MELBOURNE will become the first tennis Grand Slam host in the world to boast three undercover courts under a major redevelopment of Rod Laver Arena.
Victorian Premier John Brumby unveiled details of the $363 million first stage of the redevelopment at the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne today.
The plans include a facelift of Margaret Court Arena – including the installation of a retractable roof and an extra 1500 seats – as well as a new eastern plaza next to Hisense Arena and 21 new courts.
The Government said the revamp would ensure the event stayed in Melbourne beyond 2016.
“Importantly it locks in the Open until at least 2036,” Sports Minister James Merlino said.
Stage one works will begin in April and will take about five years to complete.
The Rod Laver Arena masterplan could take up to 15 years to complete.
Mr Brumby said the Australian Open was the biggest annual sporting event in the southern hemisphere and the revamped venue would make Melbourne the only grand slam host with three undercover courts.
“This will allow Melbourne to run the most weatherproof grand slam event in the world,” he said.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:41 am
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January 19th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Interesting, never thought of it like that