Fans at the Australian Open in January will enjoy the best Grand Slam facilities in the world, after the completion of major works on the near $1 billion, 10-year redevelopment of Melbourne Park.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today joined tournament officials at the new 5,000 seat Show Court Arena and events venue CENTREPIECE – the final pieces in a multi-stage upgrade that has delivered an unrivalled sports and entertainment precinct while supporting hundreds of construction jobs.
The Andrews Labor Government support for improvements at Melbourne Park and the Australian Open means the Open will remain a Victorian major events icon until at least 2044 – a further 23 years.
Victoria’s move to Phase D of the National Plan this week means full crowds can return for the popular Grand Slam tournament, which attracts thousands of visitors from outside Victoria for two weeks of elite tennis and A-grade entertainment. Organisers are working with the Government to complete the Open’s COVIDSafe Plan.
Fully vaccinated players will be admitted to the state without the need to quarantine, allowing them to prepare and experience the best our city has to offer. All participants including players, officials, family and travelling parties will have to be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved or recognised vaccine.
Melbourne Park’s new Show Court Arena features an open roof structure with 270 tonnes of steel fabricated in Victoria, providing shade and weather protection for patrons and ensuring the Australian Open remains the most weather-proof of the Grand Slams.
CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park features 4,500 square metres of space across three levels with views of the Melbourne skyline, anchored by a pillarless Grand Hall that can host up to 3,000 guests. It also includes indoor and outdoor pre-event spaces, broadcast studios and a 250-seat auditorium.
The Melbourne Park works created 2,300 jobs during construction, transforming Melbourne and Olympic Parks into one of the largest sports and events precincts in the world with more than 2.5 million visitors attending 400 events each year.
The 2020 Australian Open attracted more than 812,000 spectators, injected an estimated $387 million into the Victorian economy and generated more than 1,770 jobs. It was aired live in more than 215 territories.
The 2022 Australian Open runs from 17-30 January – to buy tickets go to .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Victorians can’t wait to get back to Melbourne Park for the Open, and it will be a milestone in the return of a major events calendar that supports thousands of jobs and promotes our name internationally.”
“With Show Court Arena completing the remaking of Melbourne Park, fans will enjoy facilities unrivalled anywhere in the world.”
Quote attributable to Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley
“We can’t wait to welcome back the world’s best players, and our fans in big numbers, with all the fun and excitement of live sport in summer in Melbourne.”
Reviewed 20 November 2021