Crowds for the night session begin to pour in, intermingling and overlapping with those well-settled day-goers, creating an atmosphere across the Melbourne Park precinct like few others in tennis.
Fortunately, the Australian Open by night is not limited to those lucky enough to land ticketed seats to one of the three main arenas under lights.
In 2024, the Australian Open Night Ground Pass returns, giving patrons a chance to soak up the atmosphere around the precinct for a fraction of the price after 5pm.
TICKETS: Where to get your AO 2024 Night Ground Pass
For just $19, it’s ideal for those looking to catch up after work.
Grab a bite and a drink at Garden Square or Grand Slam Oval with friends where DJs will play until 10pm, while all the action from the main feature courts is beamed on the big screens.
Head courtside to take in the twilight action
The AO Night Ground Pass grants access to any matches on all outside courts taking place after 5pm.
While John Cain Arena is partially reserved seating, there is a general admission allocation open to all grounds-pass holders, with night matches scheduled through the early rounds of the main draw.
MORE AO HACKS: Our top five picks for chilling at Australian Open 2024
For big matches on JCA, particularly those featuring Australians, the atmosphere in this arena often reaches its crescendo in late afternoon so don’t bank on snagging an unticketed seat if only arriving on site at 5pm.
Grab a drink and watch from Courtside Bar
To the northwest of Garden Square, to the right after entering through the Garden Square Entrance, stake out a spot at the new Court 6 Courtside Bar.
For the first time, more than 400 fans can choose from a delicious drinks menu and enjoy gourmet bar bites by Sydney’s Joel Bennetts with a bird’s-eye view of all the tennis unfolding below.
Save time with the new Virtual Queue
If you don’t fancy biding your time in lines snaking outside JCA or Courtside Bar all is not lost.
AO 2024 will roll out a Virtual Queue for these three locations, cutting down on potential waiting times in line by allowing fans to be notified via SMS when there is a seat available.
Virtual queues are a time-saving alternative to physical queues, so to book a space scan one of the QR code signs displayed at John Cain Arena, for example.
MORE AO HACKS: Easiest ways to get around at the Australian Open
Select the door (either 1, 3, 5 or 7) you'd like to make a booking for and you will receive the text message when a seat is available, after which this will be 30 minutes to make your way there.
Because you are in a virtual queue it frees up time to eat, drink, shop or find the amenities while you wait. Bookings can be made for up to five people.
Drink, dine at Garden Square and Grand Slam Oval
Check out the AO app to browse an extensive list of bars and restaurants serving it up in 2024.
Go to Visit - Food and Drink and narrow down your options by location, food coffee or alcohol.
MORE AO HACKS: 10 best things to eat and drink at AO 2024
The hugely popular space in front of Rod Laver Arena, Garden Square, will feature some of Lygon Street’s most iconic European-inspired food outlets in 2024. At Grand Slam Oval, don’t miss Melbourne’s most loved Greek establishment, Stalactites, where you can try Stef’s Lamb Slam souvlaki, in honour of Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Pinky Ji will bring internationally loved Jessi Sing’s unauthentic Indian to Grand Slam Oval, where Melbourne favourite Easey’s burgers will also be on offer as well as the Aperol bar.
Popular east coast outlet, Light Years, adds the likes of spicy Korean fried chicken bao to a great range of dining options.