Melbourne and the Australian Open

On-Court seats at AO26

I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many VIP packages at sporting events around the world, but the AO Reserve On-Court experience tops them all. The on-court seats were incredible. So close to the players and the action, and the ultimate in luxury and convenience with large plush seats, mini-suites with TV monitor, iPhone charging station and double air conditioning vents for hot days. Making it all special was the amazing AO Reserve staff.  

Our ridiculous seats...

Players introductions.   France's Hugo Gaston.

And world #2 Italy's Jannik Sinner.

After the pre-match show, opening the roof on a beautiful 25C summer evening in Melbourne.

Excited to be here.

Our incredible seats...

Part of the AO Reserve On-Court package is a chance to do the Walk of Champions.  Amazing to see this wonderful tribute to past AP champions.

An added treat, since Hugo Gaston was unfortunately forced to retire in the third set, was that we were able to see Jannik Sinner walk to the media room for post-match interviews

After drinks in the lounge, back for the nightcap an exciting three set match between 2 time AO champion Naomi Osaka and Antonia Ruzic.   Naomi with her theatrical entrance.

The view from our seats. 

 And a late night snack.

Match point for Naomi.

Very cool to walk thru the players lounge...

And to our AO Courtesy vehicle taking us back to the Park Hyatt.

What an incredible afternoon and evening at the Australian Open.  The AO Reserve On-Court experience was the best sporting event VIP package that I've had the pleasure to attend.  Making it all so special was the amazing AO Reserve staff.  

Lounge Hopping at Melbourne International Airport

After a wonderful three days in Melbourne, time to head home. And naturally, it’s the long way in Emirates First Class. With a couple of hour before departure, we had plenty of time to check out both the Qantas First Class Lounge and The Emirates Lounge.

Our complimentary Emirates Chauffeur-drive ride to MEL.

First stop is the Qantas First Class Lounge.

First time here but this decor looks familiar.

And the iconic Qantas departure board although not a elaborate as in SYD.

Time to eat.

My half margarita.  Apparently one can't get a full glass here.  LOL

A Qantas FCL fave, salt and pepper squid with green chili dipping sauce and aioli.

And Neil Perry's American Cheeseburger, supposed voted best burger in Australia last year.

Very, very good.

And then over to The Emirates Lounge prior to boarding.

Definitely in the AO spirit.

Instagram video of our lounge hopping at MEL

Emirates A380 First Class Dubai to San Francisco

Always a treat to connect in Dubai and especially in the wonderful A concourse First Class Lounge and Fine Dining room. 

At 7:30am, time to eat...

And drink...

Perfectly medium rare.

Today’s A380 flight to San Francisco departed from the gate just across from the dining room, with boarding directly from the lounge. I opted for SFO today to avoid frigid Chicago in the winter and dysfunctional T5, and to get home 3 hours early. As always, wonderful service, great food and wines on today's 16 hour flight.

My bed across the aisle.  Although I did have to evict another F passenger with the same idea, as I had called first dibs.  

Wow, nearly 10 hours of sleep.

After 10 hours of sleep, now I'm hungry and thirsty.   So cool that Sport24 is live in flight with the AO,

Stan The Man!

Today's menu...

Wonderful Napa cab.

Steak sandwich.

Shower time a couple hours from SFO.

Cool polar route today.

SFO before we turn and land.