KEEPING THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN COOL AND HYDRATED

In April 2022, Tennis Australia started looking for a new hydration system for the 2023 Australian Open (AO) tennis tournament. In previous years, only ambient temperature water stations had been provided, but attendees consistently sought a chilled option to quench their thirst on hot tournament days.

Tennis Australia had strict requirements for hydration systems, with its chilling capacity being a key priority. With over one million people attending the tournament over three weeks, ensuring the selected product could manage high-volume use was crucial. In addition to chilling capacity, the chosen product needed to be AS1428 compliant, adaptable to uneven surfaces, safe for public installation, and capable of being stored and reused in future years. The AO’s strict brand guidelines also meant that the aesthetic look and feel of the fountain played a key role in selection.

Before being approached by Tennis Australia in 2022, Urban+ had already launched the CF400 as part of its range of drinking fountains. Designed specifically for high-volume environments, such as Australian schools, the CF400 is a chilled hydration station featuring three bottle refill points and three bubblers, all connected to chilled water, offering a reliable solution. Following initial discussions with Tennis Australia, it became clear that with a few key customisations, the CF400 could be adapted to meet the unique requirements of the Australian Open. Urban+ incorporated adjustable feet for installation on uneven ground, added wheelchair-accessible/DDA-compliant basins to each unit, and designed custom weighted legs to ensure stability, even in the event of misuse or vandalism. This resulted in a tailored product that met all the event's needs, making it a highly successful collaboration.

2025 Australia Open

After the successful partnership in 2022, Tennis Australia chose to continue its collaboration with Urban+ for the 2025 Australian Open (AO). Building on the success of previous installations, Urban+ provided ongoing support for the set-up, servicing, and maintenance of the CF400 hydration systems, further reinforcing Tennis Australia’s trust in its expertise. Its hydration solutions are meticulously maintained, ensuring they perform as effectively and reliably as when first installed.

The continued partnership with Tennis Australia demonstrates the value of solutions that meet both functional and environmental objectives at such prestigious events. As plans are set to expand the hydration system, Urban+ is honoured to continue supporting the Australian Open’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Click the links below to learn more about the CF400 hydration systems