You won’t believe the eye-watering price the Australian Open is charging for a water bottle… and a small backpack
- Merchandise at the Australian Open has turned heads for all the wrong reasons
- Ralph Lauren backpack costs $449, a ball-person jacket retails for $419
- Even water bottles are available for as much as $99 as an expensive souvenir
Merchandise at the 2023 Australian Open doesn’t come cheap – with one backpack retailing for a staggering $449.
The Ralph Lauren bag – currently sold out online, where it is going for ‘only’ $408 – is just one of many items set at an eyewatering price for tennis fans.
Other souvenir options from Melbourne Park include a water bottle for $99, while visors will set you back $68.
And for supporters looking to channel their inner ball-kid, it is time to give your credit card a workout given the attire is retailing for $179.
In addition, a ball-person jacket as an accessory will prove to be an expensive decision thanks to the $419 price tag.
This Ralph Lauren backpack is retailing for $449 at the Australian Open in Melbourne
The long-sleeved Australian Open ballperson Polo Shirt can be ‘snapped up’ by deep-pocketed fans for $299
Thankfully, AO hats in a variety of colours can be snapped up for $30 – unless you want a bucket hat, which will set you back $129.
And all this before fans are seeing their heroes in the flesh!
Tickets for Rod Laver Arena start from $99 each day – but will increase as the tournament heads into its second week from January 23.
And for those who enjoy a cheeky beer or two while watching the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal courtside, make sure you don’t spill any – the drinks retail for a little over $13 each.
Fans at the Open (pictured cheering on Australia’s John Millman) are being asked to expose their hip pocket nerves if they want to splurge on merchandise
Food isn’t much better, with Fishbowl’s The O.G salmon retailing for $18.90 and taco selections coming in at just under $25.
Ralph Lauren state on their website they are a ‘proud sponsor’ at Melbourne Park – and given the profits they are making, who could blame them.
‘The return of the Australian Open represents a celebration of togetherness across the country and the world,’ a statement read.
‘We are proud to continue our third year of partnership as the official outfitter of all on-court tournament staff and ball crew.’
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