Australian Open 2019 has attracted record crowds to the newly upgraded Melbourne Park to see the world’s best tennis players hit the court at the world’s best tennis venue.
More than 780,000 fans attended the two-week grand slam, smashing the previous attendance record of 743,667 set in 2018
The men’s and women’s finals were aired live in more than 220 territories on more than 75 different TV channels, reaching more than 900 million homes daily and showcasing Victoria to the world.
With Australian Open 2019 run and won, the focus now turns to making sure the tournament continues to grow.
Work will start within weeks on Stage 3 of the Melbourne Park redevelopment, with the Andrews Labor Government investing $271 million to build a new show court in the central plaza area.
Over the last two weeks Melbourne Park has seen some fantastic tennis on the outer courts highlighting the need for a new show court.
As part of the Stage 3 package of works, there will also be a new function and media centre, central kitchen and a logistics hub.
The existing function and media centre will be demolished later this month to make way for the new facilities.
Works on Stage 3 are scheduled for completion prior to the 2023 Australian Open, ensuring that the Open remains at Melbourne Park until at least 2036.
Each year the Australian Open injects more than $290 million into the Victorian economy and creates more than 1,000 jobs.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Over the last two weeks Victorians have been treated to some fantastic tennis. I want to congratulate Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, our own Dylan Alcott, Sam Stosur and all of the other winners and thank Tennis Australia for putting on another great event.”
“We’re not wasting any time in making sure that Melbourne Park continues to deliver the facilities that the world’s best tennis players deserve – work will start within weeks on our brand new show court.”
As noted by Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley
“One of the most outstanding memories from AO 2019 is how much the players enjoyed being here in Melbourne to play the Australian Open.”
“We will continue our close working relationship with the Victorian government on both the ongoing redevelopment and growing our events.”
