As well as watching world-class tennis, fans flocking to Brisbane International 2017 presented by Suncorp will also get the chance to experience world-class entertainment away from the courts.
‘Free after Five’, a brand new initiative for this year’s Brisbane International, will provide the general public with access to the Queensland Tennis Centre and enable them to visit the new and improved Racquet Club free of charge after 5pm every night from 2 to 8 January 2017.
The rebranded and resized Racquet Club, formerly known as Tennis Central, will bring a festival atmosphere to Queensland Tennis Centre, with food stalls, live music, bars and sponsor activations. Fans can also catch all the action from Pat Rafter Arena on the outdoor cinema screen.
‘Free after Five’ passes, which can be collected from the ticket office from 5pm, will also enable spectators to explore the outside courts, where they can choose from several matches to watch live.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Geoff Quinlan believes these are exciting times for a tournament which is experiencing a changing of the guard, both on and off the court.
“Free after Five is an exciting new initiative which will allow tennis fans to experience Brisbane’s balmy nightlife right here at Queensland Tennis Centre,” he said.
“Whether sampling some world-class cuisine or listening to some great local bands, spectators are in for a real treat – and best of all, they won’t have to spend a dollar to come along after 5pm. We expect a great atmosphere in the Racquet Club, and look forward to welcoming thousands of people through the gates.”
The new initiatives in the Racquet Club include a re-designed player entrance, which will enable fans to watch their heroes arrive at the Queensland Tennis Centre, plus a virtual reality tennis game and additional shaded areas.
The area has also been embraced by the tournament’s premium partners and sponsors, meaning the public can sit under the festoon lighting on the Racquet Club in the bespoke Coopers Beer Garden, or test their skills on the Rado Speed Serve.
Suncorp customers will receive access to an exclusive Clubhouse with a host of benefits, and new partner Peugeot will also join in the fun with a series of activities. For digital enthusiasts, McDonalds have partnered with the tournament’s official radio station, Nova, to deliver a platform that will allow fans to share their favourite moments from the Brisbane International directly with their social media accounts.
Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Hynsey (2 January), Christian Patey (3 January), Jezelle Duo (4 January), Slip on Stereo (5 January), Nick Trovas Duo (6 January), Daniel Stoneman (7 January) and Ellen Reed (8 January).