The 2027 Australian Open, held at Melbourne Park, is set for significant enhancements aimed at improving the fan experience. Tennis Australia plans to introduce the largest temporary grandstand ever built at the venue, called the “mega grandstand,” at Court 6. This addition will increase seating capacity by 17%, roughly 700 seats, allowing more fans to watch matches. Alongside the seating increase, there will be expanded shade coverage throughout the grounds, including a tripling of shade space and a 45% expansion in the Grand Slam Oval, a central fan area.

New amenities include the return of The Highline, an elevated viewing platform with added shade and a direct connection to the popular courtside bar at Court 6. These upgrades offer fans more diverse seating and social spaces while enhancing comfort, especially important given Melbourne’s often harsh summer sun. The tournament will also maintain popular features such as fan zones, live entertainment, and open practice sessions during the January 11-31 event, extending the atmosphere beyond just on-court action.

Despite these expansions, Tennis Australia is also addressing concerns about overcrowding by planning to cap daily grounds passes on high-demand days. This move aims to better manage crowd flow and maintain an enjoyable environment throughout the two-week event. The 2026 tournament attracted over 1.3 million fans, highlighting the immense popularity of the Australian Open and the need to balance attendance with comfort and safety.

Additional food and beverage options will debut at the 2027 event, including returning fan favorites like the Peach Melbourne soft serve ice cream and the only Shake Shack in Australia during the tournament. These enhancements come as the Australian Open continues its tradition of innovation, being the first Grand Slam with three retractable roof stadiums, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena. Court 6, with its recent improvements, is becoming an increasingly sought-after spot for spectators.