John Cain Arena

John Cain Arena
The arena during the 2016 Australian Open
Map
Former namesMelbourne Multi Purpose Venue (planning/construction) (2006)
Vodafone Arena (2000–2008)
Hisense Arena (2008–2018)
Melbourne Arena (2018–2020)
Address35 Olympic Blvd
Melbourne VIC 3004
Australia
LocationMelbourne Park
Coordinates37°49′22″S 144°58′54″E / 37.82278°S 144.98167°E / -37.82278; 144.98167
OwnerGovernment of Victoria
OperatorMelbourne and Olympic Park Trust
Capacity10,300[2]
SurfaceGreenSet (tennis)
Hardwood (basketball) (netball)
Construction
Broke ground1999
Opened27 July 2000
Construction costA$65 million[1]
ArchitectPeddle Thorp
General contractorTheiss Construction
Tenants
Basketball
Melbourne United (NBL) 2000–2002, 2012–present
South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL) 2019–present
South Dragons (NBL) 2006–2009
Victoria Giants (NBL) 2000–2004
Netball
Melbourne Vixens (ANZ/SSN) 2008–present
Melbourne Mavericks (SSN) 2024–present
Collingwood Magpies (SSN) 2017–2023
Tennis
Australian Open (Tennis) 2001–present
Website
Venue Website

John Cain Arena is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena located within Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the second-largest venue and show court for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam professional tennis tournament held each calendar year. The arena also hosts various other sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.

The arena has sometimes been dubbed "The People's Court" during Australian Open matches, owing to its accessibility for Australian Open patrons with a ground pass (i.e. the cheapest form of ticketing available) and the close proximity of spectators to the players,[3][4] with the arena developing a reputation for being an incredibly passionate venue with a terrific atmosphere, particularly when Australians are playing on the court.[5][6][7]

  1. ^ "History". Melbourne Arena. 1 June 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  2. ^ "John Cain Arena". Austadiums. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  3. ^ "'Absolutely awful': Kyrgios's beaten opponent shocked by crowd sledging, booing". ABC News. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  4. ^ "John Cain Arena's reign as 'the people's court' continues with exclusive Ground Pass access". ausopen.com. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  5. ^ "The people's court or the tennis court?". The Sydney Morning Herald. 1 February 2015.
  6. ^ "Andy Murray enjoyed 'great atmosphere' on Hisense". Eurosport. 20 January 2017.
  7. ^ Pentony, Luke (18 January 2024). "What Alex de Minaur can expect when he plays his next Australian Open match on John Cain Arena". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 27 January 2024.