The Australian Open gets bigger and better every year. The first two days of AO12 have already had huge crowds (over 63,000 on Day 1) and hot temperatures in the mid 30 degrees C.
The biggest differences that I’ve noticed in comparison with last year are:
- more big screens and TVs around the grounds for watching current matches
- more areas to sit down and new seated dining areas that are open to the public, rather than being exclusively for corporate guests.
Rod Laver Arena (RLA) is the No.1 Court, it has capacity of nearly 15,000.
There is a lot of seating around the grounds where spectators can rest and watch the matches on big screens. Not all of it is shaded though so make sure you have your AO essentials, including sunscreen.
Margaret Court Arena (MCA) is the No.3 court and holds 6,000.
During the first week night matches are scheduled for MCA that you can see if you have a ground pass. The view of the city at sunset is be-u-ti-ful!
* If you notice that that’s Verdasco in the pic, this one is from 2011, but it’s one of my faves so I’ve included it!
Grand Slam Oval houses the Fan Zone, merchandise shops, sponsor exhibits and Heineken stage and bars.
Top bands play in Grand Slam Oval every night and you can get access with any ticket, including an After Five Ground Pass which only costs $20.
Garden Square has a big screen, food and seating for families.
Hisense Arena is the No.2 court and holds 11,000.
It’s my favourite place to be in the first week.
There is a huge variety of food available, from burgers and fish n chips to kebabs, noodles, curries, fabulous Connoisseur icecreams and more.
This year there are new dining rooms where you can have a sit down meal and a break from the crowds and the heat.
View the public restaurants and food outlets in the AO Event Guide.
That’s not all there is, but that’s all that I’ve had time to take photos of so far! For more info view the AO Event Guide or your AO App.
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal
muruganandam.R says
australian open is the best tournament in the world,it was very amazing courts,i think no:1 tournament in the world.
grandslamgal says
Thanks for your comments, I love it too!
Nafees Bhutto says
I love every thing related to Grand Slam!
Nafees Bhutto says
OZ Open has been always been a colorful series of GS.Its so special due to debut Grand event of Tennis new year!!!!!!
Nafees Bhutto says
I just love OZ Open .
Nafees Bhutto says
Fine pictures.
grandslamgal says
Thanks Neats – it was my objective to make people feel a little bit like they are there if they can’t make so thanks for your feedback. Enjoy the TV coverage 🙂
Neats says
Well done with photos and descriptions, makes me feel like I am there. Definatly will next year!!!
Keep up the great work GSG 🙂