New name for Melbourne’s Hisense Arena

The Victorian Government has announced that the Hisense Arena at Melbourne Park is to shed its naming rights to be known as the Melbourne Arena.

Coming just weeks before the city’s Etihad Stadium transitions to become the Marvel Stadium, the change of name appears to reflect that the Victorian Government has been unsuccessful in securing a new naming rights deal for the indoor arena – with the Hisense deal having expired last year.

However, in a statement, the Victorian Government has announced that the name change represents a five-year naming rights deal with Tennis Australia.

The press statement advises “the new name will ensure that when all the action is beamed around the globe, there’s no mistaking that the best of the best is staged in Melbourne, the world’s sporting capital.

“The re-naming is part of the ongoing redevelopment of Melbourne Park that the Labor Government is leading to ensure the entertainment precinct is the envy of the world.

"The redevelopment of the precinct has delivered better access via the new Tanderrum foot bridge, a new headquarters for Tennis Australia and Melbourne and Olympic Parks, and a major upgrade to both patron and artist facilities inside Rod Laver Arena.

“Construction of the new eastern annexe to Rod Laver Arena and a faster retractable roof is also on track for the Australian Open 2019, in addition to a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat show court arena, as well as a new function and media centre as part of the $271.55 million stage three redevelopment.

“Together, the new look and new name mean the Australian Open will remain in Melbourne until at least 2036, bolstering Melbourne’s status as Australia’s sporting capital.

“The renaming comes as Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust’s 10-year association with Hisense draws to a close.”

Earlier this year it was reported that Tennis Australia was looking to take on the management of the Melbourne and Olympic Park precinct.

Images: Tennis action at the former Hisense Arena (top) and the venue's new brand (below).