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Tennis Australia ditches ticket fees via Ticketmaster deal

Ticketmaster is to ditch ticketing fees at the Australian Open after replacing Ticketek as the official global partner of the tennis grand slam event.

The ticketing giant will become Tennis Australia’s official ticket agent for the Australian Open, the ATP Cup, Brisbane International, Adelaide International and Hobart International.

In a first for major sports and entertainment events in Australia, Ticketmaster will remove ticketing fees for fans attending the tennis events.

Tennis Australia chief executive, Craig said: “With more than 800,000 fans coming through turnstiles every year, the Australian Open is one of the highest attended sporting events in the world. We are fully committed to delivering the best possible experience to our fans, from the moment they decide to buy their ticket, to when they come through the gates.

“Partnering with Ticketmaster gives us another opportunity to offer world-class service to fans attending the Australian Open, along with our events across the country as part of the summer of tennis.”

The Australian Open will implement Ticketmaster’s Presence technology, to deliver digital tickets directly to fans’ phones that can also be transferred to friends.

Maria O’Connor, managing director of Ticketmaster Australia and New Zealand, said: “Ticketmaster is very proud to be working with Tennis Australia to revolutionise the way fans access tickets.

“Through our partnership, fans will be able to access digital tickets which will ensure a much more personalised experience, while increasing security measures and minimising ticket fraud.”

Ticketmaster will also launch a bespoke online booking service to assist fans with a disability through a new inclusion commitment. Developed with the assistance of Get Skilled Access, the consultancy championed by Grand Slam champion Dylan Alcott OAM, fans with accessible requirements will receive a personalised service.

Alcott added: “Along with the team at Get Skilled Access, we’ve been working with Ticketmaster to ensure that fans have greater and fairer access to tickets at next year’s Australian Open.”

Last week, TEG-owned ticketing firm Ticketek extended its partnership with sporting and entertainment events precinct Melbourne & Olympic Parks apart from the Australian Open. The five-year extension deal will expand on a long-standing relationship that spans more than two decades.

Tickets for the Australian Open 2020 will go on sale on ticketmaster.com.au from October 8, and ATP Cup from September 18.