New-Look Rod Laver Arena

The expansion of the 14,820-capacity sports and entertainment venue, which opened in January 1988, includes a new annex to serve as the main entrance. This area will have more food and beverage outlets and toilets and increased disability facilities including full access to the seating bowl. Promoters get significant back-of-house improvements to cater for larger shows, and a larger more efficient loading bay for faster set-ups and more shows.

Brian Morris, CEO of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, said, “Around one million people visit Rod Laver Arena every year to view the (tennis) Australian Open and attend functions and concerts. Modernizing Rod Laver Arena will ensure we can continue to provide world class events in a safe and comfortable environment.” The Rod Laver Arena’s revamp is part of A$700 million ($533.2 million) five-year upgrade of Melbourne’s major sports and entertainment precinct Melbourne Park, which draws 2.1 million people to 200 events and adds A$421 million ($320.7 million) to the state economy.

It includes other venues such as the 10,500-capacity Hisense Arena and 7,500-capacity Margaret Court Arena. It is part of the Victorian Government’s strategy to draw more international sporting and entertainment events to Melbourne. The construction contract for Rod Laver Arena will be announced by October from a shortlist of four – Brookfield Multiplex Constructions, Built, Leighton Contractors and Lend Lease Building Contractors. Construction will start in February. The venue will remain operational through the four-year work.