Melbourne VIC, Australia, 3 August 2015 | ausopen.com

Australian Open 2016 will offer more accessibility for the general public and greater flexibility for the corporate market than ever before.

For the first time ever the tiered ticketing structure allows fans to buy tickets based on where they’d like to sit and which session they want to attend, instead of having to purchase multiple-session packages.

The initiatives include:

• three categories of seating (Category 1, 2 & 3) in Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena
• categories and prices set according to demand for each session
• individual session tickets in each category are available for purchase, including high-demand sessions such as semis and finals

Ground pass prices will remain the same and, as in 2015, include access to Hisense Arena and all outside courts.

The average ticket price increase is five per cent across all categories in Rod Laver Arena, based on a comparison between new Category 1 and the previous Gold package, and between Categories 2 and 3 and the 2015 public ticket price.*

“We’re very excited about these changes to the Australian Open ticketing structure, and for us it’s all about giving our fans more access and flexibility,” Tennis Australia Commercial Director Richard Heaselgrave said.

“Tennis fans are a sophisticated audience and they’re used to having a say in where they sit in the stadium at other major sports and entertainment events.

“We’ve listened to feedback and introduced a structure that allows fans to decide which session they want to attend and how close to the action they want to be.

“We’ve also compiled a menu of brand new hospitality options so every Australian Open experience can be tailored to individual requirements. In 2016, with any ticket, whether it be a ground pass or Rod Laver Arena Category 1, you can add a restaurant booking – with everything from fine dining to Melbourne café culture on offer – along with opportunities such as behind-the-scenes tours.

“Whether you are a die-hard tennis fan or use the biggest event on Australia’s sporting calendar to entertain guests, we’ve opened the door for everyone to design their own unique Australian Open 2016 experience.”

Ticket price fast facts

> men’s final ticket is $395 for Category 3, up $5 from $390 in 2015

> women’s final ticket is $195 for Category 3, down $95 from 2015

> starting price for Rod Laver Arena Category 3 ticket is $75, the same as 2015

> maximum increase in Rod Laver Arena ticket price for Category 3 is $5, or the same as the 2015 tournament price

> Rod Laver Arena Category 3 ticket prices have either decreased or remain the same for 12 of the 25 sessions

* the 2015 Gold package comprised Category 1 equivalent seating for all 25 sessions at a cost of $7,195. Under the new pricing structure the cost will be $6,800, although there is no longer a requirement to purchase every session to have prime seating access guaranteed to the high-profile sessions.