Australian Open 2006 will see the introduction of more sessions of play and more ticketing options, ensuring fans have more choices at Australia’s biggest sporting event. The first week of play at the Grand Slam tournament will see the introduction of an additional night session on Rod Laver Arena on the middle Sunday (22 January). This increases the number of sessions on offer to 25 and gives fans more options to get along to see the tennis, particularly on the hugely popular middle weekend. The middle weekend in 2005 set an all-time world record for a tennis event when on the Saturday 60,669 fans came along to enjoy the action and entertainment both on and off the court. And set to return for 2006 is the performances by top name Australian bands in Garden Square which proved such a hit when introduced as part of the Centenary celebrations and helped contribute toward the tournament setting its all time attendance record last year of 543,873 fans through the gates over the fortnight. Last year saw top name bands including Killing Heidi, Thirsty Merc, Katie Noonan, Jebediah and Eskimo Joe perform on stage in Garden Square during the changeover period between Day and Night sessions making Rod Laver Arena tickets - and the already great value Ground Pass tickets - even better value. (The final line up of entertainment for Garden Square in 2006 will be confirmed closer to the tournament). A popular option among the keen tennis fans - including the thousands of country, interstate and international visitors who look to make their visit to the tennis a real holiday experience - are the Rod Laver Arena Series Packages, with more choices available for 2006. Introduced for 2006 will be Premier Day and Premier Night Packages, offering savings on multiple sessions over Days 1-5, and Advantage Day and Night Packages offering similar savings over Days 6-10. Those looking to attend the semi finals and finals can purchase the Championship Package covering the final five sessions from Thursday 26 through to Sunday 29 January on Rod Laver Arena. These exclusive Series Packages go on sale for two days only (Thursday 29 and Friday 30 September) immediately prior to Rod Laver Arena Single Session and Vodafone Arena Premium Reserved Seats going on sale from Saturday 1 October until sold out. Ground Passes, including After Five Ground Passes, go on sale on Thursday 1 December 2005. Australian Open CEO Paul McNamee, said, “Over recent years, the Australian Open has really grown into a two week festival that celebrates the best of world tennis alongside the best of Aussie entertainment. “By adding an extra session, and introducing new Series Packages, there will be more options to suit both the avid tennis fans and those simply looking to come along and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of the Australian Open.” In a further initiative, the Australian Open has also launched a new membership scheme for individuals, families and kids which gives fans the chance to receive complimentary tickets, access to a VIP lounge during the tournament, exclusive offers, merchandise discounts and much more. Those joining before 1 December go into a draw with the chance to win tickets and merchandise with a major prize of two tickets to both the men’s and women’s finals, two nights accommodation at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne, including return airfares from any Australian capital city, and an Australian Open Merchandise Pack valued at $100.
Australian Open 2006, presented by Kia Motors in association with Garnier, takes place at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, from 16-29 January 2006.