Special Event

Opening Ceremony

Name: Opening Ceremony
Start: 2026-10-19T15:00:00+00:00
Location: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

Special Olympics Australia | National Games

Date

Monday 19 October 2026

3:00 pm

Venue

Margaret Court Arena

Tickets

Adults from $25.00

* Based on the lowest adult price listed via Ticketek. Subject to availability and fees.

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One unforgettable night. The start of something extraordinary.

Join us as the Special Olympics Australia National Games officially begin with a spectacular Opening Ceremony celebrating 50 years of changing lives through sport.

Experience the excitement of the Parade of Athletes, live entertainment, the arrival of the Flame of Hope and lighting of the cauldron, and powerful moments that celebrate the achievements of athletes with intellectual disability and autism from across Australia.

Be part of the crowd as more than 900 athletes from every state and territory come together to launch an unforgettable week of competition. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Running Times

Gates Open: TBC
- Gate 1 (via Tanderrum Bridge)
- Gate 3 (via Garden Square)
Start Time: 3:00 pm
Event Concludes: TBC

Note: Times are approx. and subject to change without notice.

Important Event Information

AXS will be Melbourne Park’s official ticketing partner from 22 August. To support this transition, ticket delivery for some events has been intentionally delayed. If you have not received your tickets yet, please don’t worry, your booking remains confirmed, and you will receive your tickets before the event from AXS.
There are several options for your journey to Margaret Court Arena:
- Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions.
- Parking is available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard). We strongly recommend pre-booking as drive-up spaces are subject to availability. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event.
  - Note: Accessible parking must be pre-booked via Ticketek. We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. 
To ensure a smooth entry into the venue, download your tickets to your digital wallet before arriving.
Bags must be able to fit under a seat, and a limit of one bag per person applies.
Cloaking is available via the Information Desk at Door 7, or Show Court 3. Any prohibited items listed in the venue Conditions of Entry will not be accepted for cloaking.
All retail outlets are cashless. Any transactions must be made using a credit or debit card.

Note: Events may contain sequences of flashing lights, lasers, strobes, haze and pyrotechnics which may affect photosensitive guests, and those with other medical conditions.

Plan Your Visit

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Special Olympics

This October, Melbourne will host the Special Olympics Australia National Games, bringing together thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters from across the country for one of the largest celebrations of inclusion through sport in Australia’s history. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics in Australia, the Games will showcase the outstanding talent, determination and sportsmanship of athletes with intellectual disability and autism across multiple days of competition.

More than a sporting event, the National Games represent a powerful movement that celebrates ability, challenges perceptions and creates lasting impact in communities across the country. Over five unforgettable days, athletes will compete across multiple venues, united by a shared experience that highlights the power of sport to create belonging, connection and opportunity for every athlete to shine.