Rod Laver Arena, Tennis and entertainment arena in Melbourne, Australia
Rod Laver Arena is a large sports venue in Melbourne that primarily hosts tennis competitions and can hold up to 14,500 spectators. The building features a retractable roof system that closes when weather threatens to disrupt play or comfort.
The building opened in 1988 as the National Tennis Centre at Flinders Park and was renamed in 2000 to honor Australian tennis champion Rod Laver. This change in name reflected the venue's growing importance in international tennis competition.
The venue hosts tennis matches and international concerts, moving between these two roles throughout the year. This versatility has made it a central place where Melburnians gather for different types of celebrations and sporting moments.
The venue is easy to reach by public transport, with multiple tram lines and train stations nearby providing direct access. It's helpful to check in advance what event is scheduled, as the layout and visitor routes can vary depending on whether it's a tennis tournament or concert.
In 2007, the arena floor was temporarily converted into a swimming pool to host the FINA World Swimming Championships, with a 50-meter pool installed for the event. This unusual transformation demonstrates how the venue can adapt to host different types of major international competitions beyond tennis.
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