A First Nations art experience and the 'biggest Ballpark yet': Everything we know about Australian Open 2023.

Mark it in your calendars, friends: the country's most awaited annual tennis tournament, the Australian Open, is coming from January 16 to 29, 2023 at Melbourne Park, Victoria. 

We’re inching closer to attending in person, watching it on television, and mentally deciding for ourselves who are our favourites to win. So what can we all actually expect for next year’s tournament? 

The AO is aiming to reach an attendance target of 900,000 people over three weeks in 2023. Being a long-time tennis fan myself that's lucky enough to attend some years in person, the reality is also that I’m a parent of two kids whose attention spans are... limited. I’d say to one or two sets at maximum, and their minds are wandering.

After hearing the plan for the AO to ramp up its attractions at Melbourne Park in 2023 to entertain families, having more to enjoy outside of the actual tennis playing is now huge on our radar. Particularly my own kids – convincing them to leave the AO Ballpark this visit will be a mission.

Mamamia spoke with the creative mind behind the precinct's design, Tennis Australia's Head of Precinct, Peter Jack, on everything to know about the Australian Open 2023.

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AO Ballpark will be a family mecca

In addition to the actual tennis, turns out entertaining the kids at next year’s tournament is taken care of at the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates.

“We’ve got a fantastic Ballpark experience which is bigger and better than ever before. It’s non-stop action for everyone,” says Tennis Australia's Head of Precinct, Peter Jack.

The precinct has been inspired by the Yarra and the natural environment of the Birrarung Marr, which follows the theme, 'Taking flight by the Yarra'. Jack explains at its heart, is “about having fun energy and playfulness.”

Birrarung Marr is an urban park on the north bank of the Yarra River, next to Federation Square. It’s name, Birrarung Marr, comes from the language of the Wurundjeri people who originally inhabited the area – ‘birrarung’ means ‘river of mists’ and ‘marr’ relates to ‘side’.

For the kids who are adventure seekers, what better way to take flight than on the Emirates Fly Better Adventure, really? The 2023 attraction invites fans to pin-drop off an 8-metre-high platform and leap into a cloud pillow off a 3-metre-high platform. 

After your kids have (literally) taken flight here, they can continue reaching for the sky on the aerial Adventure: a 7 metre high rope activity which features 12 unique obstacles along the 17-metre course.

For those kids who are keen to keep cool, there is also a “massive 8-metre high waterslide,” tells Jack, alongside a smaller waterslide for the younger kids to be involved.

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“We have a really diverse audience, we’ve got young families, mid families and older families so we wanted to cater from ages 2 to 15,” he adds, a challenge that AO Ballpark wants to rise to in 2023.

Outside of a theme park’s worth of attractions is the much-loved, racquet in hand, Tennis Hot Shots program.

“Hot Shots is a fun way to engage small and medium-aged kids and then for older kids, there is a more competitive program,” says Jack.

Oh, but wait, there's more.

Along with an entertainment stage that will include the likes of Peppa Pig, Justice League and Scooby-Doo (amongst many others) and roving entertainers throughout the two-week AO tournament, there is a new addition to AO’s Ballpark for all of those creative at heart.

First Nations digital art experience

The AO Ballpark will have an immersive and interactive 3D digital art experience, that was created in conjunction with local First Nations Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy. Aunty Joy is a Senior Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

“Tennis Australia have worked with Aunty Joy, on bringing to life a traditional creation story about animals and culture,” says Jack. 

The art experience in the 2023 AO Ballpark allows kids and families to engage with the area and create their own digital art piece on tablets. These creations will beam up onto a giant curated screen as they’re being made, and once finalised by the (mini) artist, they’re able to have a photo with their own art to share.

Multiple villages for all types of tennis fans

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The entertainment isn't just for the kids though, don't you worry. There is a multitude of villages outside the AO Ballpark to keep the adults very content.

“We’ve got so many different fans that come to the tennis,” says Jack, and to cater for them all, AO has created these incredible villages:

Beach Bar, for the entertainment seeker

“We have the new kind of fan coming to the AO, the entertainment seeker, who wants to come for the energy and the vibe and that is part of the reason we have designed Beach Bar,” says Jack.

“Beach Bar is something you won't be expecting. It's this vibrant, pop of colour. Just think Miami hits Ibiza,” he says.

You can even book your own private cabana here with a group of friends to hang out in all day, or to come and go into other areas as you like.

The new flagship destination is coastal vibes meets the Happy Slam spirit with a resident DJ, and an extensive drinks menu, including the AO's own signature Spritz. It’s a great way to move from day to evening.

AO Tennis Club, serving tennis on your own terms

And while we're on drinks, a visit to the AO Tennis Club should also be on the menu.

“Tennis Club allows you to play POP tennis, padel tennis, table tennis, even totem tennis but it is also designed with a beautiful club-like feel, a really sophisticated feel around it,” says Jack.

The playful and multi-functional environment puts a spin on the traditional tennis club and is a place where tennis isn’t just a spectator sport but one to get involved in too. Promise you don't need skills like Serena Williams to get involved, either. It also has a huge range of food and drinks options and of course, the professional tennis is visible on the big screen, so you don’t miss out on the action.

Garden Square, for the die-hard tennis fans

“We’ve got the traditional, die-hard tennis fans that want to come and live in Garden Square,” says Jack.

“Our historical square caters to traditional tennis fans with the iconic big screen to watch the tennis, food options, and it's the central hub and connection of the venue,” he says.

Rod Laver Arena Terrace, for fashion and retail

The fashion and retail hub and a place to take a break from the tennis action is the Rod Laver Arena Terrace. It features the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar, Ralph Lauren, the AO shop, and a “really cool Pride hub,” says Jack.

“It’s an energetic, retail-vibe space.”

Grand Slam Oval, The Global Playground

Grand Slam Oval 2023 will create a “multicultural playground through food and diversity, it’s where food and culture collide,” says Jack.

The precinct will feature one of the single largest shade structures ever created one-third of the size of the MCG to be exact. This will also act as the backdrop for a light installation that evolves as day turns to night.

There are also big screen set-ups to watch tennis on.

World-class tennis talent shining on the Grand Slam stage

With so many other activities on offer, you’d almost forget that it was a tennis Grand Slam (almost). 

But tennis is at the heart of the Australian Open and between the compelling 2022 men’s final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, and the rise of Australia’s Ajla Tomjlanovic who had her best year to date this year, the tennis action at AO 2023 is sure to be world-class.

We're already keen to see Rafael Nadal head to Melbourne Park as the defending champion at the Australian Open in 2023. The question on our minds: can Rafa go back-to-back?

Currently ranked world No.2, Rafael Nadal was the champion at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros in 2022, the first time in his career he has won the first two major tournaments in a season.

“Two Grand Slams, finishing the year in the highest spot on the ranking [in 18 months], so can’t complain at all,” he recently shared with Tennis TV, when reflecting on the season.

"At my age, to be able to achieve and be competitive means a lot to me. 

“So 2023, just let’s try to have the right preparation, work the proper way, and then start the season with the right energy, no? The right energy, the right attitude, and try to reach the level that I need to be competitive from the beginning. 

“So let’s try it. I am excited about it.”

It’s an event inclusive for everyone

All families and attendees are welcome at the AO 2023, who are committed to platforming equality, inclusion and diversity.

AO are showcasing a variety of special events, themed days and a range of activations in 2023 – from AO First Nations Day, AO Kids Day, AO Pride Day, AO All Abilities Day and a sustainable merchandise range.

Simply head to Ticketmaster and secure your family’s Ground Pass or session tickets. Just don’t wait too long because I have a feeling 2023 is going to be big.

The story starts here. Secure your seats to AO 2023 now from Ticketmaster.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@australianopen