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The finishing touches are being applied to Grand Slam Oval, and tennis fans can expect an even bigger and better experience when Day 1 of Australian Open 2013 kicks off on Monday.
New to Grand Slam Oval this year is the Open Interactive experience, which will connect spectators like never before.
Patrons can sign-up for a free interactive lanyard which can be used to ‘tap-on’ at participating sponsors sites, enabling them to join in activities and connect with friends online via Facebook.
It is the first time this type of technology has been used on this scale in Australia.
Those who participate in five or more activations go in the draw to win the Ultimate AO2014 Package, which includes flights, accommodation, dining and tickets to the 2014 men’s final.
With the mercury forecast to hit 39 degrees on Thursday, keeping cool will be the name of the game.
The Mount Franklin water dome will offer cold stone massages and the chance for supporters to chill their own water bottles, with the Dove marquee to provide a cooling blast of misting spray and a number of free product samples.
Supporters will also be able to record messages, send them to their favourite players and share them with friends online.
Set to be a big hit with the kids, the air-conditioned MLC Fan Zone will play host to a number of interactive activities featuring light up tennis courts, flying tennis balls and trampolines. They also get the opportunity to experience the superstar lifestyle, and can be photographed on a simulated Rod Laver Arena and answer questions from behind a player press conference desk.
While for the fans looking to stay active, Medibank will be offering exercise bikes, reaction tests and balance activities to keep patrons on their toes.
The Heineken Live Stage is set to be the late-afternoon focal point, with a number of up-and-coming acts and Aussie music icons to take the stage at 6pm daily.
Four-piece band The Rubens will open proceedings on Monday evening, playing a selection of tracks from their indie-rock self-titled debut, nominated by Triple J as one of the Australian albums of 2012.
Sydney-based rockers Bluejuice will get the crowd moving, while icons Jon Stevens, Mark Seymour and Daryl Braithwaite are sure to be audience favourites. Tribute band Rewind 80s will turn back the clock with their renditions of 1980s classics.
The soothing tones of Julia Stone headline women’s finals day, while three-time ARIA winners Wolfmother take to the stage on the final Sunday.
Heineken Day, on Saturday 19 January, is again set to be the most popular day of the tournament, with a surprise act set to feature.