The Australian Open has hit a record 1.1 million attendees, but some question if the event's character has changed with a more boisterous crowd.
The Australian Open has shattered its previous attendance record , drawing in nearly 1.1 million spectators with one day of play remaining. This surge in attendance is attributed to both captivating on-court action and a plethora of off-court attractions, including revamped hospitality offerings and a wider range of family-friendly activities at Melbourne Park . Tournament Director Craig Tiley emphasized that ensuring fan comfort is a top priority.
However, some commentators have expressed concerns about the evolving character of the event. Former player John Alexander noted on ABC on Saturday that a segment of the crowd appears to be more inclined towards causing trouble, whether out of nationalistic fervor or simply a desire to disrupt. Another ex-professional, Louise Pleming, observed an increase in security personnel intervening with individuals who have overindulged in alcohol. Pleming suggested that the influx of new tennis fans from other sports like soccer, football, and basketball might contribute to this dynamic. She argued that while introducing these individuals to tennis is a positive aspect, there's a need for more interaction and engagement with the players. Despite these observations, Tennis Australia remains satisfied with the overall fan behavior. Tiley stated that the number of ejections would be evaluated at the end of the tournament, noting that the percentage is lower compared to the previous year. Behind the scenes, organizers have celebrated the impact of cutting-edge CCTV technology. This system automatically detects and records the number of attendees at key locations, enabling Tennis Australia to confidently sell more ground passes without pausing sales due to capacity concerns. The cameras, installed in 2022, have played a pivotal role in driving record attendance over the past three years. The technology's ability to accurately count individuals, even those who leave the site without being scanned, has proven invaluable. This data informs various operational decisions, including staffing levels at ticketing booths, the deployment of security personnel, and the opening and closing of food and beverage stalls. It also influences the overall layout and design of the venue each year, such as the addition of two new bars alongside the main practice courts, which have significantly improved crowd management in a previously congested area. While this year's tournament has been a resounding success in terms of attendance and general order, it hasn't been without its challenges. The virtual queueing system at John Cain Arena malfunctioned on the first day, forcing organizers to revert to physical lines, sometimes requiring hours of waiting in the sun. Wristbands were subsequently distributed to grant access to this largest venue accessible to ground pass holders, deemed the fairest solution by Tiley
AUSTRALIAN OPEN ATTENDANCE RECORD CROWD MANAGEMENT TENNIS MELBOURNE PARK
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