Article from Ausopen
Australian Open 2020 will stretch right into the city of Melbourne as the tournament premieres the biggest Grand Slam footprint in world tennis.
Starting at Federation Square, in the heart of the city, and flowing through Birrarung Marr and Melbourne Park onto Richmond Station, the initiative is the result of nearly a decade of planning.
It’s not just the footprint that’s bigger and better than ever, with the AO now consolidating its position as a three-week event.
In a Grand Slam first, electronic line calling will feature on all courts during Qualifying, which runs from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 January, with free entry for fans.
Other events leading into the year’s first Grand Slam include the Australian Open Draw on Thursday 16 January, and Kids Tennis Day – which will take over the expanded precinct, on Saturday 18 January.
Also new for 2020 is the Practice Village, designed to further enhance the Grand Slam experience for both players and fans, who will have the chance to get closer to their heroes than ever before.
Encompassing the National Tennis Centre, the Practice Village will feature new viewing platforms, enhanced seating, extra shade and a variety of family-friendly food options for fans. For the players, there’s the state-of-the-art gym, treatment and recovery areas, including hot and cold plunge pools and increased player dining, all accessible via the on-demand shuttle service from the Player Pod.
What’s new at Australian Open 2020:
Biggest Grand Slam footprint, with the Australian Open stretching from Federation Square in the city, through Birrarung Marr and Melbourne Park, onto Richmond Station.
Practice Village upping the experience for fans, and extending services for players. Electronic Review System introduced for the first time at a Grand Slam for qualifying on all courts.
John Fitzgerald to be inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame. All-female line-up for AO Chef Series at the Glasshouse. More than 1000 tennis clubs across Australia will host Open Court sessions on the AO Finals weekend as part of a major new social play participation initiative.
Bigger and better for 2020:
Kids Tennis Day will take over the precinct on Saturday 18 January, with family-friendly entertainment at the AO Live Stage and on and off-court tennis activations for kids.15 Days of Music at AO Live Stage, with Girls Day Out concert featuring an all-female line-up, on Sunday 19 January.
AO Ballpark doubles in size, taking over both Upper and Lower Terrace at Birrarung Marr, with offerings for kids of all ages. Additional high profile Practice Matches in MCA pre-event.AO Tennis 2 video game.NBL team Melbourne United takes on the Perth Wildcatsin the AO Game at Melbourne Arena on Wednesday 29 January.
