The Australian Open every year is a big deal in Australia and Melbourne sees many domestic and international tennis fans flock to Melbourne Park to watch the best play. The 2022 edition will be no exception and ahead of the event, the Park will see an addition to its tourist offering. A new luxurious resort will be built on the northern side of Melbourne Park in order to boost traffic to the event.
The northern side of the Australian Open site will be transformed into an 'AO Beach House' to reinvigorate tourism in Melbourne during its tennis grand slam in January. Cocktail bars, private cabanas and a spectacular beach tennis court will take over the precinct previously occupied by international broadcasting compounds.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said the 2500 sqm refurbishment is part of plans to welcome back large crowds to the city's biggest event:
"The AO is as much a part of summer as heading to the beach with family and friends and we've designed a brand new precinct to bring the best of the beach, and the best of the AO, together. As we all celebrate the easing of restrictions this weekend, and the wonderful opportunity to come together with friends and family once again, we are incredibly excited about what this means for the Australian Open."
Access to the beach house will be free to all Australian Open ticket holders. Tickets will go on sale on November 19th.