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.
They said it best!
Rod Laver Arena (RLA) is the No.1 Court, it has capacity of nearly 15,000.
The edge of Rod Laver Arena
View of Rod Laver Arena looking back to the city
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.
Seating for eating outside Rod Laver Arena
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!
Margaret Court Arena Scoreboard with a View of the City
Margaret Court Arena at night*
* 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.
Grand Slam Oval between Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas
Australian Open Merchandise shop in Grand Slam Oval
ANZ World in Grand Slam Oval
Aussie Flag near ANZ World
Fan Zone in Grand Slam Oval
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.
The Entertainment Line Up Week 1
The entertainment Line Up Week 2
Heineken Bar in Grand Slam Oval
Big Screen near Jacob's Creek wine bar where you can lounge around in deck chairs
Garden Square has a big screen, food and seating for families.
There is a lot going on in Garden Square
The scoreboard on the edge of Garden Square
Hisense Arena is the No.2 court and holds 11,000.
It’s my favourite place to be in the first week.
Hisense Arena
Seating outside Hisense Arena where you can watch a big screen
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.
Jacob's Creek Dining Room
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
australian open is the best tournament in the world,it was very amazing courts,i think no:1 tournament in the world.
Thanks for your comments, I love it too!
I love every thing related to Grand Slam!
OZ Open has been always been a colorful series of GS.Its so special due to debut Grand event of Tennis new year!!!!!!
I just love OZ Open .
Fine pictures.
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 🙂
Well done with photos and descriptions, makes me feel like I am there. Definatly will next year!!!
Keep up the great work GSG 🙂