While there has been plenty of hype around the Australian debut of US burger chain Shake Shack at the Open, prices there are even higher, with burgers priced from $18.90 to $25, fries ranging from $9.75 to $12.50, and shakes $12.90.
The solution for regular tennis attendee Katrina Langdon was to bring a picnic lunch in her backpack.
Katrina Langdon and daughter Eliza serve home-brought hot dogs to the seven children in her charge at the Australian Open.Credit: Penny Stephens
Langdon packed a thermos of hot dogs, buns and tomato sauce to feed the group of seven children she had brought to the tennis, which cost her about $12 in total.
“I don’t want to spend $25 per child for lunch,” she said. “If you are just a single person, it’s OK. But if you are bringing a horde of kids, then it’s not.”
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Despite winning on the food front, Langdon missed out when it came to the tennis, as she was unable to see any matches beyond what was shown on the big screens.
After waiting for 45 minutes in a queue to get into Kia Arena, she gave up and took the children to sit on the grass and have lunch.
“I think they’ve oversold the ground passes,” she said, explaining that she thought the half-hour passes allowing people to go and come back meant people were leaving for short stints before returning, and others couldn’t get in.
“You don’t give up your seat; people will be in there all day.”
Fern Barrett from Tennis Australia.Credit: Penny Stephens
Tennis Australia head of growth and innovation Fern Barrett defended the pricing of food at the Australian Open and said most outlets offered at least one item for $15 or less.
“Delivering great value, quality and choice for all fans is our priority at the AO, and there’s something for every budget, from price-friendly crowd favourites to premium dining experiences,” she said.
Barrett said cheaper options across the tournament included arena hotdogs for $6.80 and chicken tenders for $14.
“We’d like to remind fans that they can also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the precinct, providing even more flexibility and value,” she said.
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