Our favourite Australian Open Merch From Across The Years & How You Can Ace It Too

Every January all eyes across the globe fixate on Australia for one of the world's most iconic tournaments – The Australian Open. 

While to many it's an iconic Grand Slam, but our eyes are on the prize  – no not the trophy, the athletes nor the game itself (don't come for us), but it's the merch, merch, merch!

Over the years the creatives at the AO have aced their marketing with merch, souvenirs and gifts at the forefront of the experience. 

One quick camera-scan of the crowd at any given moment, and it's more apparent than Nadal's undie-grab (if you know, you know), that merch rules the vibes. From the old school inflatable tubes to the hand-clappers, branded take-home cups, lanyards, sunglasses and more, the AO keep the crowd engaged beyond the court. 

So with that, take a walk with us through some of our favourite AO merch than you can re-create at home – game, set and match. 

Our Favourite Australian Open Merch From Across The Years & How You Can Ace It Too

First, let's play a little game – how many promo products can you see? (Image source)

CROWD PLEASERS

Live sport just hits different. There's a buzz in the air, a razz of rivalry, and energy all round for the ultimate day out. If the crowd is Mexican wavin' and the players playin' it's, the perfect recipe. 

This is the opportunity teams, partnerships and brands leverage to amplify crowd engagement and it works a treat. The AO is known for its crazy, highly-involved crowds so much so, some people no-doubt just go for the vibes let alone the tennis itself.

Over the years the AO has encouraged crowd engagement and excitement with the likes of inflatable clappers, roll-out banners and most notably the novelty giant tennis balls.

Items like these keep the crowd busy between sets while adding to the atmosphere. If you don't have one, you want one... it's real-time FOMO with these sorts of products at play. Plus, they make for great take-home souvenirs. One of our all time favourites though has to be the AO Tennis Seat Cushion, circa 2017 (which you can still snag on eBay!). 

Do it like the AO do and opt for fun, novelty items such as the football rocket, emoji stress balls, frisbee, or bounce ball.

SOUVENIR CITY

Arguably, one of the most important aspects of an event that plays on the emotion of attendees, while creating one of the biggest profit margins for the organisers – merch, souvenirs and memorabilia type products. Think mascot plush toys, tee shirts to commemorate the occasion, badges to add to collections, towels for training and more. 

There’s no denying – we all have ‘em!

Any sort of product can be branded and considered a souvenir, and the AO know this all too well. Each tournament they bring out iconic souvenirs stamped with the year, creating sought-after collectable items  (note this 2002 mug & this 2011 cup still running hot on eBay). 

Our top picks for easy branded merch that’ll be worn out not thrown out? Tote bags that are tot-elly good for the environment, plush Koala toy for an iconic mascot, keyrings for an entry level budget, apparel – because if you didn’t get the t-shirt did you even go, paddle and ball set, cricket set, and of course – a water bottle!

PARTNERSHIP PERFECTION

What’s better than one iconic brand? Two! 

Over the years the AO have played their own games of doubles with an array of partnerships and activations to promote the down under Grand Slam. Not only does this allow for further brand awareness, reputation and reach, but opens doors to exciting activations and real-time engagement opportunities. 

In terms of merch we can’t miss a mention for the Bondi Sands X AO Raffia Hat giveaways, Lacoste Djokovic Polo Shirts, and Polo Ralph Lauren official Australian Open collection featuring clothing, accessories, training gear and towels that can be purchased year-round. 

Otherwise, a brand partnership activation can really ace your game. The AO has previously featured L’Oreal pampering pop-ups, Chemist Warehouse pop-ups, Aperol Spritz stations, plus Kia, New Balance, Nintendo and more making an appearance. And what comes along with all that? More merch. 

CONCLUSION

The Australian Open Marketing Team, if you’re reading this, want to collab? At least let us shout you a drink.

If there’s one thing the AO know how to do other than hit a ball over a net, it’s their marketing and merch. Are we fan-girling? Yes. But, do you blame us?

They’ve set the bar high when it comes to making merch work for their brand and partnerships. So, now it’s your turn.

You can do it like the AO did and shop the best merch on the market. Don’t forget the essentials like sunglasses, hats, apparel, keyrings, socks, toys, and take-home activities like puzzles, cricket set and more.