Australian Open 2009 - 1st Week

All prices below are per person, inclusive of all package inclusions and listed in Australian Dollars. Extra night rates are based on low season stays - high season surcharges may apply.

Q: If tickets are not on sale yet via Ticketek, why are you able to sell tickets to the Australian Open?
A: As an Official Licensed Tour Operator for the Australian Open we have the ability to offer clients accommodation and ticket packages prior to tickets going on sale to the general public. We guarantee that our tickets are all 100% official.

Q: Can I purchase tickets only through Sportsnet Holidays?
A: No, as part of our contract we must sell all tickets with accommodation packages. We highly recommend you do not purchase any tickets sold over the internet from any non-official Tennis Australia or Australian Open websites.

Q: How do I check if Sportsnet Holidays are an Official Licensed Tour Operator?
A: Please visit the Official Australian Open website, where you will see we are officially registered.
http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/tickets/packages.html

Q: What benefits do I get by buying a package through Sportsnet Holidays?
A: As Rod Laver Arena & Hisense Arena Series Single Session tickets normally go on sale in October, we offer clients the ability to purchase their tickets before the general public. As an Official Licensed Tour Operator, we guarantee that our tickets are 100% official.

Q: What is the best way to book? Or how can I guarantee that I get good seats?
A: There is no one way of booking that is the best or that guarantees you get good seats. You can call us on either of our phone numbers FREECALL 1300 888 858 / 03 9482 9411 or send us an email at travel@sportsnetholidays.com to book your package today.

If you have a specific section of Rod Laver Arena you would like to sit in, please put a request in with our consultants and we will try our best to obtain these seats for you. However, please note that we are unable to guarantee any request. It is important to book early as sessions sell out fast.

Q: What is the name of Centre Court?
A: Rod Laver Arena is the name of Centre Court. This is where the majority of premium matches are played.

Q: Will a Centre Court ticket give me access to Hisense Arena?
A: No, Hisense Arena requires a separate ticket as all seats in this arena are reserved.

Q: What benefits does a Centre Court ticket now offer?
A: A Centre Court ticket will get you everywhere except Hisense Arena. This is where the majority of premium matches are played.

Q: Why has Hisense Arena access been taken off the Ground Pass?
A: Due to numerous feedback about endless queues and long waiting times outside Hisense Arena, with no guarantees of actually getting to see any play, it was decided that Hisense Arena would now be a fully reserved seated arena. The queues were also causing crowd control problems. The best way to resolve this is to make Hisense Arena a fully reserved arena.

Q: What does a Hisense Arena ticket now offer?
A: A fully reserved seat in Hisense Arena plus access to all outside courts except Rod Laver Arena.

Q: Why do finals tickets sell out so quickly?
A: Understandably, finals tickets are in huge demand. We are talking about the best and hottest players in the world competing for the ultimate prize, a Grand Slam title.

Q: Why have prices for Rod Laver Arena increased?
A: We have tried to keep any increase to ticket prices to a minimum to ensure the Australian Open remains one of the best value-for-money events on the world sporting calendar. Tennis Australia's increased revenue will be put straight into the development of their sport. Lifting their spending on player development and community tennis in their bid to find and nurture Australia's next generation of champions.

Q: I'm going to be away when tickets go on sale. How can I book?
A: Bookings can be done either via the Internet or by phone. You can also request a mail/fax booking form, which can be used for ordering our packages.

Q: Are all the good seats reserved for Corporate Companies?
A: No, corporate packages are allocated at the North and South ends of Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena and on the western side in the lower tier of Rod Laver Arena.

Q: How can I request seats in the shade?
A: As mentioned earlier, if you have a specific section of Rod Laver Arena you would like to sit in, please put a request in with our consultants and we will try our best to obtain these seats for you. Please note however, that we are unable to guarantee any request.

Q: Why are my seats not where I requested them to be when I booked early?
A: As the tournament is becoming more popular the demand for tickets has increased. As we have access to a limited number of tickets, sessions can sell out extremely fast. We are unable to guarantee any requests, however, we do our best to provide you with your preferred seats or as close to as possible.

Q: Do I need to present my concession card when I book tickets?
A: Yes, concession tickets cannot be issued unless an Australian student or pension card is sighted or the card number provided over the phone or on the Internet. Overseas cards are not eligible to receive a concession. It is also a requirement that concession cards are carried with you when you attend the Australian Open.

Concession prices for Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena tickets are available for children 15 years and under, full-time students and pensioners. Please note that only Australian student and pension cards are accepted and must be shown at the time the packages are purchased. Seniors cards and health care cards are not accepted.

Q: I require a wheelchair seat or other disabled seating - where do I book?
A: Please contact us immediately on FREECALL 1300 888 858 / 03 9482 9411 / travel@sportsnetholidays.com so we have more time to arrange the best tickets for your needs.

Q: How many sessions are there?
A: 25 sessions in Rod Laver Arena:
11 day sessions from January 19 - 29
11 night sessions from January 19 - 29
3 Twilight sessions from January 30 - February 01

10 sessions in Hisense Arena:
8 Day sessions from January 19 - 26
2 night sessions from January 23 - 24

Other matches are played every day of the tournament on Margaret Court Arena, Show Courts 2 & 3 and the outdoor courts.

Q: Where does the umpire sit?
A: On the net line on the western side of the court.

Q: Can we please have exactly the same seats as last year?
A: No. Tickets are allocated on a best available basis.

Q: Is it safe to buy tickets from someone advertising them in the paper or selling them in the street?
A: No, the Australian Open advises all patrons against the risk of purchasing tickets from unauthorised sellers, as this is a breach of the Australian Open Ticket Conditions of Sale and Entry. In addition the bearer of such tickets may be denied admission to Melbourne Park or other action taken without the guarantee of a refund.

Q: Can I sell my Australian Open tickets on eBay?
A: No, because the Australian Open Ticket Conditions of Sale and Entry state that you cannot on-sell seats, therefore you will be in breach of these conditions if you put your tickets up for auction on eBay or any other auction site. Listed tickets on eBay that are sold above face value may be cancelled and therefore patrons holding these tickets will be denied admission to the Australian Open event.

Q: Is it safe to purchase tickets sold on eBay?
A: No, because it is a breach of sale to on-sell tickets and therefore tickets auctioned above face-value prices on eBay will be cancelled and admission to the Australian Open event will be denied.

Q: How many matches are played in Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena?
A: The schedule for each day's matches is posted on www.AustralianOpen.com the night before they occur. Traditionally, during the Day Session there are three matches played in Rod Laver Arena and four matches played in Hisense Arena. During the evening there are typically two matches played in Rod Laver Arena. This is subject to both weather and schedule changes. Ultimately, the number of matches is determined by the Tournament Referee and is subject to change at any time.

Q: How can I see a specific player when they are playing?
A: The Australian Open is an elimination tennis tournament. For this reason, the draw for each day will not be announced until the night before each match. It is not possible to purchase tickets in advance for a specific player. Tickets are sold on a session-by-session basis.

Q: What is the minimum age for a child to require a ticket?
A: Children two years and under are admitted free to Australian Open but must be nursed in seated areas. They do not get their own seats, thus must be seated on the lap of an adult.