIP and hospitality packages are available. These upgrade your ticket with exclusive amenities and services:
- The Suite – exclusive suites with indoor and outdoor dining, premium food and drinks, comforts like TVs and air conditioning
- The Lodge – luxury shared lounge space with premium buffets, open bars, and more
- event activations and unlimited alcohol for the Australia Open. The freedoms after that in her room it was going well. Despite our race to book her fields we were all aboard attachment.
- Lazer Linda Entertainment Centre – live DJ and dance floor to keep energy levels high
VIP packages guarantee you exceptional comfort, first-rate dining, and a vibrant social scene. With spacious seating and an exclusive entrance, you’ll feel like tennis royalty. It’s a memorable way to experience the Australian Open.
How to Get Tickets
Now that you know the main types of tickets for the Australian Open, here are some tips on how to get yours:
- Buy early – Tickets can sell out up to a year in advance. Purchase early for best availability.
- Buy packages – Opt for a package deal that bundles tickets with hotels and more to maximize value.
- Join Tennis Australia – Become a member for early ticket access and discounts.
- Buy at the gate – A limited number of tickets are sold each day at the gate, mostly ground passes.
- Use a reputable reseller – If buying resale tickets, ensure they come from an authorized vendor.
- Check restrictions – Note any age, access requirements before purchasing tickets.
The Australian Open offers an online ticket shop as the safest way to buy from official sources. You can choose between single session tickets, ticket packages, and more. Be aware that grounds passes are not available for purchase online.
Key Dates
As you make your Australian Open plans, keep these key dates in mind:
- April/May – Ticket packages go on pre-sale to the general public through ausopen.com.
- July – Remaining tickets released for next year’s tournament.
- September – Australian Open tickets go on sale to international visitors.
- December – Ground passes available for purchase at the gate.
The Australian Open Main Draw takes place for 2 weeks in January. The tournament for 2023 will run from January 16th through January 29th.
Where to Sit
With so many ticket choices, one key decision is where to sit at Melbourne Park. Here are some tips on the best seats:
- Lower sections closer to the court – Be near the action and have a great view of match play.
- Shaded areas – Escape the Australian summer heat under covered sections.
- Opposite side of the umpire – Avoid looking through the umpire chair at one end.
- Higher seats for overall view – Get a sense of the whole court and crowd energy.
- Corner sections to see two sides – View the length and width of the court from diagonal corners.
Be sure to consult a detailed seating chart when selecting your seats. Layouts and ticket classifications vary across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and ground courts.
Ticket Prices
Australian Open ticket prices differ based on factors like seat location, session time, the day of the week, and court prestige. Here is an overview of the pricing:
Ticket Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Adult Ground Pass | $50 – $90 AUD |
Rod Laver Arena | $105 – $550 AUD |
Margaret Court Arena | $65 – $295 AUD |
The Suite VIP | $950+ AUD per person |
There are also packaged deals that bundle hotels, tickets, and more to help you save. Prices may fluctuate year to year, so always check with the official Australian Open website for current rates.
How to Get Discounts
Ways to get cheaper Australian Open tickets include:
- Opt for ground passes over stadium courts
- Buy tickets for earlier rounds rather than finals
- Purchase concession ground passes if eligible for a discount
- Book tickets for day sessions instead of primetime nights
- Take part in pre-sales for early ticket access
- Wait until the last minute for potential deals on unused tickets
- Join Tennis Australia for member-only ticket discounts and offers
Kids ages 4 to 14 always get discounted child tickets. Families can also save money with the Family Ground Pass. Avoid reseller markups by only using trusted and authorized ticket sources.
Rules and Restrictions
When preparing for the Australian Open, be aware of these rules and restrictions:
- Valid photo ID is required for entry
- Bags larger than 30x30x30cm are not permitted
- Food, beverages, selfie sticks, and audio recorders are prohibited
- Some areas require appropriate tennis attire like collared shirts
- Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas
- Age limits apply to access some seating sections with alcohol service
Remember to check current carry-in policies each year for any changes. Rules are enforced to ensure all spectators have a safe and enjoyable experience. Fans who don’t comply will be asked to surrender prohibited items or leave the venue.
Conclusion
The Australian Open offers a variety of ticket options to match different interests and budgets. Ground passes provide an affordable way to access the outer courts and soak up the atmosphere. Premium reserved seats in Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena guarantee prime views of top players competing for the title. VIP packages take the experience to new levels with exclusive access, luxury amenities, and fine dining.
Be sure to plan ahead, purchase from authorized sources, and understand all rules and restrictions. With the right ticket, you’ll be set for an incredible two weeks of Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open in Melbourne.