Melbourne Park's three main venues to operate with at least 25% capacity for Australian Open

With ticket sales underway, Tennis Australia has announced that the 2021 Australian Open’s three centrepiece venues - Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena - will begin at 25% capacity.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, tournament organisers are taking new steps to ensure the safety of those at Melbourne Park, including dividing the venue into three zones, with each including one of those three stadiums.

Set to take place from 8th to 21st February, the Australian Open has a COVIDSafe plan, part of which includes tickets being sold in family ‘pods’ of between one and six tickets each to help with social distancing. Tickets will be digital in 2021 to minimise touchpoints and help with contact tracing.

In addition, the start times of sessions at the grand slam event will be staggered to help avoid overcrowding, with Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena sessions beginning at 11am, and those at John Cain Arena starting at midday.

Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley advised “the Australian Open will be a great celebration for Melbourne and all Victoria after an incredibly tough year.

“Although our event will look a little different as we prioritise the safety of everyone, it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to come together and experience many of the best things about Melbourne - live, world-class sport in an exciting festival atmosphere.”

Tiley remains hopeful that capacity levels will increase as the tournament approaches, noting “we are starting ticket sales at 25% of capacity in our three main stadiums and as we work closely with the Victorian Government, hope to be in a position to increase our numbers as we get closer to the event.”

Images: Entertainment during the Australian Open (top) and Tournament Director, Craig Tiley (below).