I would just go the ground pass for $29. On Day 1, there will be 32 mens and 32 womens matches scheduled. Of those 64 matches, there will be five matches scheduled for Rod Laver Arena and four matches scheduled for Vodafone Arena, leaving 57 matches scheduled for courts which your ground pass will entitle you to access.

Dave

For days one and two (Monday/Tuesday jan-14/15th) I will probably have a spare ground-pass (one for each of these 2 days) that I offer free to anyone meeting in Melbourne (if there is such a meeting on Saturday or Sunday jan-12/13), first comes to such a meeting and asks for it will get it (but only if he/she will use it for him-/herself: I don't support grey/black markets ...)

But for an only one day visitor I would recommend a reserved seat @ Vodafone or Rod Laver arena in the shadow (if the roof stays open about 66% of the seats are in the shadow) where there will be play anyway (with roofs closed) even when it is raining or heat policy is in effect for the outside courts.

Thanks Rudi & thadocta, for that conflicting advice :D

I think that as the tickets to Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena give grounds access also I will spring for one of those. At least it should guarantee that I get to see some tennis.

Dave,

If there are any specific days that are OK I can probably make it work after the 13th Jan.

Let me know ASAP so I can squeeze the work roster. :D

And I'm still there from Jan 22 - 28, if anyone wants to meet during the last days (although we will be going to all the sessions held when we are there, so the meeting would have to be at some other time!). Will be staying at the Park Hyatt -- on points, of course!

Bump. :D

Good idea for the bump - I am still open to suggestions, but as I will be umpiring, I will not be able to take an active role in organising things. I would prefer if someone else organised something, and we could all just tag along.

(I would like to restate my previous suggestion that perhaps we actually make it a "day at the tennis", and then adjourn elsewhere at the end of the day).

Dave

(just got back from Women's qualifying at the Medibank International at Homebush - wasn't a bad day, actually).

Dave,

Until what date are you in Melbourne?

See post 20 for Dave's dates in MEL

Suggest we just put 2 dates up and see who is able & willing and to attend.
The evening of Sunday 13th has a good fit with many.
How about Chloes bar from 18:00 (opposite Flinders St train station) ??
Will send you and tuapekastar a PM

I'll be arriving in MEL on 1/25 and departing until 1/28. Staying at the Westin.

Hi Bill - I fly in on Sunday 13 January, but will be tied up for most of the afternoon with accreditation and uniform collection - should be available from around 5pm though.

I have been accepted to umpire until Wednesday 23 January, but plan on staying in Melbourne until Saturday 26 January. No plans at the moment for time at the end of the tournament, apart from the night of thursday 24 January. Apart from that, I am free.

Dave

Dave,

Appears that Mwenenzi is running with this, (thanks Allan) so I'll fit in where I can with his plans as unfortunately my availability is really poor for the period.

500 posts at last. WOW!

I'm around for a few drink evenings Mon-Thu after 13th, but not weekends, calendar is really full.

6:30 pm Sunday 13th Jan
 

After pm's & emails with thadocta and others the evening of Sunday 13 has a good fit with many, considering the tennis matches people have tickets for. Seems to be a bunch of visitors in town Jan 11/12/13/14. Will not suit everyone but that’s the way it goes.

Will meet upstairs in Chloes bar in Young and Jacksons pub at 6:30 pm (18:30) Sunday 13 Jan. This is opposite Flinders St train station on Swanson & Flinders. I will be the guy with the Flyertalk cap. Can go for meal from there. Plenty of good value places within walking distance.

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Seems to be another bunch of visitors in town on the long weekend & for the tennis finals on Fri 25, Sat 26 & Sun 27. Another minido that weekend may be order.

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Edit:
Friday 25th for second Au Open drink & meal looks good option. Suits me & itsalongwaydown

Mwenenzi,

Put me down for an unlikely maybe for the 13th and a probable (definite) maybe for the long weekend. It would be good to pick a day ASAP.