Australian Open Announces New Courtside Bar Experience

The Happy Slam may get a bit more raucous as Australian Open organizers announce that ahead of the January 2024 event Court 6 will features the new AO Courtside Bar, a two-story structure overlooking the court with a capacity of more than 400 fans.

“We expect this will quickly become known as the ‘party court,’” says Craig Tiley, Australian Open tournament director, “and it’s a model we’d like to expand further across the site in the future.”

The new bar area will be just as much about drinks and music as it will be about tennis. Tournament organizers expect the bar to become a “place to see and be seen at the Australian Open.” The two-story viewing structure overlooks Court 6 and includes a drinks menu that features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, DJs and live entertainment while fans take in the views of Court 6.

The Australian Open grounds features three stadiums—Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena—all with retractable roofs and seating ranging from 7,500 to nearly 15,000. Kia Arena (5,000 seats), 1573 Arena (3,000) and Court 3 (3,000) are the next three largest stadiums on the site.

Court 6 is part of the western grouping of 10 competition courts clustered together in the northwest section of the grounds.

“Presenting new and exciting ways for fans to enjoy the Australian Open, 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,” says Cedric Cornelis, Tennis Australia chief commercial officer. “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.”

Organizers says a rotating roster of DJs will pair with a drinks and gourmet bar bites menu from Sydney’s Joel Bennetts, all with a birds-eye view of the tennis action nearby.

The AO Courtside Bar isn’t the only upgrade on the grounds for 2024. The Garden Square area north of Rod Laver Arena will also get a reimagined look, complete with a fresh shade pavilion. Cornelis says the addition will make it an “oasis in the heart” of the tournament where fans can meet to comfortably enjoy the day of tennis.

“Increasing shade across the precinct has been an important part of our strategy for many years and we’ve upped it exponentially for next January,” Tiley says. “Just as this year we introduced the stunning ‘butterfly wings’ shade structure on Grand Slam Oval, in 2024 we’ll again double the shade onsite with the installation of elegant pavilions set across the iconic lawns of Garden Square, providing a relaxing and comfortable space for everyone.”

The Grand Slam Oval will take on a summer festival playground vibe, organizers say, with a variety of bars and food options. Also debuting in 2024 is a new European marketplace. Located at the north of the grounds, the tournament expects to welcome Melbourne’s “most-loved Italian eateries” to the site.

The Australian Open already announced the earlier start date of a Sunday, expanding the traditional 14-day event to 15 days. The opening week will mimic that of the U.S. Open by inviting fans to the site for qualifying matches on the outdoor courts and viewing top-player practices on Rod Laver Arena.

Across the more than two weeks of the Australian Open, fans can expect new amenities throughout the grounds, all punctuated by the new AO Courtside Bar.