- Published:
- Monday 5 January 2015
One of the world’s signature sporting events is now officially weatherproof, with the addition of a third retractable roof at Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open.
Premier Daniel Andrews today unveiled the Margaret Court Arena’s roof and newly laid playing surface alongside Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, declaring the new-look, 7300-seat structure one of the best tennis stadiums in the world.
Up to 700,000 tennis fans are expected to attend the Australian Open in 2015. Three retractable roofs mean all matches in the tournament can be completed, even during a fortnight of constant rain or extreme heat.
The final piece of the Victorian Government’s $366 million Stage One redevelopment of Melbourne Park, the roof – which can open or close in just five minutes – is the world’s fastest.
The Australian Open was the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during rain or heat. It now becomes the first Grand Slam with three retractable roofs, ready for any conditions.
The tournament supports 1440 jobs in our state. In total, Victoria’s major events calendar contributes $1.8 billion to our economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of interstate and international visitors.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
”No more heat, no more rain, no more delays and cancellations – the Australian Open is officially weatherproof.”
“One of the world’s finest stadiums now has the world’s fastest retractable roof. It’s the crown on top of the Margaret Court Arena.”
“Our major events support thousands of Victorian jobs and contribute almost $2 billion to our economy.”