The Ultimate Non-Tennis Fan’s Guide To The Happy Slam

The Happy Slam is back and yep, this year’s Aussie Open Tennis is bigger than ever before. The three-week event (the main draw runs 15 days) offers a lot more than watching champs run around hitting a ball over a net—with a program piled high with entertainment, live music, food and drink.

You can catch the DJ dubbed the next Dom Dolla, eat your way through AO-only feeds, swoon over retired superstar Roger Federer or sip on a fresh cocktail.

Every day there’s live music, confirms Tennis Australia Entertainment & Events Manager Gus Carmichael, who’s aiming for a festival vibe. “We’re making a huge noise through music, every single day. The first time there’s 21 days of live music at the AO.”, he added. 

Carmichael mentioned that the AO’s focus has shifted beyond the sport itself. “I think we’ve made it easier than ever to not be a tennis fan at the tennis because there are so many other pieces that talk to culture, food and bev, and just an electrifying atmosphere.”

The Best Things To Do At The AO At A Glance

• Jump To Music
• Jump To Food
• Jump To Drinks
• Jump To Out Of Comp

Music

Image Credit: The Kid LAROI | Esquire

In the first week, the TOPCOURT precinct at Birrarung Marr hosts artists including Hot Chip, Cassian and The Presets on an open-air stage.

Carmichael, who is buzzing over the program (he’s convinced Cassian is the next Dom Dolla), reveals how performers are chosen.

“I think it’s really people who are getting our attention throughout the year. We want people that are purely and really about a good time in Summer.”

At Garden Square, grass-roots musicians are paring it back with acoustic sets (for the first time on an elevated stage), playing a mix of originals and iconic bangers.

Later in the tournament, there’s The Kid LAROI, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER at John Cain Arena. Then for the women’s and men’s finals – Reneé Rapp and Peggy Gou respectively.

Last year, AO broke attendance records with 1,218,831 fans through the gates across three weeks—that’s over 100 thousand more than the year before.

Food

Image Credit: Layla | Supplied

There’s a heap of new tastes developed just for Melbourne Park including Petit Potato & Co by Ross Howse from Bangin’ Sangas—who’s curated a menu of loaded potato cakes at Garden Square.

Stalactites x Taverna sees limited-edition Greek Lamb Cigars with Tzatziki dished out. Meanwhile, Legendary chef Jo Barrett is heading to The Village’s The Local Bar with Venison & Red Wine pie.

At Western Courts, Suupaa brings its Japanese convenience store vibe that includes Oat Matcha, Katsu Sandos, Fried Chicken and noodles.

Famed New York burger chain Shake Shake is heading to the Grand Slam for the first time—grilling classic Angus beef burgers and serving two exclusive Australian Open milk shakes—Honey Macadamia and Choc Fudge Cookies and Cream.

Amongst those also making their AO debut in Garden Square are Hector’s Deli with their fine sangas and house-made sodas, Shane Delia’s Middle-Eastern inspired Layla and a playful twist on Malaysian classics from Ho Jiak.

You can only get Mindy Woods’ Flavours of Bundjalung popcorn at the AO, bringing traditional-tasting bites courtside with a popcorn cart, found criss-crossing Garden Square.

No surprise there’s even a signature AO Shortbread Cookie to pair with a hot brew, found at one of the two Wonder Pies stands. The other stand will have a slew of gourmet savoury pies set to satiate including the infamous Lasagne Pie.

It gets fancy at AO Reserve, as top chefs and mixologists do what they do best.

Award-winning Caretaker’s Cottage makes its debut, chef Alejandro Saravia brings his taste of Victoria and Farmer’s Daughters, acclaimed Brissie restaurant SK Steak and Oyster is heading down for the first time and there’s a touch of Tassie as Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet bring Agrarian Kitchen to Melbourne.

Drink

Image Credit: Grey Goose | Supplied

The AO signature drink is back for a second year, after a ripper reception last Jan. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail is found at the Courtside Bar which boasts sweeping views of Court 6.

What’s in the Lemon Ace? Grey Goose vodka, passionfruit syrup and sparkling lemonade garnished with a lemon ball and fresh mint. It’s either freshly made or in a pre-mix can.

Nik Hill from Sydney’s Porcine is serving a French-inspired menu including Leek and Lobster Quiche, Truffle Honey Custard Tarts, Camembert & Brandied Prunes.

Look out for another tipple—the Grey Goose Centre Court Cooler with vodka, raspberry syrup, lime juice and grapefruit juice.

The Piper Heidsieck Champagne Bar is reaching iconic status, with its Rod Laver Arena Terrace prime location.

New this year, Le Kiosque is springing up in Garden Square—a veritable kiosk for a fizzy Piper tipple on the go.

The thirst-quenching AO Frappé returns offering two options—coffee or chocolate flavour. The cool drink with a vanilla soft serve base is back after a wildly successful debut, served at its own stand near John Cain Arena—tweaked this year to collab with a2 Milk.

Out Of Comp

Image Credit: Food Precinct | Supplied

For anyone missing former champ and current legend Roger Federer, he’s back for a night of tennis couched in a Crowded House gig. Federer, André Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter are all having a hit on the main court, joining Neil Finn and his band performing their chart-toppers at the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony, held the night before the main draw on Jan 17th.

Celeb spotting typically surfaces as international, interstate and local names descend on Melbourne Park, mostly to watch the tennis. They’re often seen ducking into hosted pavilions such as Emirates, Marriott Bonvoy and Ralph Lauren.

There’s a new two-storey Highline overlooking the Western Courts while there’s also a shiny new two-level structure where you can eat, drink and absorb the action on the big screens at Grand Slam Oval.

A spot between John Cain Arena and Kia Arena—called The Village—is the place to watch players preen, practice and prepare. Also at The Village, you can give Pickleball a shot and stock-up at the three-storey MECCA Pro Shop.

The AO Ballpark presented by Emirates returns with a waterslide, plenty of games and activities and mini courts, as it becomes Hot Shots HQ for the kids.

And some of the world’s top players like Daniil Medvedev and Naomi Osaka are taking part in the AO 1 Point slam, where state champions are giving it a shot to win one million dollars.

• 7,769 racquets strung.
• More than 86,000 tennis balls used.
• 250 players from 30 countries.
• Players ate more than 5,000 bananas—roughly 200 kilos a day.
• Around 42,000 tennis fans ate at AO Reserve.
• More than 222,000 serves of hot chips.
• Nearly 100,000 burgers and 105,000 coffees served.
• More than 600 pieces of clothing, shoes and equipment donated to charity Sport for All.

The Australian Open runs from 12 Janurary to 1 Febraury.

Main Image Credit: AO Live | Supplied