Australian Open to cap ground passes in 2027 after overcrowding problems

[p]Organisers Tennis Australia said ‌on Tuesday it would cap ‌allocations of its A$49 "ground passes" during the first week of the ‌main draw as they expected ⁠demand ‌to be stronger than ever in 2027.[/p][p][b]"This ​decision reflects the growing popularity of the AO and ​will help ensure fans are able to make the most of ⁠everything ​on offer across the precinct,[/b]" the governing body said in a statement.[/p][p]Ground passes allow holders to roam ‌between matches outside the major showcourts at Melbourne Park and are hugely popular among casual fans.[/p][embed guid="c1deadf3-23a9-4510-a5c1-e3d35cb8df3e" url="https://x.com/MattWalshMedia/status/2079341320519422336" social-type="twitter" /][p]However, a spike in attendances in recent years has contributed to long queues to access courts and raised concerns about a ‌declining fan experience.[/p][p]A record 1,368,043 ​fans attended the 2026 tournament ‌through its three-week schedule which saw Carlos Alcaraz claim the men's singles title and Elena Rybakina the women's on the ⁠final weekend.[/p]