Australian Open Announces Site And Food Upgrades For 2026

The Australian Open is reaching higher in 2026. As part of the remaking of the grounds each year, the Melbourne-based event is creating double-story Grand Slam Oval seating and shade and introducing the Highline, an elevated addition to the tournament’s Courtside Bar.

In the world of food, Shake Shack will open its first-ever Australian pop-up with burgers and an exclusive AO shake.

“The Australian Open is reaching new heights—literally,” says Amanda Del Prete, Tennis Australia’s director of product and customer experience. “Every year more fans join in the festival of tennis and entertainment, and for AO 2026, we’re taking the experience to the next level.”

AO 2026 Changes on the Grounds

As Del Prete says, at AO 2026, they’re rising with more upper-level, two-story structures across the grounds. At the Western Courts the new shaded Highline gives an elevated view of the matches below with more shade for fans. Connecting with the reimagined Courtside Bar—now with grandstand seating—more fans have a unique view.

The Grand Slam Oval fan space inside the grounds will feature a new two-story fan hub with extra seating and shade, “giving fans the perfect spot to soak up the electric atmosphere, enjoy the entertainment while catching every moment of the tennis on the big screens.”

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The 2025 AO welcomed 1.2 million fans, the most for the tournament, and 2026 opens the site for the entire three-week event with free days for kids and live music every night at the Grand Slam Oval. “As we do every year, the precinct has been reimagined,” says Craig Tiley, AO tournament director.

The success of the 2025 Topcourt debut brings back the fan activation area for 2026. The Village area between John Cain Arena and Kia Arena will also return, offering views on a practice court. It will now host pickleball for fans. The AO Ballpark will return with a waterslide.

Shake Shack and More Food

Shake Shack will make its Australian debut with two locations on the AO grounds. It will feature its burgers and an exclusive AO-themed shake at the Topcourt activation and inside John Cain Arena.

“We’re committed to making the AO not just the best grand slam on the court, but also the best off-court, and food and drink are central to that experience,” says Fern Barrett, Tennis Australia’s head of product growth and innovation. “From headline international debuts such as Shake Shack, to our popular AO exclusive items like Peach Melbourne and Grey Goose Lemon Ace, we’re offering something fans can only experience at the AO.

“For many fans, their first Shake Shack burger or shake will be part of their AO 2026 experience which is so exciting,” Barrett says. “Shake Shack’s arrival at the AO underlines how much this event has grown beyond the court, it’s a festival of food, sport and culture.”

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The AO exclusive Peach Melbourne dessert, peach and vanilla soft serve dessert topped with raspberry dust, sold a record 112,000 in 2025. The mascot for the item, Pat the Peach, will now appear on retail items. Also returning is the AO Frappe, which enjoyed a successful 2025 debut.

AO 2026 adds a new express food outlet at the Western Courts designed for quick service and Japanese-inspired Suupaa will bring a convenience-store style menu to the AO.

“At AO 2026, we’re making it quicker and easier for fans to enjoy their day without missing a moment of the action,” Del Prete says. “From mobile vendors roaming the grounds with refreshments to a major expansion of in-seat ordering across multiple arenas.”

Hectors’ Deli will join the site for the first time at Garden Square, while Entrecote returns, and Shane Delia’s Layla serves Middle Eastern flavors. Vic’s Meat joins the Garden Square offerings.

Grand Slam Oval will feature seven cuisines with newcomers Season Chicken, Ho Jiak and Jollygood joining the returning flavors of D.O.C., Fishbowl and Stalactites. Angie Giannakodakis from Taverna will pair with Stalactites for an AO-exclusive Greek menu.

Mindy Woods returns to the site and chef Ray Capaldi brings Wonder Pies to the AO Ballpark.

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