The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world and the first Grand Slam event of each year. Tennis fans from around the globe descend upon Melbourne Park in January to watch the world’s best players compete for the coveted Australian Open titles.
One of the most common questions fans have when planning their trip to the Australian Open is: what time do tickets go on sale? Knowing when tickets will be released and the different phases of sales is crucial for securing seats, especially for top matches featuring fan favorites like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Australian Open ticket sale dates, prices, and tips for securing seats to must-see matches.
When Do Australian Open Tickets Go On Sale?
The Australian Open ticket office usually releases tickets in multiple phases starting in October and running through January right before the tournament starts. Here are the key ticket sale dates:
Presales
Various presales occur in October and November about 2-3 months before the tournament for certain groups like Tennis Australia members, American Express cardholders, and Optus customers. Supplies are limited for presales.
Ticketing Program On-Sale
The main ticketing program on-sale usually happens in early October, around 3-4 months in advance of the tournament. This is when the general public can start purchasing tickets in batches. Initially only tickets for the first 4 days are released.
Next Phase Tickets
The next round of ticket sales typically happens in November, releasing seats for the 2nd week including quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. These tickets are highly coveted so act fast!
Last Minute Tickets
Any remaining tickets are usually released in the weeks and days leading up to the tournament in January. Prices may drop last minute for some sessions with availability.
Official Resale Platform
Fans can also purchase tickets via the Australian Open’s official resale platform, typically launched in early January just before the event. Season ticket holders and other fans resell spare tickets here.
Here is a summary of the key Australian Open ticket on-sale phases:
Phase | On-Sale Date | Tickets On Offer |
---|---|---|
Presales | October – November | Limited tickets for select groups |
Main On-Sale | Early October | First 4 days of tournament |
Second Release | Mid to late November | Quarterfinals, semifinals, finals |
Last Minute Sales | January before tournament | Remaining tickets |
Official Resale | Early January | Resold tickets from fans |
As you can see, the key on-sale dates are in October for the initial release, November for the second batch, and January right before the tournament begins.
What Times Do Australian Open Tickets Go On Sale Online?
Now that we’ve covered the general sale phases, what about the actual times of day that Australian Open tickets are released for purchase online?
Here are the typical on-sale times for different sales phases:
Presales
Presale ticket times vary based on the specific group, usually starting at 10am AEST. Check with your organizing group like Tennis Australia or American Express for exact presale start times.
Main On-Sale
The main ticketing program on-sale often starts at 3pm AEST. Tens of thousands flock online when tickets go live so expect delays and long virtual queues.
Second Release
The next ticket release typically goes on sale in mid to late November, also at 3pm AEST. These sell out fast so logon right at 3pm sharp!
Last Minute Sales
Any final tickets released in January tend to go on sale at random times as needed based on availability. Check the Australian Open social channels and website regularly for announcements.
Official Resale
Resale tickets are available throughout the tournament as fans resell them. Check back frequently for newly listed seats.
Sales Phase | Typical On-Sale Time |
---|---|
Presales | 10am AEST |
Main On-Sale | 3pm AEST |
Second Release | 3pm AEST |
Last Minute | Random |
Official Resale | Throughout tournament |
In summary, most primary sales kickoff online at 3pm AEST while presales vary by group. Knowing these times will help you prepare to logon right as tickets go live to get in the virtual queue as early as possible.
Where to Buy Australian Open Tickets
Now that you know when Australian Open tickets go on sale, where can you actually purchase them online?
Here are the main official sources:
Australian Open Website
The primary place to buy Australian Open tickets is the official tournament website at ausopen.com. This is the best place to purchase seats when the different sales phases open up.
Ticketek
Ticketek is the official ticketing partner of the Australian Open so they sell tickets via their website as well. Look for Australian Open ticket listings on ticketek.com.au.
Australian Open Official Resale Platform
Fans resell spare tickets on the Australian Open’s official resale site, which is also run by Ticketek. Prices fluctuate based on demand.
Restaurant Packages
You can bundle Australian Open tickets with official restaurant packages on the tournament website. These include shared casual dining experiences.
Avoid buying from unofficial resellers as prices are inflated and tickets may be invalid. Stick to the official sources above for guaranteed authentic tickets.
Ticket Source | Website |
---|---|
Australian Open Website | ausopen.com |
Ticketek | ticketek.com.au |
Official Resale Site | ticketek.com.au/australian-open-official-resale |
Restaurant Packages | ausopen.com/hospitality/dining-experiences |
Stick to these official sellers when looking to purchase Australian Open tickets online.
How Much Do Australian Open Tickets Cost?
Australian Open ticket prices vary based on the session, court, and seat location. In general, prices range from:
– $45-$150 for ground pass tickets
– $60-$200 for early round matches on outer courts
– $135-$350 for matches on main show courts
– $200-$600+ for finals matches in premium seating
Some key factors that determine Australian Open ticket prices:
Session Time
Night session and finals tickets are typically more expensive than day sessions. The finals often sell out a year in advance.
Court Location
Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Arena command higher prices than outer field courts. Center court is prime real estate.
Seat Category
Front row, lower bowl, and other premium seat locations come at a higher price than upper levels and baselines.
Opponent Ranking
When top 10 players like Nadal or Barty play, ticket prices rise. Unknown lower ranked players reduce prices.
Package Add-Ons
Experiences like restaurant packages, tours, and more add to total ticket costs. Hospitality packages offer premium amenities for hundreds more.
While individual session ticket costs vary, you can expect to pay around $200-$600 on average for good reserved seats at marquee matchups on Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Arena over the two week tournament.
Ground passes start around $45 for access to roam the outer courts. Finals tickets sell out fast and exceed $600+ for decent spots so get those as early as possible!
Tips for Buying Australian Open Tickets
Use these handy tips for actually getting your hands on Australian Open tickets when they go on sale:
Sign Up for Newsletter
Join the Australian Open email newsletter for pre-sale access codes and ticket updates. This also gives you an edge to buy before the general public.
Save Payment Details
Save your payment information ahead of time in your ticketing account so you can checkout faster once in the virtual queue.
Use Multiple Devices
Try accessing the ticket queue simultaneously on your desktop, phone, and tablet to increase your chances if one gets stuck.
Act Fast
Popular sessions like night matches sell out in minutes. Submit your purchase instantly once tickets are in your cart.
Buy Early
Don’t wait for last minute tickets or you’ll either miss out or pay inflated resale prices.
Join Waitlists
If a session sells out, join the waitlist in case more tickets are released later. You need to act almost immediately when notified.
Check Resale Sites
Look for good deals on spare tickets fans resell as you get closer to the tournament dates.
Purchase Side-by-Side
If attending with a group, coordinate to try and buy seats together or on similar court levels.
Alertness and preparation are vital for securing in-demand Australian Open tickets during hectic on-sale periods. Follow these tips to beat the crowds and get seats to matches you want to see.
Conclusion
Australian Open tickets go on sale in multiple phases starting in October, with most tickets released online in October and November at 3pm AEST. Prices range from $45 for ground passes to over $600+ for finals seats. Use official sites like the Australian Open website and Ticketek to buy from authentic sources. Join the newsletter and save payment details ahead of time for a smooth purchasing process. Act fast when tickets go live for your desired matches, as top sessions sell out extremely quickly. With smart preparation using the guidance above, you’ll be ready to buy Australian Open tickets as soon as they are released.