Conditions of Entry
Guests must comply with all laws, regulations, directions and rules issued by government or any government authority or by Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (“Melbourne Park management”) while in Margaret Court Arena (“Venue”) or on surrounding Melbourne Park property.
For the purpose of these Conditions of Entry, references to “Melbourne Park” encompass Olympic Park, Gosch’s Paddock and Melbourne Park land (as defined in the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Act 1985 (Vic)).
For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all guests, staff and event participants, and/or pursuant to the Major Events Act 2009 (Vic), entry to the Venue and/or event is subject to the following Conditions of Entry. By entering the Venue, each person acknowledges and agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Entry and that they have had sufficient opportunity to read and understand these Conditions of Entry.
Any guest who breaches any of the Conditions of Entry may be evicted from the Venue or event (and, where relevant, from Melbourne Park). At times, additional event conditions may also apply due to safety risks or Venue hirer requests.
Melbourne Park management reserves the right to update, modify or change these Conditions of Entry from time to time.
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Prohibited Items
All items will be visually inspected by our staff on entry.
The following items are not permitted in the Arena:
- Illegal substances, including controlled, dangerous or illicit drugs without proof of prescription or other relevant documentation;
- Knives or other items that are modified or adapted to be used as a weapon;
- Incendiary devices, including flares, fireworks and smoke bombs;
- Firearms and explosives, chemical, radioactive or biological substances;
- Laser lights;
- Alcohol;
- Animals (other than accredited assistance dogs);
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades/skates;
- Professional cameras, audio recording devices or video cameras;
- Camera tripods, selfie sticks and detachable lenses above 300mm;
- Chairs/stools;
- Glass (including bottles) or cans (including spray cans and aerosols), metal or hard plastic containers (eskies), including metal water bottles and plastic bottles over 750ml. Allowance of metal drink bottles and containers may vary depending on the specific event. Detailed information on whether these items are permitted will be provided through event-specific information;
- Large flags/banners, with or without handles, exceeding 1m;
- Unauthorised advertising material or flyers;
- Musical instruments;
- Drones or remote piloted aircraft systems;
- Any large item that cannot be placed under a seat; or
- Any other item that, in the opinion of Melbourne Park management, is hazardous, illegal, or could cause harm or public nuisance.
Assistance Dogs
We are committed to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all guests. Guests with disabilities are welcome to bring assistance dogs into our Venues.
Documentation
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), a person with disability may be asked to produce evidence that an animal is an assistance animal. Guests may need to provide evidence that their dog meets the definition of an assistance dog under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Specifically, this requires that the dog has been trained to perform tasks or functions that help to alleviate the effects of the guest’s disability.
Assistance dogs must have completed obedience training as evidenced by an obedience certificate and a declaration by the relevant dog trainer.
Access and Seating
Assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the Venue where guests are allowed. For safety and comfort, we offer designated seating areas for guests with disability. Please contact our guest services team in advance to make arrangements if you need assistance with seating.
Behaviour and Control
Assistance dogs must be under control at all times. If an assistance dog displays aggressive behaviour or is not under control, we may ask you to remove the dog from the premises.
Accommodations
If you require additional accommodations for your assistance dog (e.g. relief areas), please notify our guest services team prior to your visit.
Bag Restrictions
For most events, all bags must be equivalent in size to an A4 piece of paper, or smaller. Larger bags are not permitted.
For sports and family events, items or bags that are too large to fit under a seat are not permitted. A limit of one bag per person applies.
Guests are responsible for their own personal possessions and must not leave bags or possessions unattended at any time.
Please refer to the event page for specific bag restrictions.
Restricted Items
The following items must be cloaked at the Venue:
- Umbrellas, unless stored under your seat and not opened inside the Venue.
- Prams and pushers which cannot fit safely under your seat without impeding access.
- Laptops, unless they are stored in your bag and not used while inside the Venue. If a laptop bag is larger than the permitted size for an event, it must be cloaked.
Melbourne Park management is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from cloaking any item.
Restricted items that are required for special circumstances may be permitted in the Venue. If you believe this applies to you, please seek assistance from staff at the venue entry point.
Flags and Banners
Flags exceeding 1 metre in length are prohibited and are not permitted into the Venue.
Such flags must either be surrendered and cloaked, or taken back to the guest’s vehicle. The following items are also not permitted into the Venue:
- Large banners/signs taking up more than the guest’s seat;
- Flags and banners/signs that may cause offence;
- Flags or banners/signs that conflict with Venue or event sponsors; and
- Flags or banners/signs that impede the view of guests.
A Venue hirer may also impose further restrictions on the types of prohibited and permitted flags or banners.
Alcohol
The Venue is licensed and as such, the following provisions apply:
- Alcoholic drinks must not be taken into or from the Venue;
- Intoxicated persons will be refused entry/evicted from the Venue;
- Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas;
- Alcohol may not be permitted inside the Venue at some events;
- It is an offence for minors to purchase or consume alcohol, or for a person to supply alcohol to a minor; and,
- Breaches of these laws may result in eviction from the Venue and the person(s) being reported to the Police (penalties apply under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic)).
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking, including e-cigarettes and/or vaping, is not permitted inside the Venue or within 10 metres of external doors.
Should you wish to smoke or vape, please do so via the designated areas external to the Venue.
Smoking or vaping in any area other than a designated area may result in eviction from the Venue.
Tickets
Tickets, either mobile or hard copy, must be retained at all times.
Any tickets that are damaged, defaced or have been purchased from an unauthorised ticketing agent will not permit the holder to be admitted to the Venue.
Screenshots of digital tickets may be accepted for entry into the Venue, provided the barcode or QR code is clearly visible and scannable by our staff. Venue staff reserve the right to refuse entry if there are any concerns regarding the authenticity or verifiability of the ticket or screenshot. To avoid any issues, we recommend using the official ticketing app or platform where possible.
Guests must only occupy the seats specified on their ticket.
Guests who have purchased a concessional ticket for an event must be able to provide valid proof of concession (i.e. proof of age identification or concession card) upon entry to the Venue, or when requested.
Tickets to events at the Venue must not be used in relation to any unauthorised promotion or competition.
Further, guests must not engage in the following in the Venue and/or within Melbourne Park without the prior written consent of Melbourne Park management:
- Distribute commercial, political, religious, advertising or promotional material;
- Sell or distribute any goods or services or any other matter or thing;
- Collect money or orders from other persons at the Venue or within Melbourne Park for goods or services;
- Engage in ambush marketing;
- Conduct public surveys or opinion polls, solicit money, donations or subscriptions from members of the public; or,
- Post, stick or place or attempt to post, stick or place any poster, placard, bill, banner, print, paper, sticker or any advertising material on any building structure, fence, tree or cordon.
Restrictions on Entry
Melbourne Park management reserves the right to:
- Refuse entry to any person;
- Inspect any bags, loose clothing or other items at entry point or within the Venue at any time; and
- Conduct security screening (which may include the use of metal detection devices) at entry points within the Venue at any time.
Security measures in place for an event may vary depending on the nature of the event and other relevant considerations.
A person must not attempt to conceal their identity, either at the point of entry or while inside the Venue. Persons concealing their identity with a scarf, balaclava, mask or other item, unless for a religious, medical or other justifiable reason, may be refused entry and/or ejected from the Venue or event.
Ejection from Venue
A person may be liable for prosecution or a fine or may be ejected from the Venue where that person:
- Uses foul or abusive language or makes racial or threatening remarks or gestures;
- Is deemed by Melbourne Park management to be displaying offensive, disorderly or unlawful behaviour;
- Enters the Venue or other restricted internal area without proper authorisation;
- Engages in criminal activity;
- Poses an unacceptable risk to the safety, security or integrity of Melbourne Park, the Venue or event; or
- Fails to comply with these Conditions of Entry, the Venue hirer’s (or, where relevant, its associated sports administrator) Terms of Admission, or a lawful request from Venue staff, an Authorised Officer or Victoria Police.
No ticket refund will be paid to any person who is ejected from the Venue. It is an offence for a person to re-enter the Venue for a period of 24 hours after being ejected from the Venue.
Field of Play and Performance Areas
Guests must not enter the field of play/performance areas at the Venue at any time without prior consent from Melbourne Park management or the Venue hirer.
Guests acknowledge that if they enter the field of play/performance areas without such consent, they may be prosecuted, fined or ejected from the Venue.e. It is an offence for a person to re-enter the Venue for a period of 24 hours after being ejected from the Venue.
Other Conditions
Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years of age within the Venue.
Children 2 years of age and under are generally permitted to attend events at the Venue without a ticket, provided they sit on the knee of a parent or guardian and do not occupy a seat. However, for certain entertainment, family, or children’s events, the Venue hirer may require all attendees, regardless of age, to hold a valid ticket. Any such changes are at the discretion of the Venue hirer and will be clearly communicated in advance through event-specific channels, including the Venue’s website, ticketing platforms, and communication materials.
By entering the Venue guests agree for their image, likeness or voice to be used as part of any recording of the event. Guests consent to the commercial exploitation, throughout the world, of their images by Melbourne Park management and its commercial partners without compensation.
Guests are advised that the Venue and Melbourne Park is fitted with electronic surveillance and guests may be filmed in any area of the Venue and/or Melbourne Park. Please see the “Collection Notice” section for further information.
Attending events at large Venues and crowded places involves risk, including exposure to illnesses, collisions (with objects or other persons), falling or tripping, adverse weather, or acts committed by other guests.
Depending on the event, lighting levels at the Venue may be dim or vary throughout the course of the event. Guests should exercise caution when moving around the Venue during an event for their own safety.
Guests enter the Venue at their own risk. Melbourne Park management has no liability whatsoever for any damaged, lost or stolen property nor for any other loss, damage or injury suffered by any guest, whether in contract, tort or statutory liability, to the full extent permitted by law.
An event may be cancelled, delayed or stopped due to dangerous situations, adverse weather or for any other cause beyond Melbourne Park management’s control. A person’s right to claim for a replacement ticket or refund in such circumstances will be determined by the conditions of sale of tickets by the Venue hirer and applicable laws.
In addition to the matters set out above, Melbourne Park management may exercise any rights granted under the Major Events Act 2009 (Vic) or other legislation or regulations pertaining to the Venue.
Pass outs may be permitted at some events. Guests must scan out and present a valid ticket to re-enter the Venue. If pass outs are not permitted, no re-entry will be allowed once you exit the Venue.
During some events, there may be a requirement for all drinks to be decanted out of its original packaging (e.g. can or bottle). Staff may also remove lids and bottle tops from drinks.
General Admission Specific Conditions
Melbourne Park management is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
Our staff are here to provide assistance and to enhance your opportunity to have a positive experience.
Dancing in the General Admission (GA) area may subject guests to high temperatures and strenuous physical contact and is done at your own risk.
Guests are advised to take note of the following guidelines prior to accessing the GA area:
- Keep hydrated.
- Take breaks during the evening – go outside or move to the back of the floor to re-hydrate and cool down.
- Keep an eye on other guests and assist them where possible.
- If you require assistance, speak to a staff member.
- First Aid assistance is available on the GA floor. Speak to a staff member for assistance if required.
- Guests who engage in moshing and/or crowd-surfing may be asked to leave the Venue, as these activities are careless, irresponsible, violent or disturbing to other peoples’ enjoyment of the event. Melbourne Park management, including its employees and contractors, are not liable for any injury, loss, damage or death resulting from guests participating in moshing, crowd surfing and similar activities.
- For safety reasons, the following items are not permitted in the GA area: studded belts and bracelets, large earrings and bags.
If you see someone in distress, please seek assistance by contacting Venue staff and security personnel.
Guests under 12 years of age must not be left in the GA queue without a parent or guardian over 18 years of age. It is a condition of entry to the Venue that all persons under 12 years of age be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Any items used whilst waiting in the GA queue may be refused to be cloaked if deemed bulky or dangerous in nature.
Privacy Collection Notice
For the purpose of this Privacy Collection Notice, references to “Venue” are references to Margaret Court Arena, references to “Venue Hirer” include event organisers for the purpose of the Major Events Act 2009 (Vic) (as relevant), and references to “Melbourne Park management” are references to the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.
Filming
To enhance the safety for all Melbourne Park and Venue users, security cameras and monitoring and surveillance systems operate at Melbourne Park and Venue to assist in identifying and denying entry to, or ejecting persons who pose a threat to the safety, security or integrity of the event. Ticket holders acknowledge that they may be filmed and by entering Melbourne Park or the Venue they consent to the recording of their likeness and/or voice by any means (including but not limited to audio and visual recordings).
Footage collected by Melbourne Park management will include the personal information (and may include sensitive information and health information) of individuals who enter Melbourne Park or the Venue in accordance with the Major Events Act 2009 (Vic) and the Conditions of Entry.
By entering Melbourne Park or the Venue, ticket holders consent to the collection of their personal information for what is necessary for one of Melbourne Park management’s functions or activities, in accordance with the purposes set out in this Privacy Collection Notice and Melbourne Park’s Privacy Policy (which may be accessed as set out below).
Personal information (as defined in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and health information (as defined in the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), together the Privacy Laws) will at all times be handled by Melbourne Park management in accordance with the Privacy Laws and Melbourne Park’s Privacy Policy.
Purpose of Collection
Personal information is collected for the purposes of ensuring the security and safety of individuals at Melbourne Park or the Venue. This information may be used to, without limitation:
- Support the removal from the Venue of any person who breaches the Conditions of Entry;
- Deny entry to or eject any person who, in the reasonable opinion of Venue management, poses a threat to the safety, security or integrity of Melbourne Park, the Venue or event;
- Exclude such persons from attending Melbourne Park or the Venue for future events; or
- For other law enforcement purposes.
Sharing Information
The information that is collected may be disclosed to and shared between certain organisations, including but not limited to: Venue management, Venue hirer (and, where relevant, its associated sporting administrator), Venue security providers and Victoria Police, for the above stated purposes, and all persons consent to such disclosure. Further details of the organisations to whom information may be disclosed are set out in the Melbourne Park Privacy Policy.
A copy of the Melbourne Park Privacy Policy is available upon request or can be viewed at melbournepark.com.au/privacy. Individuals who have had their personal information collected and would like to make a complaint about Melbourne Park management’s handling of their personal information, or to access or correct the personal information, can make these requests by emailing [email protected].
Privacy Consent
By purchasing a ticket to an event or otherwise entering Melbourne Park or the Venue, ticket holders and all other individuals entering Melbourne Park and the Venue consent to:
- Their name, address, date of birth and image being collected and used by Melbourne Park management, Victoria Police and the responsible entities for events held at Melbourne Park or a Venue or other locations as the case may be;
- Disclosure of such information to Melbourne Park management, the Venue hirer (and/or, where relevant, its associated sporting administrator), security provider and Victoria Police if they are denied entry or evicted from, or arrested within or in proximity to, the Venue and/or Melbourne Park (as relevant);
- Such information being uploaded to, processed by and stored in Melbourne Park’s security monitoring and surveillance systems for the purposes set out in this Privacy Collection Notice.
If you do not give consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as contemplated by this Privacy Collection Notice you will not be able to complete your ticket purchase or access Melbourne Park or the Venue.
Melbourne Park management reserves the right to refuse entry to, or eject, any person who:
- Breaches the Venue’s Conditions of Entry;
- Engages in a criminal activity; or
- Poses an unacceptable risk to the safety, security or integrity of the Melbourne Park, the Venue or event.
This Privacy Collection Notice should be read in conjunction with the Conditions of Entry, hirer’s Terms of Admission, ticket conditions (appearing on each ticket), Melbourne Park’s Privacy Policy and the event’s Refund Policy.
Melbourne Park management reserves the right to amend this Privacy Collection Notice from time to time and copies of the latest version are available at melbournepark.com.au/privacy and prominently displayed throughout Melbourne Park and at each Venue.
Government Requirements and Public Health
Melbourne Park management adheres to all government public health and safety measures that apply to the Venue and Melbourne Park, which may change from time to time.
You agree to comply with all Government directions, orders and regulations relevant to attending live events, which may be in place at the time of the event. This includes not attending the event if, at that time, you are subject to a requirement imposed by law to self-isolate or otherwise not attend live events.
When attending an event at the Venue, you agree to assume all risks associated with the transmission of viral illnesses, including COVID-19.
