Rod Laver Arena Stadium
Description:
Rod Laver Arena is a beautiful tennis stadium that is part of Melbourne Park. Since 1988, it has been the main venue for the Australian Open, replacing Kooyong Stadium.
The arena has a sliding roof and allows competitions to be held regardless of rain or heat. In addition to tennis, motorcycle races, music concerts, conferences, and ballets are held here. The Rod Laver Arena was the center of the water sports competition, which took place from March 17 to April 1, 2007. A temporary swimming pool was installed here, named Susie Pool, in honor of Susie O'Neill, a famous swimming champion.
From 1988 to 2007, the arena court featured the Rebound Ace surface painted green. But at the Australian Open, many athletes complained that they were injured because she became sticky in hot weather. In 2008, the surface was changed to Plexicushion, which has a blue color. It is close in properties to the DecoTurf surface used at the US Open.