The Australian Open "smashed" attendance records, with more than 780,000 fans on hand for the two-week grand slam in Melbourne, exceeding the previous record of 743,667 set in '18. Fans "lapped up cheaper tickets" this year and enjoyed an "updated 'grand slam oval,' which was surrounded by pop-up restaurants, bars and sponsored activity zones" (Newcastle HERALD, 1/28).
Tickets for Ireland’s two upcoming Six Nations matches against England and France at the Aviva Stadium "are some of the most expensive for any sporting event ever held" in the country. Ireland on Saturday meets England at the Aviva Stadium with category 1 tickets priced at €115 ($131) and category 2 at €105 ($120). Premium offerings are €150 ($171), while category 3 tickets for both games are €85 ($97) and category 4 are €65 ($74). Student tickets are priced at €25 ($28), while there are a very limited number of restricted view tickets ranging from €32.50-€57.50 ($37-$65) (IRISH TIMES, 1/28).
La Liga side Real Betis' Benito Villamarín Stadium in Seville was chosen to host the final of the '18-19 Copa del Rey. It will be the first time since '02-03 that the final is not played in Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia (BEIN SPORTS, 1/28).
A 111-year wait is driving Cricket Australia's first test sellout of the summer, but Canberra looks set to "miss out on a test in the next four-year deal being discussed with the ACT government." The "history-making" test between Australia and Sri Lanka at Manuka Oval, which starts on Friday, will potentially be played "in front of a full house" over the first three days (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/28).
