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Rod Laver Arena
Whether you come to the Rod Laver Arena to see a tennis match during the Australian Open, cheer on another sports game or sing along with your favorite band under its retractable roof, you will be impressed by this top-of-the-bill events venue.
Formerly known as Flinders Park and the National Tennis Centre, this major tennis court in Melbourne Park was renamed in 2000 to honor Rod Laver, one of Australia’s most lauded tennis players. Laver, from rural Queensland, played for the Australian team in Davis Cup competitions from 1959 through to 1962. After winning the title with his team, he was named the world’s best professional player from 1964 to 1970. He earned 10 or more titles per year and won the calendar year Grand Slam, that is four major international tournaments in the same year, not once but twice.
The Rod Laver arena has the capacity to seat nearly 15,000 people. During the Australian Open’s Grand Slam matches, the tournament can attract up to 80,000 people in one day, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance. If you are after a VIP treatment with your party, book a Rod Laver Arena Superbox for the occasion.
Being more than just a tennis venue, the Rod Laver Arena is open year-round. The arena also facilitates dirt bike and rodeos demonstrations, wrestling and boxing competitions, gymnastics tournaments and family events. During concerts it is not unusual to find yourself in the Rod Laver Arena with more than 10,000 other music fans, so come early to avoid disappointment.
Any other day of the year, you can tour the arena with a guide or just rent a court for an hour to play a game of tennis on the same spot where Laver and Djokovic and the likes made history.
The Rod Laver Arena is within walking distance of Melbourne’s Central Business District and easy to reach by public transportation. The arena is part of Melbourne Park and adjacent to Yarra Park, the city’s Sports and Entertainment Precinct. Note that there are few on-site parking spaces. During special events, taxis line up next to The Oval on Olympic Boulevard.
Popular Activities at Rod Laver Arena
Like to make your time spent at Rod Laver Arena even more special? Don't forget to try a few of these activities:
Want to make your visit that much more special? A Behind-The-Scenes MCG & National Sports Museum Tour and a Full-Day Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour with Tennis Play Experience are both worth considering.
If you're chasing even more activities, peruse our Melbourne things to do page.
Guide to Exploring around Rod Laver Arena
Best Lodging Options Near Rod Laver Arena
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Flagstaff Gardens, Marvel Stadium, and Melbourne Central. Queen Victoria Market and SEA LIFE Melbourne are also within 15 minutes. Flagstaff Station is 6 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 7 minutes.
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is steps from Collins Street and Regent Theatre. Bourke Street Mall and Flinders Lane are also within 5 minutes. Parliament Station is 8 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 9 minutes.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
328 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VICThis family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 15-minute walk of Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria, and Melbourne Central. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Melbourne Cricket Ground are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flinders Street Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 13 minutes.
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Collins Street, Her Majesty's Theatre, and Flinders Lane. Princess Theatre and Bourke Street Mall are also within 10 minutes. Parliament Station is 5 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 10 minutes.
The Hotel Windsor
111 Spring Street, Melbourne, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Collins Street and Princess Theatre. Her Majesty's Theatre and St. Vincent's Hospital are also within 10 minutes. Parliament Station is only a 2-minute walk and Jolimont Station is 14 minutes.
The Langham, Melbourne
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VICThis family-friendly Southbank hotel is located on a river, steps from Southbank Promenade, Eureka Tower, and Eureka Skydeck 88. Melbourne Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria are also within 10 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 6 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.
Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands
66 Aurora Lane, Docklands, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Marvel Stadium, DFO South Wharf, and Festival Hall. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and The District Docklands are also within 1 mi (2 km). Southern Cross Station is 13 minutes by foot and North Melbourne Station is 21 minutes.
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VICLocated in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Yarra Riverfront and SEA LIFE Melbourne. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Flinders Lane are also within 10 minutes. Southern Cross Station is only a 5-minute walk and Flagstaff Station is 15 minutes.