New roof on Margaret Court Arena will ‘weatherproof’ the Australian Open

The addition of Margaret Court Arena (MCA) as a third retractable-roof stadium at Melbourne Park will officially ‘weatherproof’ the Australian Open, according to Tennis Australia Chief Executive Craig Tiley.

Outlining plans for the 2015 tournament, Tiley explained “plans for Australian Open 2015 are well underway and we look forward to unveiling the new MCA, which promises to be one of the finest tennis stadiums in the world.”

New initiatives announced for Australian Open 2015 include the ticketing of Margaret Court Arena, with ground pass holders gaining access to more than 9,500 general admission seats at Hisense Arena.

Tiley added “the retractable roof at MCA, along with ground pass entry for fans at Hisense, will ensure more fans than ever before have access to uninterrupted tennis action, whatever the weather.

“The redevelopment and stadium upgrades mean we could technically complete all Australian Open matches even with a fortnight of solid rain.

“We are very proud to lead the way in world tennis as the only Grand Slam with three retractable roof venues, and MCA will feature what we believe to be the world’s fastest moving stadium roof, which will open or close in just five minutes.

“We had a taste of MCA’s intimate atmosphere this year and with an extra 2500 seats next year it promises to be electric. We want to ensure as many fans as possible have access to the MCA matches, and by ticketing the venue patrons can plan their AO experience well in advance.”

New initiatives for the 2015 Australian Open include:

• More than 9,500 stadium seats in Hisense Arena accessible with a Ground Pass for the first eight days

• New look Margaret Court Arena (MCA) ticketed from days one to eight, with six night Sessions

• The majority of Rod Laver Arena sessions at 2014 prices, including Men’s and Women’s finals.

Margaret Court Arena, with the stunning new roof and now total crowd capacity of 7300, is the final piece in Stage One of the Victorian Government’s $366 million redevelopment of Melbourne Park.

Additional benefits for tennis fans include:

• More than 3,200 metres2 of shade around the MCA concourse level

• Increased shaded areas within the MCA stadium

• Uninterrupted match play on MCA in all weather conditions

• Upgraded retail and food and beverage outlets at MCA

• Upgraded amenities in Rod Laver Arena

Stage Two of the Melbourne Park redevelopment was announced in January and includes a major refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena, a new city access bridge from Birrarung Marr and broadcast and administration buildings.

The project is currently in the planning and design stage.

9th March 2014 - PROCUREMENT BEGINS FOR SECOND STAGE OF MELBOURNE PARK REDEVELOPMENT 

13th Janaury 2014 - $338 MILLION FOR NEXT STAGE UPGRADE OF MELBOURNE PARK 

20th January 2012 - NEW DESIGN FOR MELBOURNE PARK’S WESTERN PRECINCT

6th May 2010 - MELBOURNE PARK DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY