Architecture & Access Ensures Inclusive Experiences for All
Image: Court viewing structure
The Australian Open Tennis Tournament is a feature of summer in Melbourne, and in 2025 the event soared to yet another record high attendance with 1,218,831 fans passing through the Melbourne Park entry gates for the 3-week event.
Recognised as one of the most accessible and inclusive events in Australia, Architecture & Access are proud to have been associated with the event for over a decade.
The event occurs across two sites in central Melbourne. Melbourne Park hosts opening week and the main draw tennis tournament. The Melbourne Park site makes use of permanent infrastructure, with extensive temporary overlay additions provided during the event for hospitality, retail, merchandising and entertainment purposes. Birrarung Marr is the venue for the immersive/entertainment family friendly kid’s play zone (the AO Ballpark on Lower terrace); the immersive/entertainment youth precinct (AO Topcourt on Middle terrace) and hospitality/entertainment offerings that are open to the public on the Upper terrace (the AO Hilltop).
The AO Topcourt was a new addition to the AO offerings in 2025 that provided a site for immersive gaming, play zones, live music and fashion and beauty activations aimed at providing tennis fans the opportunity to chill, play and be styled.
“The location of AO Topcourt on Middle terrace at Birrarung Marr presented challenges due to existing topography which required significant consultation to ensure each activation was accessible for the event”.
Explains Andrew Sanderson, Director and lead Access Consultant
The Australian Open event is delivered by Tennis Australia and a large cohort of partners. In 2025 our strong relationship with the Tennis Australia team enabled successful delivery of an increasing number of Tennis Australia related accessible temporary structures and precincts.
Image: M&M outlet
Our partnerships with Tennis Australia and Event partners enables in the delivery of various types of temporary activations and structures that are accessible for attendees at the event.
The scope of the temporary structures for the event includes:
• temporary grandstands
• viewing platforms
• food & beverage bars/outlets,
• interactive & immersive experiences
• retail outlets
• merchandising stalls
• entertainment stages
• hospitality suites
• sponsor display areas, and,
• event amenities constructed specifically for the event.
The Architecture & Access consultancy role with key stakeholders ensured that the Australian Open 2025 event infrastructure achieved the event objectives of maximum accessibility and inclusivity for all staff and patrons.
