Melbourne, Australia, 2 October 2012 | Tennis Australia

Stage one of the $363 million redevelopment of Melbourne Park is in full swing and due for completion in 2015.

As the new-look Melbourne Park starts to take shape, fans can look forward to the following changes at Australian Open 2013:

• a new pedestrian bridge over Olympic Boulevard, named after Olympic tennis and athletics champion Edwin Flack, completing a direct link between the MCG, Melbourne Park and AAMI Park
• an expanded staircase that will ease traffic flow between Garden Square and the concourse
• the framework of the second tier on Margaret Court Arena is well underway
• the National Tennis Centre in the Eastern Plaza is well ahead of schedule with some elements including practice courts and recovery facilities, likely to be available to players during Australian Open 2013
• the eight clay courts will be completed for Australian Open 2013 and provide valuable preparation for players heading to Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties in Europe in February
• new entrances for Hisense Arena and improved ticketing facilities
• two new balcony areas overlooking Grand Slam Oval on the western side

Also new for Australian Open 2013:

• elevated viewing deck over major practice courts – see the stars warming up
• the official Australian Open online shop, www.australianopenshop.com, goes live today
• launching the new 2013 official licensed products, including the ever popular Player Towels
• an Australian Open pop-up shop to feature in Myer Melbourne City throughout January
• new “C’mon” range developed with Australian tennis superstar Lleyton Hewitt to be available in Myer Melbourne City throughout January
• A special Legends Lunch on the final Saturday to celebrate six-time Australian Open champion Roy Emerson
• dedicated MLC Tennis Hot Shots courts in Garden Square and Court Four so kids can experience the game, with professional coaches on hand at certain times to provide tips and advice
• more family fun in the air-conditioned MLC Fan Zone with activities including “Light up the Court”, “Centre of Attention” and “Tennis Tornado”.

Series tickets for Australian Open 2013 go on sale through Ticketek from 9:00 am on Wednesday 3 October to 5:00 pm Sunday 7 October (AEDST).

Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena single session tickets and Australian Open ground passes are on sale from 9:00 am (AEDST) Monday 8 October.

The great value $34 Australian Open ground pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval and in Garden Square.

Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase and save on tickets for Australian Open 2013. Tournament pricing applies to all tickets purchased from Monday 14 January.