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Ticket Notebook: Sports Ticket Updates for Nadal, Tour de France & The Open (30 October 2026)
From Rafael Nadal's return to Las Vegas to the Tour de France opening ceremony in Edinburgh, two major ticket sales are happening today. Meanwhile, there's encouraging news for golf fans hoping to attend The Open at St Andrews, plus ticket opportunities for the Netball World Cup and BMW PGA Championship in 2027.
Welcome to Sports Travel Tom's Ticket Notebook, a weekly round-up of sports ticket updates, upcoming sales, ballots and booking opportunities from around the world.
This week's edition features two events going on general sale today, an important announcement about official resale tickets for The Open, and two major sporting occasions you can start planning for next year.
From tickets available now to upcoming sale windows, here's what you need to know to help plan your next sporting adventure.
At a Glance: This Week's Sports Ticket Updates
Rafael Nadal in Las Vegas 2027: The 22-time Grand Slam champion headlines the MGM Slam on 28 February 2027. General sale opens today, Friday 30 October, at 5pm UK time.
Tour de France Grand Départ 2027: Opening ceremony tickets at Edinburgh Castle start at £27, with general sale opening today at midday UK time. Watching the riders travel through the city remains free.
The Open 2027 at St Andrews: The R&A has confirmed an official face-value ticket resale platform launching in spring 2027, accessible to free One Club members. The platform is not yet open.
Netball World Cup 2027: Ticket prices and sale dates have been announced for Sydney. Opening night tickets start at A$59 for adults, with subscriber presales beginning 10 November.
BMW PGA Championship 2027: Tickets are already on sale for the tournament at Wentworth, taking place 22–26 September 2027. General admission is advertised from £45.
Ticket information researched on 30 October 2026 for publication on Friday 30 October. Prices, availability and booking arrangements are subject to change.
1. Rafael Nadal Returns to Las Vegas: MGM Slam Tickets on Sale Today
Rafael Nadal is returning to the tennis court.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will headline the MGM Slam at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday 28 February 2027.
The MGM Slam will be a special exhibition event, with other leading tennis players set to feature. The full player lineup and competition format are still to be announced.
For tennis fans who thought they'd seen Nadal play for the final time, though, it's a welcome opportunity.
When do MGM Slam 2027 tickets go on sale?
Friday 30 October, 5pm UK time: General ticket sale opens.
Official ticketing partner: AXS.
Ticket prices: Not yet confirmed at the time of research.
The presale period for eligible MGM Rewards and AXS members ran from 27–29 October. General sale now gives other fans an opportunity to purchase tickets, subject to availability.
I watched Nadal play in Las Vegas in 2024
I travelled to Las Vegas in March 2024 for the Netflix Slam, where Nadal faced Carlos Alcaraz at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Mandalay Bay.
It was a brilliant experience and a pretty good excuse to spend a few days exploring the city.
Watching two outstanding players in that environment was memorable, but the trip also showed me just how much Las Vegas has developed as a destination for sports fans.
And there's something particularly interesting about the 2027 MGM Slam weekend.
The Vegas Golden Knights are playing NHL ice hockey on Friday 26 February, while Allegiant Stadium hosts a rugby league triple-header on Saturday 27 February.
Then Nadal takes to the court on Sunday.
I've also put together a separate guide to planning that weekend, including the events, official ticket links and advice from my own visit to the city.
My ticket tip
If seeing Nadal is the main reason for making the trip, I'd secure your tennis ticket before booking non-refundable flights or accommodation.
And remember that an exhibition event can have a different format from a traditional ATP match. Check the organisers' announcements as the remaining players and format are confirmed.
Official tickets: MGM Slam 2027 on AXS
Official event announcement: MGM Resorts
2. Tour de France Grand Départ 2027: Edinburgh Tickets Go on General Sale
Another major sporting ticket opportunity arrives today, and this one is particularly close to home for me.
The Tour de France begins in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, bringing one of the world's most recognisable sporting events to Scotland's capital.
But the celebrations actually begin two days earlier.
On Wednesday 30 June 2027, the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will host the official presentation of the riders, as part of a spectacular opening ceremony staged and produced by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
And tickets go on general sale today.
How much are Tour de France opening ceremony tickets?
General sale: Friday 30 October 2026.
Opening time: Midday UK time.
Starting price: £27.
Event date: Wednesday 30 June 2027.
The ceremony will introduce the competing riders and teams ahead of the Grand Départ, accompanied by a programme of entertainment against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Having experienced the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo myself, I know what an impressive setting the Castle Esplanade can be for a major event.
Combining that location with the Tour de France could be something special.
You can also see the riders for free
Here's an important distinction.
You do not need to buy a ticket to be part of the Grand Départ celebrations.
The organisers have confirmed that riders will travel from Holyrood Palace along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle before the opening ceremony.
That route will be completely unticketed and free to attend, offering another opportunity to see the teams.
And watching the actual Tour de France race from public roadside viewing areas is also free.
My ticket tip
If you're interested in the ticketed ceremony, head directly to the official Grand Départ website when general sale opens.
But if you'd rather experience the atmosphere without paying for a seat on the Castle Esplanade, consider the free rider presentation route through Edinburgh.
For visitors coming from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, it's worth planning accommodation early. Edinburgh is already a popular summer destination, and the Tour de France will bring significant additional interest.
Official ticket information: Tour de France 2027 Grand Départ Opening Ceremony
3. The Open 2027: Official Ticket Resale Coming in Spring
Missed out on tickets for The Open at St Andrews next summer?
There's some encouraging news.
The R&A has confirmed that an official Ticket Resale Platform will launch in spring 2027, allowing eligible ticket holders to offer unwanted tickets for sale at face value.
The 155th Open takes place at St Andrews from 11–18 July 2027, and demand for tickets is understandably high.
But the ballot isn't necessarily your final opportunity to attend.
How will The Open's official resale platform work?
The R&A has confirmed the following arrangements.
Launch date: Spring 2027. An exact date has not yet been announced.
Who can sell? Eligible fans who received General Admission tickets through the ballot, and those who purchased qualifying Ticket Plus tickets directly from The R&A.
Who can buy? Members of One Club, The Open's free membership programme.
Resale price: Face value.
Ticket limits: One Club members can purchase up to four tickets per day, including any tickets already obtained through the ballot.
The platform is not yet open, and there's no guarantee that tickets for any particular day will become available.
Nevertheless, it's a welcome official route for fans who were unsuccessful in the ballot.
My ticket tip
Join One Club now if you haven't already. It's free.
The R&A says members will be among the first notified when further information about the resale platform is released.
And I'd strongly recommend using the official resale arrangements rather than relying on unofficial ticketing websites. The R&A does not permit third-party resale.
It's also worth remembering that some Ticket Plus options and official ticket-inclusive packages are already available separately, although these are a different proposition from standard General Admission tickets.
If you've always wanted to experience The Open at the Home of Golf, I'd certainly keep an eye on this opportunity.
Official resale information: The Open Ticket Resale Platform
Official ticket options: The Open 2027 at St Andrews
4. Netball World Cup 2027: Ticket Prices and Presale Dates Announced
Sydney is preparing to host the 2027 Netball World Cup, and organisers have announced the first ticket release, including prices and sale dates.
The tournament runs from 25 August to 5 September 2027 at Afterpay Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.
Sixteen nations will compete across 64 matches, with hosts and defending champions Australia appearing on the opening night.
For supporters planning a trip to Australia, there's now a clear opportunity to start organising tickets.
When do Netball World Cup tickets go on sale?
Tuesday 10 November, midday Sydney time (AEDT): Exclusive presale for registered Netball World Cup subscribers.
Thursday 12 November, midday Sydney time (AEDT): General public sale.
The first release includes opening night tickets, Finals Passes and full Tournament Passes.
Individual session tickets for the wider tournament are scheduled to go on sale in February 2027.
How much are tickets?
Opening night: From A$59 per adult or A$30 per child.
Finals Pass: From A$352 per adult or A$254 per child, covering the final four days.
Tournament Pass: From A$970 per adult or A$579 per child, covering all 64 matches.
These are advertised starting prices for the relevant ticket products, rather than confirmed remaining availability.
Opening night features a double-header, so even the entry-level option offers two matches in one session.
My ticket tip
If you're thinking of travelling from the UK, work out how much of the tournament you realistically want to attend before choosing a ticket.
An opening-night ticket offers a relatively accessible introduction to the event. A Finals Pass or Tournament Pass makes more sense if you're planning your holiday around the competition.
And if you want access to the 10 November presale, register through the official Netball World Cup website beforehand.
Official tickets and registration: Netball World Cup Sydney 2027
Ticket prices and options: Which Netball World Cup Ticket Is Right for You?
5. BMW PGA Championship 2027: Wentworth Tickets Already on Sale
Finally, an opportunity to plan one of the UK's best-known annual golf events.
Tickets for the 2027 BMW PGA Championship are already on sale, with General Admission advertised from £45.
The tournament returns to Wentworth Club in Surrey from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 September 2027.
It's one of the flagship events on the DP World Tour calendar, combining top-level professional golf with a lively tournament village and entertainment.
And for people based in London or travelling into the capital, Wentworth is a relatively accessible sporting day out.
What are the dates and ticket options?
Wednesday 22 September: Celebrity Pro-Am.
Thursday 23 September: First round.
Friday 24 September: Second round.
Saturday 25 September: Third round.
Sunday 26 September: Final round.
General Admission: Advertised from £45.
Weekly General Admission ticket: £190.
Premium experiences and hospitality packages are also available, including options such as Treetops.
As the £45 starting price is advertised across the General Admission range, rather than tied to a particular date in the information I could verify, check the individual day and category before booking.
My ticket tip
You don't necessarily need to attend on the weekend to enjoy a major golf tournament.
The earlier rounds can offer an excellent opportunity to follow players around the course, while the Pro-Am provides something quite different, mixing professional golfers with well-known personalities.
If you have flexibility over your dates, compare ticket prices across the full five-day event rather than automatically choosing Saturday or Sunday.
And remember that the BMW PGA Championship offers much more than simply watching the golf. It's a full sporting day out, with entertainment, food and activities around the tournament village.
Official tickets: BMW PGA Championship 2027
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Your Next Sporting Trip
Five very different ticket opportunities this week, from watching Rafael Nadal return to the court in Las Vegas to experiencing the Tour de France beneath Edinburgh Castle.
Two important general sales are opening today. Others offer the chance to prepare for a future presale, register for official resale information or secure tickets for next summer.
And that's the purpose of Ticket Notebook.
It's not just about finding the cheapest ticket. It's about knowing when tickets are released, understanding the different booking options and spotting sporting experiences worth travelling for.
I'll be publishing a new Ticket Notebook every Friday, alongside my own sporting travel experiences, destination stories and practical guides.
And if there's a particular sporting event you'd like me to follow for future ticket announcements, let me know.
I'm Sports Travel Tom, helping you travel better for sport & adventure.
Ticket information researched on 30 October 2026. Prices, availability and booking arrangements can change. Always check the official ticketing platform before purchasing.
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