Tennis Australia serves new rewards for Australian Open NFT holders

The Australian Open (AO) has announced a string of rewards attached to this year’s AO ArtBalls NFT project designed by Tennis Australia and Web3 studio Run It Wild.

The program which launched for the Australian Open in 2022 will offer NFT owners of 6776 AO ArtBalls the opportunity to claim a pair of complimentary seven-day ground passes for the 2023 Australian Open, the largest release of tickets to an AO membership program in the event’s history.

“AO ArtBalls offers new ways to experience sport and keep fans connected to the game beyond the 14 days of the tournament. We’re offering fans truly unique experiences and creating memories that last a lifetime,” said Ridley Plummer, senior manager metaverse, NFT’s, Web3 and cryptocurrency at Tennis Australia.

“We don’t believe any other NFT project is offering Grand Slam tickets and the range of member benefits on this scale, to all holders. As an established project, in constant dialogue with our community, we’re optimistic about the next chapter and remain committed to announcing more exciting initiatives for our members.”

Benefits to NFT holders include access to Web3 conferences through the AO Academy, behind the scenes streams at the Australian Open with tools such as player-cams, 3D stats explorer and personalised match highlights, limited edition merchandise and access to other major international sporting events such as the United Cup matches in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

According to Adam De Cata, founder of Run it Wild and CEO of NFT Tech said, "Last year we set a new precedent at the intersection of tech, art, tennis and live data. This year we’re breaking new ground in offering all holders a deeper fan experience.”

The next round of AO23 ArtBalls will be released before the Australian Open starts, and can be purchased on secondary marketplace Opensea.

According to Cedric Cornelis, chief commercial officer at Tennis Australia. “As one of the world’s biggest sport and entertainment events, we are always exploring opportunities to innovate, and we’re excited by the additions planned for AO ArtBall 2023. We look forward to welcoming AO ArtBall holders to experience the AO this summer.”