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
- Melbourne Park is introducing AXS as its new Official Ticketing Partner. Please note the following ticketing information for your event:
- Ticketek ticket purchases for Opening Ceremony have been issued by AXS.
- If you purchased tickets through Ticketek and don’t already have an AXS account, one has been created using the email address associated with your Ticketek booking. To access your tickets, reset your AXS password and follow the prompts to complete your account set up.
- If you purchased tickets through AXS, download the AXS app and sign in before arriving to ensure a smooth entry.
- Visit our Ticketing page for more information about your tickets and frequently asked questions. If you have not received your AXS tickets or need ticketing support, contact 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 booked in advance by visiting your event page on AXS and selecting Accessible Parking under Available Offers. Book early, as spaces are limited. Accessible parking bookings made through Ticketek for Opening Ceremony before 22 August remain valid.
- 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.
- If you have purchased a VIP package, the event promoter will be in contact with details regarding your experience.
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
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.
You might also like
More upcoming events
Acknowledgement of Country
Melbourne Park acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung of the East Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates, and pays respects to Elders past and present.
Acknowledgements
We welcome all cultures, all religions, all colours, all beliefs, all ages, all sizes, all types, all people.
Accessibility Statement
We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
Please let us know if you encounter any issues.