TOPCOURT adds a new wrinkle to the Aussie Open experience

MELBOURNE—Just over the Tanderrum Bridge, located at the Birrarung Marr Middle Terrace of Melbourne Park, sits the Australian Open’s latest attraction. TOPCOURT combines cutting edge technology, immersive gaming, paddle sports, live music, and trendy food and fashion, all targeted at Gen Z fans. It’s a high-energy pavilion for young spectators looking to take a break from sitting courtside. Take a seat on a bean bag chair to watch matches on the big screens, indulge in some shopping, or take a trip into virtual reality.

At the center of TOPCOURT is the Centre Stage. It’s located in the heart of the grounds with huge video screens hovering above it. Local personalities will host daily performances and competitions including DJs, live music, and video game battles. There’s even a Nick Kyrgios look-alike contest.

One of the feature attractions is the Game On digital gaming complex. Inside, fans can immerse themselves in a wide range of gaming experiences such as VR Tennis, an interactive reimagination of the schoolyard game 4-Square, and a retro arcade collection. Current console games like Fortnite, 2K’s NBA and Topspin will be on hand to battle it out with friends.

Another draw is the Mecca Summer Club. Mecca is a large Australian prestige cosmetics retailer—similar to Sephora—and brings a touch of beauty to the experience. Fans can ace their look between sets with walk-in makeup, skin and hair transformations, and shop the collection of summer glow-up essentials and only-at-the-tennis finds. The brand is also a draw at the AO Player Beauty Bar, which gives players the opportunity to hang out, relax and look their best before taking the court.

Racquet sports fans can get their fix the Red Bull Rally Padel Arena. Played in a unique four-walled court, fans will have the opportunity to try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Or they can engage in other paddle games such as POP Tennis, totem tennis and table tennis, or play basketball at the hoops court.

Other brands of interest include: Ralph Lauren, Bondi Sands, AO Shop, Oakberry and TOP SNACC.

“TOPCOURT is an entirely fresh approach for the AO,” Tennis Australia Director of Product and Customer Experience Amanda Del Prete said. “We’ve created a space where sport, music, gaming, food and culture collide, giving fans the freedom to explore and create their own unique experience. From gaming challenges to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone.”

TOPCOURT is available with a tournament grounds pass. There are more affordable options for fans ages 12 to 17. It will be open every day during the AO main draw.