Rod Laver Arena
Batman Avenue and Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne VIC 3000
Variously known as 'Flinders Park', the 'National Tennis Centre' or 'Centre Court', the venue was renamed Rod Laver Arena on 16 January 2000, in recognition of Rod Laver's remarkable tennis career that saw him achieve the Grand Slam twice and cement himself as Australia's and one of the world's greatest ever male tennis champions.
In terms of sport, tennis brought worldwide recognition for the venue. The Australian Open, one of only four annual Grand Slam Tournaments, has been held every year at Melbourne Park since 1988. And aside from the Australian Open, Rod Laver Arena was the scene for Australia's last Davis Cup triumph in 2003, when the Aussies took advantage of the drop-in grass court to defeat Spain.
As well as the tennis facilities and entertainment venues, Melbourne Park also houses administration offices for Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.
Rod Laver Arena's remarkable versatility has been evidenced in the amazing array of events over the years - from rodeos and dirt bike demonstrations, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, family shows, memorials, concerts and of course, the tennis.
The 2005 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships was followed by another major moment in the venue's history - hosting the gymnastic competitions of the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, one of the most memorable and technically outstanding transformations was the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2007.
https://www.rodlaverarena.com.au/
