Everything You Need to Know About Tickets for the Brisbane International 2026
The countdown to the 2026 tennis season has officially begun! As the Queensland Tennis Centre gears up to welcome the world’s best players for the Brisbane International presented by ANZ, fans are already scrambling to secure their spots.
Whether you are a local veteran of the tournament or planning your first trip to the Pat Rafter Arena, buying tickets and preparing for the day involves a bit more than just hitting “purchase.” We have combed through the official Conditions of Sale and Entry to bring you a comprehensive guide on what to buy, who gets a discount, and exactly what you can (and can’t) bring through the gates.
Here is your ultimate guide to the Brisbane International 2026.
Choosing Your Experience: Ground Pass vs. Arena
One of the most common questions fans have is: “Do I really need a stadium seat?”
The tournament runs a multi-session format, meaning different tickets apply to different times of the day. To help you decide, we have broken down the two main ways to experience the event.
1. Ground Pass: The “Vibe” Choice
A Ground Pass is the most affordable way to soak up the atmosphere. It grants you access to the entire tournament precinct except the main stadium (Pat Rafter Arena).
- What you get:
- Outer Courts: Unlimited access to all outside match courts. This is often where you can sit closest to the action.
- Show Courts 1 & 2: Access to the secondary stadiums. These courts often host incredible matches during the first few days of the tournament.
- Practice Courts: This is a fan favorite. You can watch the world’s best players warm up and practice—often just meters away.
- Entertainment Precinct: Full access to the food stalls, bars, live music, and family activities.
- Best for: Families, fans who love watching practice sessions, and those who want a full day of tennis without the price tag of a stadium seat.
- Pro Tip: Ground Passes are arguably the best value on Monday and Tuesday. During these early rounds, highly-ranked players are often pushed to the outside courts because the main arena is full, so you can see top-tier tennis for a fraction of the price.
2. Pat Rafter Arena Ticket: The “Big Match” Choice
If you want to see the biggest names (the top seeds) and ensure you have a comfortable seat regardless of the weather, this is the ticket you need.
- What you get:
- Reserved Seat: A guaranteed seat in the Pat Rafter Arena (center court) for your selected session.
- Weather Protection: The arena has a roof, meaning play continues even if it rains—a huge plus in the Queensland summer.
- All-Access: Crucially, an Arena ticket includes a Ground Pass. You can wander the outside courts and precinct whenever you aren’t watching a match in the stadium.
- Session Types:
- Day Session: Usually starts at 11 am. Great for a full day of sun and tennis.
- Night Session: Usually starts at 6:30 pm. These sessions often feature the “match of the day” and have an electric atmosphere under the lights.
- Best for: Die-hard fans who don’t want to miss the star players, and anyone who wants the security of a roof in case of rain or extreme heat.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Ground Pass | Pat Rafter Arena Ticket |
| Price | $ | $$-$$$ |
| Reserved Seat | ❌ | ✅ (Arena Only) |
| Outdoor Courts | ✅ | ✅ |
| Practice Courts | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rain Protection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Arena Access | ❌ | ✅ |
The “Fine Print”: Age Limits and Concessions
If you are bringing the family, it is important to know how the “Kids Ticket” policy works for 2026.
- Babies and Toddlers (2 and under): They enter for free. The rule states that children aged 2 and under (who haven’t turned 3 yet) don’t need a ticket, provided they sit on a parent’s lap and do not occupy a reserved seat.
- Kids Tickets (3 to 11): Children aged between 3 and 11 (inclusive) are eligible for a Kids Ticket. Keep in mind that proof of age might be requested at the gate.
- Concessions (12+): Once a child turns 12, they are technically considered an adult for ticketing purposes unless they hold a valid student card.
- Eligible Concessions: The tournament accepts a wide range of concession cards, including Full-time Secondary and Tertiary Student cards, Pensioner Concession Cards, and Health Care Cards. Make sure you have your physical ID card with you, as they check them at the gate!
What If It Rains? (The Refund Policy)
Tennis is an outdoor sport, and Queensland weather can be unpredictable. The tournament has a specific policy regarding refunds:
- The “No Play” Rule: If you purchased a ticket for a specific session and on-court tennis does not commence at all, you are entitled to a full refund, credit, or replacement.
- The “Changed Mind” Rule: You cannot get a refund simply because you changed your mind or can no longer make it.
- The “Player Withdrawal” Rule: This is the big one for fans. If you buy a ticket hoping to see a specific star (like Nadal or Djokovic) and they withdraw or the schedule changes, you are not entitled to a refund. You are buying a ticket for the session, not the player.
Preparing for Entry: What Can You Bring?
Security at the Queensland Tennis Centre is strict to ensure everyone’s safety. To breeze through the lines, here is what you need to know about what goes in your bag.
The “Yes” List (Permitted Items)
You are welcome to bring:
- Small Bags: Handbags and small backpacks are fine.
- Food: You can bring your own food! It just needs to be in permissible packaging (no glass).
- Water Bottles: Plastic bottles are allowed (and encouraged—stay hydrated!).
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and umbrellas are permitted.
- Selfie Sticks: Surprisingly, these are on the “approved” list.
The “No” List (Prohibited Items)
Leave these at home or in the car, as there are no cloaking facilities for large items:
- Large Bags: Anything too big to fit under a seat is banned. This includes suitcases and large hiking packs.
- Alcohol: You cannot bring your own booze (though you can buy it inside).
- Hard Eskies: Large coolers (over 1.5 liters) are a no-go.
- Glass & Cans: Stick to plastic containers.
- Professional Cameras: If your camera lens is longer than 200mm, or if you have a tripod or monopod, it won’t be allowed in.
- Drones: Definitely leave the drone at home.
A Note on Etiquette
The Brisbane International prides itself on being a family-friendly event. Security reserves the right to remove anyone who is intoxicated or behaving offensively.
Also, for the tech-savvy fans: “Court-siding” (transmitting match scores for betting purposes) is strictly prohibited. You can take photos and videos for personal use (under one minute long), but you can’t use flash photography during play.
Ready for Tennis?
The 2026 provisional schedule is already looking packed, and with these tips in hand, you are ready to navigate the ticket sales like a pro. Whether you are grabbing a Ground Pass for a Tuesday wander or locking in seats for the Sunday Finals, we will see you at the Queensland Tennis Centre!
