The AO Courtside Bar, a stunning two-storey structure overlooking Court 6 is set to literally raise the bar in the entertainment and lifestyle stakes at the Australian Open in January.
As the place to see and be seen at AO 2024, the AO Courtside Bar will offer more than 400 fans a brand-new experience where they can choose from a delicious drinks menu and enjoy gourmet bar bites by Sydney’s Joel Bennetts with a birds-eye view of all the tennis action below.
A rotating roster of DJs will be on hand to entertain during Opening Week, making it the perfect place to unwind and take in the AO atmosphere.
“Presenting new and exciting ways for fans to enjoy the AO, and creating memorable moments is a signature of our event, it’s a big part of our point of difference and we can’t wait to deliver more terrific experiences in 2024,” Tennis Australia Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said.
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“The new AO Courtside Bar will literally ‘raise the bar’ in our food and beverage offerings and we know fans will love the wining, dining and tennis from this new, elevated perspective.
“Garden Square, an icon of the AO and home to the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame, has also been reimagined. A stunning new shade pavilion and the rolling expanse of lawn will make it an oasis at the heart of the AO, where fans can comfortably enjoy an unforgettable day at the tennis.
“Also debuting in 2024 is the brand-new European marketplace, fittingly situated at the north of the precinct. Stay tuned for more announcements as some of Melbourne’s most-loved Italian eateries bring ‘La Dolce Vita’ to the AO in January.”
Summer festival playground vibes will take over Grand Slam Oval, with a variety of bars and food options at the renowned party precinct of the AO. The viewing experience will also be taken to the next level, with a mega screen displaying anamorphic illusions – appearing three-dimensional to the naked eye – which will make fans feel like they’re in the front row on Rod Laver Arena.
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A magical world of wonder and play for tennis’ younger fans will again be brought to life at the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates. There will be even more ‘racquet in hand’ experiences for kids of all ages with the new Hot Shots HQ offering Hot Shots Tennis and more ways to play. The Splash Zone featuring an array of water-based activities is set to be a hit with the kids, as is the eight-metre Emirates Sky Tower experience, alongside an entertainment stage for kids and a sensory room.
An expanded Finals Festival is set to raise the roof at John Cain Arena with the court transformed into a live music venue for the final four days of the AO, and thousands of fans expected to enjoy an incredible line-up of both local and international artists, to be announced soon.
As we celebrate rises in tennis participation across Australia, there will be more opportunities than ever to play at the AO, including Hot Shots HQ in the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates and the Totem Tennis Forest in Garden Square and Grand Slam Oval.
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The choice has never been greater for fans wanting to take home a piece of the AO. The Australian Open superstore in Centrepiece – the equivalent of four tennis courts in size – will house the most extensive AO range ever presented, including a huge selection of the classic AO cap, jumbo Dunlop balls and the Ralph Lauren player towel, which always tops fans’ shopping lists.
The Ralph Lauren Store also returns with its iconic style. Personalised polos will be one of the hot items on offer, alongside the AO player towel and a stunning range of classic clothing and accessories.