Australian Open to limit cheap tickets after crowding problems

The Australian Open is introducing daily limits on its cheapest tickets, a first for the Grand Slam, in response to significant crowding and long queues that marred the January tournament. Tennis Australia announced Tuesday that allocations of the A$49 "ground passes" will be capped during the first week of the main draw. Organizers anticipate stronger demand than ever for the 2027 event.

These ground passes offer fans access to matches outside the main showcourts at Melbourne Park and are popular with casual attendees. However, recent years have seen a surge in attendance, leading to extensive queues for court access and concerns about a diminished fan experience. The 2026 tournament set a record with 1,368,043 attendees over its three-week schedule.

"This decision reflects the growing popularity of the AO and will help ensure fans are able to make the most of everything on offer across the precinct," Tennis Australia stated. The move aims to balance the event's increasing popularity with the need to maintain a positive experience for all attendees.

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This decision reflects the growing popularity of the AO and will help ensure fans are able to make the most of everything on offer across the precinct.