John Cain Arena
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 during the 2016 Australian Open | |
| Former names | Melbourne Multi Purpose Venue (planning/construction) (2006) Vodafone Arena (2000–2008) Hisense Arena (2008–2018) Melbourne Arena (2018–2020) |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Olympic Blvd Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia |
| Location | Melbourne Park |
| Coordinates | 37°49′22″S 144°58′54″E |
| Owner | Government of Victoria |
| Operator | Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust |
| Capacity | 10,300 |
| Surface | GreenSet (tennis) Hardwood (basketball) (netball) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1999 |
| Opened | 27 July 2000 |
| Construction cost | A$65 million |
| Architect | Peddle Thorp |
| General contractor | Theiss 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 | |
The arena has sometimes been dubbed "The People's Court" during Australian Open matches, owing to its accessiblity 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, with the arena developing a reputation for being an incredibly passionate venue with a terrific atmosphere, particularly when Australians are playing on the court.