AUS OPEN
mamamAg 17-30 Jan 2022
Mama’s guide to the 2022 Australian Open
WIN A FAMILY DAY SESSION PASS TO ROD LAVER ARENA AND MERCH WORTH $1424 AO Kids Ballpark Mama’s top tips Fabulous Food Hot in the city
TIME FOR TENNIS Nothing screams “Summer fun” more than a visit to the Australian Open with your family in January! And if you haven’t stayed up late into the night watching a gripping five-set men’s final, can you really call yourself Australian? Tennis is one of the few sports that I played as a kid (I was more of the creative kind funnily enough!) and 30+ years later I still love it. So you can imagine my excitement when Tennis Australia said they wanted to work with MamaMag and have me tell you about all the awesome stuff at this year’s AO! We were lucky enough to grab an early sneak peek on Saturday of the new Kids Ballpark, the Grand Slam Oval (with the awesome Melbourne laneways) and the stunning new Beach House. Trust me, after the last two years we’ve had, you DO NOT want to miss this awesome event. So grab your tickets (they give you complete access to all the attractions outside of the main arenas), have your vax certificate ready and use the following pages to plan your amazing family day out. There’s a lot of ground to cover, so make the most of your experience by getting your game plan ready early. With children’s tickets starting from $5, the perfect school holiday adventure awaits at AO 2022. And don’t forget to enter our amazing competition to win centre court family tickets on Jan 26th! Click below for your chance to win and hopefully I’ll see you there!! xx Sarah Cavalier, Editor-in-Chief, MamaMag @thecavaliermama ced in
e was produ
This magazin
N I W son.
e Mark Peter
ag ckground im
ba stralia. Cover
th Tennis Au partnership wi
ly Pass to i m a F a na, $1424 e r A r e v a L Rod 26, n a J , n o i s s e Day S ome s e w a e m o s plus ise! d n a h c r e m AO
Total prize value
bowl, session, lower am 11 e th to s ticket 4 AO hats. 2 concession er towels and d ay an pl lt 2 u es ad d 2 u cl c. h 2022 at 8.00pm. erchandise in Family Pass in closes January 24t . 26th 2022. M n Ja 2022 12.01am and n 1st terms and conditions h o full 11t a y for n uar cs re Jan n-t starts petitio only. Competition Rod Laver A ag.com.au/AOcom aged 18+ amam Australian residents 24.00. Visit www.m Entries are open to Total prize value $14 eemable for cash. red or le rab sfe Prize not tran
2
AO mag.com.au/win a m a .m w w w t to win enter a For your chance
MAMA’S MUST-SEES The must-see action is not only on court at Melbourne Park, there’s plenty to keep fans entertained across the precinct with from kids’ activities, amazing food and drinks, shopping and some super fun special precincts, all accessible on an AO ground pass. It’s time for some fun!
AO Ballpark - No. 1 for kids
Fun is guaranteed at the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, which makes a welcome return in 2022. It’s the hive of family-friendly activities with live performances on the stage and thrilling rides and activities, the kids will never want to leave. Check out all the action on page 4.
AO Beach House
The best of Bayside Melbourne is celebrated at the first-ever AO Beach House. Located on the northern side of Melbourne Park, it is a unique destination to socialise, eat, drink and play. Whether participating in the health and wellbeing program or taking the family for a hit of the new beach tennis courts, you don’t want to miss this.
Grand Slam Oval
Melbourne’s laneway culture comes to life at Grand Slam Oval celebrating the fabulous the dining and culture of the city’s iconic laneways. Set in amongst impressive wall murals you’ll find excellent dining options, live music, art, and bars offer you a new slice of multicultural Melbourne at every turn and it’s all part of a ground pass ticket.
Shopping Piazza
An expanded AO shopping precinct, located at the Rod Laver Arena terrace, celebrates art, culture and diversity. Look out for pop-ups from iconic global brands, including Ralph Lauren and Adidas, as well as the must-visit AO Shop where you can discover the new Snoopy collaboration for 2022.
Practice Village
Hoping to get an autograph or selfie with your favourite player? The Practice Village at the National Tennis Centre, and right next to the AO Ballpark, is the best place to get closer to the world’s best athletes.
First Nations Day
Recognising First Nations history is a focus, with art and cultural activations at Court 3 and throughout the precinct. Special performances are planned for the event’s inaugural First Nations Day on Wednesday 19 January.
Purchase Ground Passes here
3
Image Mark Peterson.
AO BALLPARK The AO Ballpark, presented by Emirates, is truly where it’s at for families with plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained. Back in the same location as 2019, but re-imagined, there is live entertainment daily on the AO Ballpark Stage with appearances from beloved characters including Bluey, Peppa Pig, Duggee, PJ Masks, Spiderman and more! Brave kids can whizz down the zipline or scale new heights on the climbing wall track (closed toe shoes essential). The new obstacle course is amazing, and high, and finishes off with a slide down the giant twisty blue slide. Kids can fire away in the action-packed NERF zone and for the braver, and taller, kids the Extreme Thriller Ride will most certainly get hearts racing (min height 140cm). For a more relaxed approach, and a cool down, hit the water course for a play or stroll into the mist tunnel. The Zoos Victoria Gazebo has animal themed arts, crafts and fun as well. There are fun characters roaming round, ready for a photo. We particularly loved the giant tennis ball people! Spanning over 500m2, Ballpark links with the Practice Village, through to Eastern Plaza, to a sensory wonderland which ensures kids and adults can enjoy a jam-packed day at the tennis. There will be food and drink on offer from Little Luna (in a super cute caravan) and Mr Alejandro and ice cream to keep the kids cool from Proud & Punch. Yum!
4
ANZ TENNIS HOT SHOTS Inspired to pick up a racquet and play? Kids can experience ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, Tennis Australia’s introductory program, at the AO Ballpark. Have a hit on the mini-courts or colourful tennis wall, check out the fun tennis games and activities throughout the precinct or challenge a friend or sibling on the Speed Serve wall! Also, make sure you keep an eye out for the stars of tomorrow during pre-match Kids on Court displays.
5
rru m
Partner & Premium Experience Concierge
3
ak Alexandra Gardens am Bar
li 7A Wil an Ave & Batm Bridge
AO Hilltop
Flinders Street Station
Wil li
am B
a ra k
B rid
ge
15
10
Court 3
e
Tenni
Garden Square Tennis Australia acknowledges that the AO is held on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and we extend our respects Cent 1573present and to all First Nations People. to Elders past and Arena Margaret Court Arena Ro
AO EVENT MAP Russell Street Extension at Federation Square
Bridg
Ya r
Birrarung Marr
14
ra
Ri
ve r
11
13
8
6
12 City Entrance ANZ Customer Priority Lane Partner & Premium Experience Concierge
Tand e
7
Garden Square Entrance
5 26 4
10
Beach
Bridg
2
Ba
5 20
Western Courts e 3
9
tm
an
lim
on
tR
oa
Garden S Partner Experien d
1
G
A1
8
v Court 2 enu 2 e 3 3
8
Tennis HQ
Garden Square
1
5 4
Jo
7B M Ro C G G dL ave ate 1 r A -3 re n a
27
25 House
22 23 24
rrum
T
Rod Laver Arena
AO River Terrace
Olympic 13
1573 Arena
7
Margaret Court Arena
28
Purchase Ground Passes
Ri
ve r
6
6
7 21
Queen Victoria Gardens
Ba
2
tm
Av en
Find Reserved Seat Tickets
5
ue
Olympic Bou
Gran P Ex
Services
Activations
Accessible Lift
Pram Parking
1 Bondi Sands Beach
Accessible Toilets
First Aid
Changing Places
Information
Charging Station
Lost & Found
Toilets
Giant Video Screen
Outdoor Seating
Ticket Enquiries
Parent Room
Selfie Spot
Water Stations
Live Music
Tennis Court
2 Bondi Sands Sunscreen Station
3 Canadian Club Racquet Club
4 Chemist Warehouse Fan Zone
5 Dunlop Ball Cave 6 Kia Halo 7 Yonex Stringing Room 8 Kia Sportage Display 9 Infosys VR Tennis Activation
10 AO Art Walk 11 Padel
Food & Drinks
Royal Botanic 15 Europa Lane Food & Drinks Stands Gardens Coffee Stand
16 City Italia
1 4 Pines Bar
17 Squealing Pig Bar
2 CC Soda & Lime Garden
18 Hawker Stall
3 Gordon’s Gin Bar
19 Laneway Burgers
4 Grainshaker Australian
20 Peters Ice Cream Shop
Vodka Bar
5 Peroni Bar 6 Little Luna 7 Mr Alejandro
21 Coffee and Treats 22 Pure Blonde Organic Cider Bar
23 Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
8 Proud & Punch
24 Mr Miyagi
Ice Cream Cart
25 Oakberry
9 Milk Bottle
25 Fishbowl
10 Snack Express
26 Pipis Kiosk
11 Daniel’s Donuts
27 Piper-Heidsieck Cabanas
12 Pure Fish and Chips
28 Piper-Heidsieck
13 The Deli
6
4
Grand S Ova 20
an
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Amenities
Rod La Aren Terra
Rod Laver Arena
AO River Terrace ra
5 7
29
Alexandra Gardens
Ya r
Centrepi
3
14 Dumpling Corner
Champagne Bar
29 Canadian Club Bar
is HQ
Practice Village Entrance
trepiece
od Laver Arena Terrace
17
Kia Arena
Yarra Park Richmond Entrance
Eastern Courts
16
Square Entrance r & Premium nce Concierge
John Cain Arena
Grand Slam Oval
1
MCG
National Tennis Centre
6
2 3 2
7
AO Ballpark
7D Olympic Boulevard
presented by Emirates
8 4 Practice Village Entrance
c Boulevard
iece
17
Glasshouse Kia Arena 10
11
9
11
16 19
14
29
2
3
nA ven
John Cain Arena
ue
Yarra Park Goschs Paddock
AAMI Park
Richmond Entrance
7C M Joh CG G n C a te ain 4 Are -7 na
4
Slam l 15
nto
Olympic Park Oval
Eastern Courts
16
12
Richmond Station
1 9
3
National Tennis Centre
2 3
2
AO Ballpark
presented by Emirates
Practice Village
17
6 7
18
8
18 19 20
21 22
23 24
4
7D Olympic Boulevard
aver na ace
B ru
Punt Roa d
Grand Slam Oval Entrance Grand Slam Oval Entrance Partner & Premium Experience Concierge
Richmond Station
Richmond Station
ulevard
nd Slam Oval Entrance Grand Slam Oval Entrance Partner & Premium xperience Concierge Glasshouse
Olympic Park Oval
Shopping
AAMI Park
Transport
1 Interactive Play
1 Bamboozld
Taxi Rank
2 Rides & Amusements
2 Quay Sunglasses Shop
Accessible Taxi
3 Kids Live
3 New Era Caps
Tram Stop
4 memobottle
Train
5 adidas
Uber Pickup Zone
6 Ralph Lauren Store
Bike Parking
7 Chemist Warehouse
Water Taxi
Retail Store
8 Ralph Lauren Gifting Store 6
Premium Experience Shuttle
9 Cross Court Creative 6
Pick-up and Drop-off
* Map information is subject to change.
N
AO Ballpark Kids Activities
Parking
AO Shop
Goschs Paddock
Entertainment Stage
4 ANZ Tennis Hot Shots
7
MUM & DAD, HOW ABOUT A HIT? Why should the kids have all the fun with the ANZ Hot Shots? Mum and Dad are encouraged to pick up a racquet and play too. Here are some other tennis activations the whole family can have a go at.
8
Beach Tennis
Cardio Tennis
With the support of Bondi Sands, beach tennis takes centre stage at the AO Beach House. A hybrid of tennis and beach volleyball, beach tennis is played socially and professionally throughout the world. At AO22, fans can give it a go and put their skills to the test.
Raising a happy sweat is the goal of Cardio Tennis, Tennis Australia’s tennis workout program. Keep an eye out for local club members participating in on-court displays throughout the tournament, showcasing the fun range of drills to a high-energy soundtrack.
Padel Tennis
AO Glam Slam
Padel tennis is proving increasingly popular around the world and fans at Melbourne Park can experience it too. In a tournament first, fans of all ages can play Padel Tennis at Grand Slam Oval. The scoring is similar to tennis, however competitors use a smaller padel and low-compression balls. They must serve underarm and can play off the glass walls that enclose the court. It is fast, social and dynamic. Grab a friend to play, as it’s sure to prove a hit!
The AO Glam Slam tournament is an annual LGBTQ+ event that attracts amateur competitors from across the world and culminates with finals played at Melbourne Park on Sunday 30 January. The 2022 edition is presented by Ralph Lauren and promises to feature more colour, incredible music acts and celebrity guest appearances.
Little Luna
FABULOUS FOOD All this fun and tennis action is bound to work up an appetite! Lucky this year’s AO will provide an eclectic and delicious mix of food, sure to appease the taste of fans of both young and old at Melbourne Park.
AO Ballpark
Mr Alejandro
Hungry patrons are spoilt for choice with some of the Melbourne’s most popular restaurants offering tasty and affordable options on site.
Here there will be great food and drink on offer to excite the little ones from Little Luna and Mr Alejandro and ice cream to keep the kids cool from Proud & Punch.
Grand Slam Oval
Proud & Punc h
Melbourne’s laneway culture is all about food and that’s exactly what is happening here as Grand Slam Oval comes to life. Walk through the wall murals to discover an array of fabulous food like burgers to Italian, Mediterranean delights and hawker-style street food. Yum! Live buskers will add to the atmosphere and you’ll probably find Mama in the Gordon’s Gin Bar!! My fave!
Garden Square
AO Beach House
e
It wouldn’t be a trip to the beach without a delicious serve of fish and chips, would it? Pull up a deck chair and enjoy Pipis Kiosk, healthy Japanese inspired noddle bowls at Fishbowl, Oakberry Acai bowls and Aussie local Grainshaker vodka.
AO Beach Hous
First Nations cuisine from local Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and delicious Mr Miyagi Japanese will tempt your taste buds in Garden Square. There will be live music and you can fill up your water bottles from the water station here too.
Premium experiences
An exceptional range of premium experiences include: Penfolds and Rockpool Bar & Grill, both synonymous with quality fine dining, with pop-up restaurants in the brandnew Centrepiece building. Renowned chef Guy Grossi, from Grossi Florentino, is serving some of his signature dishes at The Glasshouse. Ben Shewry, Attica’s Head Chef, has designed a sustainable menu at the Atrium, located on Melbourne Park’s River Terrace with amazing native botanical-inspired cocktails.
9
MAMA’S TIPS FOR A GREAT DAY OUT 1. Tickets and COVID safety: Tickets are all digital so download and
forward your tickets to each attendee’s phone in advance. The Ticketmaster app makes this a LOT easier. Make sure you’ve got your Service VIC app ready to check in and anyone over 12 years 2 months must show proof of vax status. Wear a mask unless seated outdoors or eating or drinking. Please note, you must also wear a mask when the roof of the arena is closed.
2. Download the Australian Open Tennis 2022 app:
You can only be in one place at a time, right?! Keep up to date with everything happening on other courts with the official AO app, available to download via App Store and Play Store.
3. Hit the Kids AO Ballpark early: Back in the old 2019 location, up the Richmond end, access is closest to Richmond station and the perfect stop on your way into the AO for your day of fun if you’ve come by train. Plus it pays to beat the crowds. AO Ballpark has free pram parking in Eastern Plaza, but please ensure you take your valuable items with you.
4. Bring a towel and shoes: The Ballpark features a fun water course so bring
a towel for the kids to dry off or clothes that will dry quickly. Also, many of the kids’ activities require closed-toe shoes, so whilst thongs or sandals in the Summer heat may sound like a good idea, you might regret it later!
5. Slip, slop, slap: You might be outside in the sun for long periods of time
depending on your tickets, so be prepared. Bondi Sands, a home-grown favourite, are the official sunscreen sponsors this year, so if you forget to bring your own, they will be at hand to sort you out. Make sure everyone has a hat as well as sometimes it can be hard to grab a shady spot. Stay hydrated too with free drinking water and water misting stations throughout the precinct.
6. Grab a seat early: Seats for all outside courts (including John Cain Arena) are part of general admission and available on a ‘first in’ basis. Arriving early increases chances of finding a seat. Unreserved seats can be held for no longer than three change of ends.
7. Quiet please: Make sure you chat to your kids about the importance of staying
quiet during play. It might be a given to us, but the kids probably don’t know. Don’t forget to pop your mobile on silent and remember it is courtesy to only move seats at the change of ends.
8. Zone free: There will be no zones in the general areas at AO22, meaning you
can basically go anywhere, enter through any entrance, and access all areas of the precinct, including the Ballpark. You’ll only need special tickets for certain court matches.
9. Take public transport: Parking is almost impossible around Melbourne
Park, so you’re much better off taking the train or tram. There are five entrances, so just check the map to see where your chosen transport will best access. - Garden Square entrance, Grand Slam Oval entrance, City Entrance, Richmond entrance, Practice Village entrance. If you are getting dropped off there is a designated area on Olympic Boulevard, outside John Cain Arena. A taxi rank is further down Olympic Boulevard, adjacent to the Grand Slam Oval entrance.
10. Stay connected: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the precinct. To gain
access, connect to AO_PUBLIC_WiFi and open your browser to register. Fans can recharge mobile phones at charging stations located at Rod Laver Arena concourse, Margaret Court Arena concourse and John Cain Arena concourse as well.
10
Calendar Event
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
AO Kids
Jan 10 11 women's qualifying singles, first round
women's qualifying singles, first round
12
women’s qualifying singles, second round
13
14
women’s qualifying singles, second round
15
Sunday
16
women’s Preview Day qualifying singles, final round
Australia Day
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
> Men’s and
Emirates Day
First Nations Day
ANZ Day
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
Kia Surprise Sunday
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
women’s singles, first round
> Men’s and
women’s singles, first round
> Men’s and
women’s singles, second round > Men’s and women’s doubles
> Men’s and
women’s singles, second round > Men’s and women’s doubles > Mixed doubles
women’s singles, third round
women’s doubles > Mixed doubles
women’s singles, third round
women’s doubles > Mixed doubles > Juniors > Legends
> Men’s and
women’s singles, fourth round
> Men’s and
women’s doubles
> Mixed doubles > Wheelchairs > Juniors
> Legends
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
AO Pride Day
> Men’s and
> Men’s and
> AO Inspirational
> Men’s singles,
> Women’s singles,
> Men’s singles,
> Women’s singles,
> Mixed doubles,
> Men's doubles,
> Women’s
> Men’s and
women’s singles, fourth round > Men’s and women’s doubles > Mixed doubles > Wheelchairs > Juniors > Legends
women’s singles, quarterfinals > Men’s and women’s doubles > Mixed doubles > Wheelchairs > Juniors > Legends
women’s singles, quarterfinals > Men’s and women’s doubles > Mixed doubles > Wheelchair doubles, finals > Juniors > Legends
(D) Day (N) Night
Series
semifinals (N) > Men’s doubles > Wheelchair singles, finals > Juniors > Legends
semifinals
final > Juniors > Legends
final (N)
final (N) > Juniors, finals > AO Glam Slam
final (N)
doubles, final
> AO Glam Slam
Schedule correct at time of printing, but subject to change.
Share your experiences: Engage with AO fans all over the world using #AusOpen on social media. Join the conversation on the following platforms: Facebook - AustralianOpen
Wechat - @AustralianOpen
Twitter - @AustralianOpen
Weibo - weibo.com/australianopenchina
Instagram - @australianopen
Twitch – twitch.tv/ausopen
YouTube – Australian Open TV
Snapchat – Australian.Open
11
PA-2
HOT IN THE CITY...
Fans can experience AO22 in many ways, even without a ticket, with these great features outside of Melbourne Park. Canadian Club Racquet Club Located on the Upper Terrace at Birrarung Marr, the Canadian Club Racquet Club is free for all to enjoy. With Melbourne’s stunning skyline as a backdrop, tennis fans can unwind with great food and a Canadian Club, while enjoying live DJs from 2-7 every day of the event. and watching the on-court action on big screens.
AO Art Walk The AO Art Walk at Birrarung Marr, a new initiative at AO 2022, creates a unique connection between Melbourne Park and the city’s CBD. This multi-sensory installation is sure to marvel fans, as art and tennis combine through colour and movement. A must-do walk for the family.
AO Shop Fans worldwide can purchase exclusive merchandise at the online AO Shop. The AO apparel, which offers sustainable fashion across lifestyle and performance ranges, is using organic cotton for the first time. There is also a new collaboration with cartoon Peanuts and the first-ever Grand Slam collection, while proceeds from a newly introduced First Nations range, featuring artwork from Gubbi Gubbi woman Maggie Jean Douglas, are invested into national Indigenous tennis programs.
12
And once you’ve had all your AO fun, why not check out these other great things on in Melbourne while you’re in town with the family. NGV Kids Summer Festival The NGV Kids Summer Festival is on all week until Sunday 23rd featuring a host of fun for the kids. Check out the Kids’ exhibition The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu and Her Sister, get crafty with paper hat making in the Great Hall, try a hip-hop dance workshop or a bird watching activity trail throughout the garden and of course you have to take a paddle in the pink pond[er].
Frozen the Musical It’s your last chance to see Frozen the Musical this month with this incredible show packing up after their last show on Jan 26 before they head to Brisbane. Adapted from the Oscar winning film that every child has seen a million times, Frozen the Musical is an inspiring tale of sisterhood and true love that comes to life with gorgeous sets and costumes as well as sensational special effects. Please don’t let this one go without seeing it.
Moonlight Cinema Moonlight Cinema is back, bringing the nostalgia of picnics, popcorn and film-watching amongst Australia’s most idyllic inner-city parklands. The original cinema under the stars is at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This Saturday 22nd Jan catch Sing 2, followed by Spider-Man: No Way Home on Sunday.
Melbourne Skydeck The old Eureka Skydeck has a new name and some amazing new fun including a multi-sensory virtual and augmented-reality experience to transport and immerse you into our amazing city. Once up the top, send the kids out on ‘The Edge’ while you grab some bubbles and enjoy the best views in town. The bar is excellent and you deserve it Mama!
Cupid’s Koi Garden, Fed Square This looks super cool and in the perfect spot on your way back from Melbourne Park to Flinders Street after the AO Art Walk. Cupid’s Koi Garden is an immersive, giant inflatable fountain – a coalition of koi fish surrounding the cheeky cherub, Cupid at Fed Square. Featuring 360-degree tracking technology, Cupid’s Koi Garden by ENESS is a wonder of art and science – and a must-visit destination this summer. On 21 Jan - 6 Feb at Fed Square.
13
LEARN TENNIS FOR LIFE