Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre marks 21 years of operation

The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) has recently celebrated 21 years of delivering world-class sporting events, providing first-rate health and wellbeing facilities, and enabling athletes to perfect the sports they love.

To mark the occasion, MSAC hosted an open day on Saturday 25th August where visitors were invited to try out the Centre’s many and varied sporting and recreational facilities.

More than 7,000 people visited on the day and were treated to free classes and facility access, sporting demonstrations, and a host of birthday celebrations. High-profile sports stars and MSAC personalities, Mack Horton and Bianca Chatfield were also in attendance, with fans given the opportunity to meet and learn from their idols during free swimming and netball skills clinics.

Advising that the 21st anniversary celebrations and open day provided a chance for people to look to MSAC and relive some of their great memories and experiences at the centre, State Sport Centres Trust Chief Executive Phil Meggs stated “MSAC is a jewel in Victoria’s sporting crown, boasting world-class facilities and amenities benefiting local residents, community groups, schools, recreational sporting groups and athletes.

“At its core, MSAC provides a place for people of all ages, backgrounds and sporting abilities, who have a common goal of improving or maintaining their health and wellbeing. We want people to be excited about sport, engage in healthy activity, and feel inspired to be their best.

“A lot has happened to improve the facilities and experiences in the past couple of years, and the open day was a chance for people to come back and try everything again.”   

Since opening, MSAC has built itself into an internationally renowned facility and essential component within Victoria’s aquatic, fitness, recreation, sport and wellness scene having hosted some of Victoria’s most memorable sporting moments over its 21 years, including events during the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships.

Acknowledging the milestone, Victorian Minister for Sport, John Eren advised that the “Government is proud of the role it has played supporting the centre and ensuring it remains a world class facility.

“Our investment in recent years has focused not only on attracting the big events but improving access for people with a disability and investing in women’s sport and participation.”

Images: Mack Horton and Bianca Chatfield at MSAC's recent 21st anniversary celebrations (top) and youngsters enjoys MSAC's pool inflatables (below).