Named after Aussie tennis player Rod Laver, the arena sits in Melbourne Park on the north shore of the Yarra River, not far from the Central Business District (CBD). You can see the arena by booking tickets for a tennis match or a concert or taking a behind-the-scenes tour. Some city sightseeing tours also pass by the stadium.
Behind the scenes tours are only offered a few days a week; check the schedule and book ahead.
You’ll have to go through a security screening to enter the park; be prepared to have your bags searched. There is a cloakroom that will store prohibited items like backpacks, large bags, laptops, and tablets.
There is bike parking outside the arena.
The arena is wheelchair accessible; contact the venue for wheelchair seating.
Visitors who do not bring a bag can enter through the (faster-moving) bag-free entrance lanes.
The arena is located on Olympic Boulevard, inside the Melbourne Park complex. The easiest way to reach the area via public transportation is to take the tram to the Rod Laver Arena/Melbourne Park stop. There is also a bike-share station near the arena. Parking is limited.
The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the season and takes place in January. During the rest of the year, the arena’s schedule includes other tennis matches, concerts, kids’ events, WWE Live, and movie events.
In 2019, Rod Laver Arena reopened after a period of renovation. Update facilities include a new main public entrance, known as the Grand Entrance, that has three levels and is home to numerous places to eat or get a drink, including the Upper Deck rooftop bar. The arena also has larger concourse spaces that make moving through the building easier and more accessible entrances.
