This summer for the first time Kia Arena will be transformed into a world-class music venue for the inaugural AO Finals Festival, set to take place on the last three days of Australian Open 2023.
The three-day event has been designed to bring more fans to the AO at the pointy end of the tournament, with a ticket price of just $34 for each session at Kia Arena. Fans who buy a ground pass or Rod Laver Arena stadium ticket on any of the three days can upgrade to enter Kia Arena for the Finals Festival for an extra $5.
The Finals Festival kicks off on Friday 27 January with the sixth edition of the Glam Slam finals, presented by Ralph Lauren. The Glam Slam is the world’s largest LGBTQI+ tennis event and attracts players from around the world. The Glam Slam will feature entertainment by Australian singers Vanessa Amorosi and Montaigne and Melbourne based DJ Bertie.
On women’s final day, Saturday 28 January, New Zealand’s Benee will take to the Kia Arena stage, along with Indigenous singer Thelma Plum, Sydney band Winston Surfshirt and Melbourne’s globally celebrated DJ export CC:DISCO!
On men’s final day, Sunday 29 January, superstars Flight Facilities, up and coming band Lastlings, singer Forest Claudette and Willo will perform.
“The Finals Festival will be an incredible way to wrap up what is shaping up as a spectacular AO23,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“It’s an exciting new initiative for the AO, which has always led the way with music and entertainment alongside the world-class tennis. The Finals Festival also gives us the opportunity to showcase our newest stadium, Kia Arena, in a unique new way.
“The Finals Festival will add to the hype around the culmination of the Australian Open, and after the music finishes fans can head to Grand Slam Oval and Garden Square to watch what surely will be a spectacular finale to AO 2023.”
Kia Arena officially opened prior to AO 2022 and was an instant hit with fans and players alike. Some of the most memorable moments of the tournament – including rollicking doubles matches starring Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis – put Kia Arena on the map in January. Framed by the Melbourne city skyline, it will be the perfect backdrop for the Finals Festival at AO 2023.
The Finals Festival lineup has been curated by Melbourne based Untitled Group in association with the Australian Open.
Tickets on sale now via ausopen.com/finalsfestival.