Open Bigger and Better in 2011
27-Dec-2010 - Australian Open Team
The largest attraction will be seeing the world's best squash players competing for this prestigious title following a two month tour break. All players will be healthy and ready to compete in Canberra.
The Men's event will see the return of the top players guaranteed by the Australian Open's status as a Super Series Platinum event on the PSA tour. The prospect of Nick Matthew playing a fit and healthy Ramy Ashour or Gregory Gaultier in the final on the Centre Court is sure to have squash fans salivating for great squash.
Importantly, the Women's Championship will have increased prize money to reach the Gold 60 standard - one that ensures the Top 16 world ranked women will be playing in Canberra. This is likely to see Nicol David coming down under to attempt to add the Australian Open to her impressive list of tournament victories. We will also welcome back some of the members of the recently crowned Australia's World Champion Women's Team - Rachel Grinham, Kasey Brown and Donna Urquhart.
Adding to the success of the first year, 2011 will see Canberra host the WSF International Coaching Conference. Held during the week of the Australian Open, the Conference will see some of the finest minds in the squash firmanent sharing, knowledge, breakthroughs and tips for better squash. The Conference is open to anyone who wants to learn more about our game.
Also for the first time, the future stars of the men's and women's tour will be crowned as Australian Men's and Women's Junior Champion during the Australian Open. Limited to the Under 19 age group, the Australian Junior Championship will welcome international competitors and the finals of both events will be played on the Centre Court immediately before the Men's and Women's Australian Open finals.
Acting on feedback from 2010, the Centre Court will be aligned with the largest bank of seats in the Royal Theatre to maximise the available seats directly behind the rear wall. These highly regarded seats will be available for sale using our new ticket booking system (Seat Advisor Box Office) in March. The new system will not only allow fans to choose their own seats from a map and pay for them immediately online, they will also be able to check the view of the Centre Court from that row.
VIP entertainment packages will be first seats to go on sale, giving these premium purchasers first choice of the seats behind the rear wall. A Partners and Sponsors Box on the side of the back hand wall means that the maximum rear wall seats will be available to be booked - not blocked out for sponsors.
About a week after the opening of the VIP entertainment packages sale, all those squash fans who have been receiving newsletters or have registered on the website for newsletter subscriptions and the AO Club will have their chance to quickly snap up the best seats. Make sure you are registered and your email is up to date - you'll receive an email from the Australian Open Team that will give you access to the booking system. Start planning now with your friends and family.
The Australian Open team hopes you are as excited as we are about 2011. Hope to see you in Canberra in August.
