This year’s Australian Open attracted over 740,000 fans for the first time in the history of the tournament.
A total of 743,667 fans attended the two-week grand slam, an increase of 14,904 on the 2017 record. During the first week alone, more than half a million people attended (503,382) with the most popular day being the first Saturday of the tournament. On that day more than 87,000 people were on the grounds of Melbourne Park. Seven separate sessions attracted record crowds, including the first Tuesday day, first Saturday day, second Monday day and second Wednesday day and night.
The figures come as tournament officials rejects allegations that the costs of tickets at the event are too expensive. A report from the Sydney Morning Herald estimates that a family of four would spend AUS$420 if they went during the first week of the tournament. Prior to the start of the event, it was confirmed that visitors would be required to pay $49 for a night-time ground pass. A $14 raise from 12 months ago. The Australian Open said the hike was due to the increase in entertainment.
Craig Tiley, who is the tournament director, has insisted that the price of tickets is ‘absolutely affordable.’ Arguing that the prices are justified in relation to the new developments made to the venue.
“We’ve doubled the amount of music and tripled the amount of food offerings. Tripled the amount of entertainment offerings in the kids’ ball park zone and garden square,” Tiley told smh.co.au.
“Kids (under 14) are five dollars to get into the grounds.
“If you’re a family and bringing the kids, that’s a pretty good entertainment experience for 12 hours.
“You’re not paying for a movie for two hours or a show for an hour and a half when you pay more.
“For $49, you can plonk yourself down on a seat and you’re guaranteed to see tennis.”
The increase coincides with a 10% rise in tournament prize money. Singles champions Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki each took home $4 million in prize money.
During the last financial year, the Australian Open made $320 million in revenue.
