Why The Ground Pass Is The Ultimate Hack To Fun-Maxxing Your AO Experience
In the biggest tennis news since Lily Allen’s brutal divorce pop song, the Australian Open is back and this time it is better than ever. No, really.
Come Jan 2026, the Australian Open will kick off, and they’re bringing back the Ground Pass, AKA the ultimate access option for anyone wanting to make the most of everything the AO has on offer.
For any sun seekers, trend setters or group chats looking to lock in their next day out, the Ground Pass takes a day at the tennis and turns it into a festival of fun, with every possible activity at your fingertips.
From just $35, it opens the gates to the many worlds that collide at Australia’s biggest tennis event, giving you the freedom to roam the precincts and shape your own ideal day out.
So tennis heads, ball kids and anyone else chasing a good time, listen up. These are the top events and attractions you will get to join in on this January, all thanks to the iconic Ground Pass.
Grand Slam Oval
First up, you’ll get access to the stunning Grand Slam Oval, which is basically a full blown microfestival inside the AO.
Here you’ll find a new elevated bar with a second story, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset, as well as a DJ stage and plenty of beverages to keep you hydrated, including an Aperol setup, the Canadian Club Cabana Bar or a Casa Altos margarita.
It’s the ultimate hub for socialising and soaking up that classic AO atmosphere, where you can meet a mate and check out the live music with a cool drink in hand.
TOPCOURT
Ask yourself: what has tennis been missing? If you said gaming, pickleball and an unapologetically Gen Z vibe, I’ve got great news for you.
TOPCOURT is the perfect addition for every attendee to craft their ultimate AO experience. For the gamers, step into Game On powered by Fortress, featuring VR Tennis, 8 Person Pong and all your favourite gaming titles from nostalgic arcade games to Fortnite Festival. If you’re a sporty type, you can hit the play zones and NETclub for a game of pickleball under the neon lights. Hungry? TOPCOURT is even bringing Shake Shack to the AO, which is a match made in sporting heaven, if you ask me.
You’ll also find the AO LIVE main stage at TOPCOURT and, with 21 days of jam packed music programming, this is definitely the game changing pit stop set to take your AO day to the next level.
Western Courts
If you actually want to get in on the tennis action, then fair enough — it is kind of the whole point of the AO. In that case, the Western Courts are where you’ll want to park yourself.
Complete with the ANZ Arena (which is the best place to catch Aussies on court), this iconic precinct delivers all the dynamic courtside energy you could want. Plus the new shaded double story viewing platform promises better views, less UV and that high impact perspective any tennis fan would lose their mind over.
If you’re thirsty, swing by Grey Goose’s courtside bar for a Lemon Ace, and for a bite, check out SUUPAA, the Japanese convenience store-restaurant hybrid serving snacks galore.
If you want to check out where worlds collide at the AO, wandering through the precincts and making the most of your day at the tennis, then the Ground Pass is a match made in heaven.
Jump on the AO website to plan the perfect day and rally around all the AO has to offer.
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