Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena
4.5
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- Paul LHallam, Australia998 contributionsExcellent venueAn excellent venue for sport or other entertainment this place is within walking distance of the Melbourne CBD unless you aren't so mobile but there are trams that go very close to it as well. The place has all the conveniences you'd expect of a modern construction and when used for tennis or other sports there is no issue with visibility. Every time I've been the staff have been pleasant and the atmosphere us usually pretty good.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten October 14, 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,535 contributionsHero of an eraThe Rod Laver Arena is one of the main stadiums in Melbourne Park, the center-court for the Australian Open Tennis Tournament. Rod Laver is regarded as the greatest singles player on the post-war era. He was a pioneer of open tennis.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 20, 2023
- Mairwen1United Kingdom11,165 contributionsCentre-Court for the Australian Open Grand SlamRod Laver Arena is the largest of the stadiums that make up the Melbourne Park sporting precinct and is centre-court for the annual Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament. All the final big matches are played here. Unlike some of the smaller, outdoor courts, Rod Laver seating is reserved so the general ground pass won’t get you in here. Seat prices vary enormously and depend upon on the seat position, the day and the round. As you’d expect in a big arena, some of the some of the seating is relatively distant. Other seats cop the full brunt of the sun. However the AO website has a really handy floorpan of the stadium with a guide to the shaded and unshaded seats. Overall, I prefer Margaret Court Arena because its smaller and you feel that you are right up close to the action. Getting to the arena is easy from the CBD. It’s within easy walking distance and is well served by public transport (trams around the city are free over the Australian Open period). We had a brilliant week in January, staying in the city centre, walking to and from the tennis each day and making the most of Melbourne’s wonderful foodie scene at night. For those interested in tennis history, Garden Square and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame are right out the front of Rod Laver. The open, park-like space has a central fountain, a big screen and bronze busts of all the tennis greats. Rod Laver of course is there. Ranked #1 in the world for five years in a row, from 1965 to 1969, he won a record 200 tournaments, including 11 Grand Slam singles titles.Visited January 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,562 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
436
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69
Poor
20
Terrible
25
Connie W
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The title says it all. While Rod Laver Arena is closed due to redevelopment, having to pay full price only to see the women's change room, player services and lounge rooms, Margaret Court Arena which was half set up for an upcoming stage production, NO Walk of Champions, early round courts, court 3 were part of the tour. The tour guide focused on talking about redevelopment and no interesting or funny player stories.He spent a good portion of the time looking at his smart watch or phone. Add to that as the tour group were to enter Margaret Court Arena two people standing outside joined, asked if they should pay and the guide allowed them to join without paying since it was at the end of the tour. So glad we paid full price to endure the boring tour which ended with finally seeing a court for non-payers to get in as well. Feedback to the front desk was useless. If your main attraction is closed, don't bother with the tour but it always boils down to a cash grab.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lofi114
Melbourne, Australia138 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
It wasn’t enough that we paid $500 per ticket, my husband was charged $12.50 for a can of beer and $17.00 for a small pizza. The pizza base was rubbery, 3 pieces of salami scattered on top and half a mushroom! Is this the kind of image we want our visitors to tell family and friends of their experience at the Australian Tennis Open! We were told at the security screening point that cans weren’t allowed for safety reasons. Why were cans sold at the boutique brewery onsite? Tennis Australia should try the food and see if they would be happy to pay for it!!! Its not just about the tennis that Tennis Australia is promoting, its the whole of Australia!!!!!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobSt23
Sydney, Australia618 contributions
Jan 2020
The tennis was great, the location is handy to the city and the refurbished seats were good enough. But the food within the stadium during the tennis was of very poor quality. We didn't actually buy any as we saw what other people had bought - every meal looked so dry, either overcooked or left out too long. The queues were also a disincentive. As you'd expect the prices were also way too high. My other gripe is the inability to be able to buy lower level tickets right from the first day of availability. It's similar to footy finals where it seems you can only buy nosebleed section tickets if you're just Joe Public. So while I can't blame Rod Laver Arena the venue for any of this, it's still the events that attract the visitors so my rating stands.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marie t
Brisbane, Australia124 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Rod Laver arena has padded seats, drink holders and more leg space than Margaret Court arena. The Australian Open tennis event attracts nearly 100,000 people per day. There is a terrible shortage of toilets and when you do find them, nearly all are down about 50 steps! It is not a user friendly venue for older people as the Melb arena is way over the back. Good luck getting into an outside court with a ground pass! I've been going to the January event since 1987 but after this year's experience, not in a hurry to return. The food quality is poor for the price you pay and mostly all fried & unhealthy. Drink prices not cheap either. Easier and better viewing to watch it on tv
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,165 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Rod Laver Arena is the largest of the stadiums that make up the Melbourne Park sporting precinct and is centre-court for the annual Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament. All the final big matches are played here.
Unlike some of the smaller, outdoor courts, Rod Laver seating is reserved so the general ground pass won’t get you in here. Seat prices vary enormously and depend upon on the seat position, the day and the round.
As you’d expect in a big arena, some of the some of the seating is relatively distant. Other seats cop the full brunt of the sun. However the AO website has a really handy floorpan of the stadium with a guide to the shaded and unshaded seats.
Overall, I prefer Margaret Court Arena because its smaller and you feel that you are right up close to the action.
Getting to the arena is easy from the CBD. It’s within easy walking distance and is well served by public transport (trams around the city are free over the Australian Open period). We had a brilliant week in January, staying in the city centre, walking to and from the tennis each day and making the most of Melbourne’s wonderful foodie scene at night.
For those interested in tennis history, Garden Square and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame are right out the front of Rod Laver. The open, park-like space has a central fountain, a big screen and bronze busts of all the tennis greats.
Rod Laver of course is there. Ranked #1 in the world for five years in a row, from 1965 to 1969, he won a record 200 tournaments, including 11 Grand Slam singles titles.
Unlike some of the smaller, outdoor courts, Rod Laver seating is reserved so the general ground pass won’t get you in here. Seat prices vary enormously and depend upon on the seat position, the day and the round.
As you’d expect in a big arena, some of the some of the seating is relatively distant. Other seats cop the full brunt of the sun. However the AO website has a really handy floorpan of the stadium with a guide to the shaded and unshaded seats.
Overall, I prefer Margaret Court Arena because its smaller and you feel that you are right up close to the action.
Getting to the arena is easy from the CBD. It’s within easy walking distance and is well served by public transport (trams around the city are free over the Australian Open period). We had a brilliant week in January, staying in the city centre, walking to and from the tennis each day and making the most of Melbourne’s wonderful foodie scene at night.
For those interested in tennis history, Garden Square and the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame are right out the front of Rod Laver. The open, park-like space has a central fountain, a big screen and bronze busts of all the tennis greats.
Rod Laver of course is there. Ranked #1 in the world for five years in a row, from 1965 to 1969, he won a record 200 tournaments, including 11 Grand Slam singles titles.
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona K
Kingaroy, Australia109 contributions
Jan 2020
Have been going to the Australian Open tennis since 2006 and this year was just as good as all the other times.
Was great to see so many Australian players on the court and the crowds showing their support for them too.
We were very lucky to see Ash Barty play the first Monday night on Rod Laver and she didn't disappoint us either.
The only thing that did disappoint was the amount of people just standing around near the food outlets making it very hard at times to purchase food.
Was great to see so many Australian players on the court and the crowds showing their support for them too.
We were very lucky to see Ash Barty play the first Monday night on Rod Laver and she didn't disappoint us either.
The only thing that did disappoint was the amount of people just standing around near the food outlets making it very hard at times to purchase food.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madnurse
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
Feb 2020
A great Venue for concerts, sport, theatre etc I have seen so many events here over the years. Its got great views of the action from almost every area.. Tennis was fantastic, plenty of things to see and do before the game. Great food options were available during the tennis with local restaurants setting up onsite. Great shopping with many many options and free entertainment on lawn and the big screen.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelvin
Singapore, Singapore93 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Was there to watch Australian Open. The arena was huge and airy. It had quite a few eateries to choose from, ranging from pizza to chips, burgers - Usual finger and fast food.
Plenty of toilets. And seats were pretty comfortable.
Staff there were helpful.
The roof opened during the evening matches, making the whole experience very special. It can be abit noisy when helicopters hover over it.
The rod laver statute outside the arena makes it Special for tennis players and fans.
Plenty of toilets. And seats were pretty comfortable.
Staff there were helpful.
The roof opened during the evening matches, making the whole experience very special. It can be abit noisy when helicopters hover over it.
The rod laver statute outside the arena makes it Special for tennis players and fans.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheHighlander2015
Sydney, Australia241 contributions
Jan 2022
First time back at the open since Covid enforced travel break.
Great reno on the main stadium.
The quality of food drink and services of the entire venue is really approaching world leading now.
A few more outlets in the food area to reduce some hefty queues would be the only suggestion.
Great reno on the main stadium.
The quality of food drink and services of the entire venue is really approaching world leading now.
A few more outlets in the food area to reduce some hefty queues would be the only suggestion.
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed D
Swansea, UK629 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
First time at Arena to see Rod Stewart concert. Seems smaller than when watching Australian Open Tennis final on TV but impressive arena. Comfortable seats and really good management of entry and exit and sale of food and drink - for a reasonably large place so easy to buy a drink albeit card only. Entry to Arena seating well signposted and even at end of full arena exit was simple. Very impressive arena with very impressive crowd management.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a hotel on Flinders Street 1.5 km from Rod Laver arena, and tickets to a couple evening sessions. Is it deemed safe to walk to and from our hotel at all times of the night? Or is a cab the recommended option. Thanks!
Written January 3, 2023
Hi there, we used the tram to get to the arena and walked back along with the crowds from the concert. We felt totally safe getting back to our hotel. Have a great time, we absolutely love Melbourne.
Written January 4, 2023
Maps26950251185
Ballarat, Australia
Is there a place we can store bags before entering the arena as we cannot bring them in?
Written August 2, 2022
I contacted tennis australia and they say there is no storage space at the arena, and they do not anticipate adding space for the 2023 open. They suggest you hire space at a local hotel, or hire a car park. I have tried contacting southern cross station, but their phone is out of order. The pullman hotel is close to the arena. However, they are likely to be heavily booked, si it would making inquiries early.
Written August 4, 2022
Quite concerned as I’m very claustrophobic and my seating for the Aus Open is not aisle seating. Requested it, but didn’t get it.
We are sitting in section 36. Can anyone tell me if the seats are roomy and if there is plenty of room between the seats in front?
I’m worried already that I may not be able to hack it.
Written January 23, 2020
the tennis firstly is amazing, hope that you can go and enjoyit.
i too am claustrophobic, and have no troubles with the seating, of course seats are close, as in side by side, and there is enough room for your knees ....i have been to the tennis heaps of times and always have a backpack and stow that under my seat.
give it a go, you will love it and if not there is always heaps to do outside, go find the outside training courts where the players warm up....lots to do ...have fun
God bless
Written January 24, 2020
Has anyone sat in section 29 [at the Australian open] Row MM.I would like to know how much the view is affected...as it is showing obstructed view
Written October 9, 2019
if it is saying its obstructed, look for another seat.
you pay good money for your tickets and you dont want to be looking at a post.' :(
I have many times sat in double lettered seats at the tennis and you get a good view. Make sure that you get seats not in the sun!!
it can be very uncomfortable on a stinking hot day
Written October 9, 2019
Que lugares son mejores para ver el tenis en el estadio Rod Laver por el sol? Cuéntenme para saber donde comprar tickets
Written October 7, 2019
Wir sind im November in Melbourne und möchten nur das Stadion besichtigen, am liebsten eine geführte Tour 1-2 Std. Ist das möglich und wo gibt’s Tickets?
Written October 7, 2019
So sorry I am unable to translate your question
Written October 20, 2019
Go to a night session and remove the issue of the sun
Written October 9, 2019
Best way to get there by public transport from Balwyn north
Written August 13, 2019
Get to Flinders St then catch the tram down to Rod Laver Arena from Flinders St tram stop outside the station. Tram staff will trll you which one to catch
Written August 13, 2019
Are seats sold as “upper sun” ok for evening tennis matches starting at 7pm? I understand they might be uncomfortable in the full sun of the day but wound they be bearable for a night match?
Written July 26, 2019
It got to be about 110 degrees when I was there in January.
I do not recommend sitting in the sun while it is out. Sometimes the official will close the roof but, it is their choice.
Written July 26, 2019
They have so many arenas that I saw no lines ever...you just walk in... to get into the main gates is incredibly swift compared to the US Open. Most of the people were drinking and eating outside the arenas and partying on the lawns in front of the big screens. This is our third Grand Slam and we liked it the best!
Written June 17, 2019
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