What is Margaret Court Arena?
Margaret Court Arena is the second-largest stadium at Melbourne Park, used for Australian Open matches. Named after Australian champion Margaret Court, it has a capacity of about 7,500 and a retractable roof.
The arena opened in 1988 as Show Court One and was renamed in 2003 in honor of Margaret Court, who won 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
A major redevelopment completed in 2015 added a retractable roof, which can close in a few minutes. This allows play to continue during rain or extreme heat.
Controversy
The arena's name has been the subject of debate because of Margaret Court's public views on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ issues. Some players and commentators have called for the arena to be renamed.
Tennis Australia has kept the name but has made it clear that it does not support Court's views. The debate has continued during major tournaments.
The arena hosts singles and doubles matches during the Australian Open and is used for concerts and other events. It is located next to Rod Laver Arena.
Did You Know?
Margaret Court Arena can be configured for basketball and netball matches.