What is Melbourne Park?
Melbourne Park is a sports and entertainment precinct in Melbourne and the home of the Australian Open tennis tournament. Opened in 1988 as Flinders Park, it includes Rod Laver Arena and many other courts.
The precinct lies beside the Yarra River, close to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the central business district. It is part of Melbourne's sports and entertainment precinct along with AAMI Park.
The complex was built to give the Australian Open a modern home after it outgrew the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. It was renamed Melbourne Park in 1996.
More than tennis
Melbourne Park hosts concerts, basketball, netball and other events throughout the year. Rod Laver Arena has hosted performances by many of the world's biggest music stars.
The precinct has been redeveloped in stages, adding new arenas, a tennis headquarters and improved facilities. The redevelopment included roofs on three major arenas and a new pedestrian bridge.
During the Australian Open, Melbourne Park becomes a lively festival site with live music, food stalls and big screens. Visitors with a ground pass can watch matches on outside courts.
Did You Know?
Tennis Australia's headquarters are located at Melbourne Park.