Opening Ceremony

The Special Olympics Australia National Games Opening Ceremony will be held at Margaret Court Arena, located next to Rod Laver Arena in the Melbourne Park precinct.

Margaret Court Arena is accessible through Gate 3, via Garden Square. This entrance is fitted with both stairs and lift access. Guests requiring step-free access should use the DDA lift, located beside the Ticket Box Office.

Parking is available nearby at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard), with discounted event-day rates available when booked in advance. We strongly recommend pre-booking as drive-up spaces are subject to availability. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event.

Yes. 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 before 22 August remain valid.

A limited number of accessible parking bays are available in front of John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard.

Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions. Margaret Court Arena is also just a 10-minute walk from the CBD via Birrarung Marr or Tanderrum Bridge. Getting to Margaret Court Arena by train, tram or bus is easy, with frequent services stopping within walking distance of the venue.

For those preferring taxis, a rank is located next to Melbourne Park Oval on Olympic Boulevard, close to all entry points. The drop-off and pick-up point for rideshare services such as Uber is located outside John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard. 

Yes. Margaret Court Arena is fully accessible for all attendees, with access points equipped with ramps and lifts. Guests with reduced mobility may be dropped off or picked up at the Northern Car Park (Entrance A, Batman Avenue). All visitors have 30 minutes to drop off or pick up guests. Please note, exceeding this time may result in parking charges.

Guests may also be dropped off or picked up in the accessible parking bays located in front of John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard.

All tickets are digital and issued through AXS. Please download the AXS app and sign in before arriving to ensure a smooth entry.

Please note, Ticketek ticket purchases 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.

Visit our Ticketing page for more information or visit the Ticket Box Office beside Gate 3.

On arrival at Gate 3, you will queue for security screening. Staff will search your bag and may ask you to move or remove items. Security staff will then use a handheld metal detector to scan the front and back of your body without touching you. Please empty your pockets before screening to help avoid delays.

After screening, proceed up the stairs or use the DDA lift. Guest Services staff will scan your ticket at the glass entry doors.

Once inside, the venue’s main concourse, food outlets, amenities and seating are all accessible from Level 1.

Margaret Court Arena is committed to providing an accessible venue and event experience, and to supporting the safety and comfort of all guests.

A range of accessibility facilities and support services is available, including accessible toilets, a sensory room, sensory kits, hearing assistance, Braille lift buttons, parents’ rooms, all-gender toilets, a multi-faith room, cloaking and first aid. Visit our Accessibility page for locations and more information.

Our staff, alongside purple-shirted volunteers, are available throughout the precinct and venue to help with your visit.

Guest Services: Blue polo shirts and/or jackets.
Event Services: Fluorescent green polo shirts and/or jackets.
Security: Dark navy polo shirts and blue jackets.

Staff will also wear sunflower badges to help identify team members who can assist with accessibility requirements.

Prams are welcome but must be cloaked before you take your seat. They cannot be taken into the seating bowl or stored beside your seat. Cloaking is available via the Information Desk at Door 7, or Show Court 3.

A range of food and beverages is available at the venue, primarily from outlets between doors 5 and 10. Printed menus are available, and staff can assist with dietary requirements or menu questions.

All retail outlets are cashless. Any transactions must be made using a credit or debit card.

A Social Story is a guide that helps attendees understand what to expect before and during the event. You can read the Social Story to prepare for your visit to Margaret Court Arena.

Read the Opening Ceremony Social Story.