Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre

The Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is a state-of-the-art facility located within the expansive Sydney Olympic Park precinct. The centrepiece is the Ken Rosewall Arena (KRA), a world-class stadium originally built for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. More than just a complex for tennis, the venue is a true multi-purpose arena, capable of hosting international tennis tournaments, major indoor sports, and large entertainment events, symbolizing Sydney’s enduring legacy as an Olympic host city.

History and Design

The centre was constructed specifically to host the tennis events of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. It was immediately recognized for its superior facilities and design. In recent years, the Ken Rosewall Arena underwent a significant $50 million redevelopment, transforming it into an even more versatile arena. The complex features numerous courts, including several dedicated match courts and a large number of outdoor and indoor courts for training and community use, making it one of the largest tennis facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

The innovative design feature of KRA is its new roof system, which is a striking cable-tension structure. This modern canopy provides full-weather protection, allowing events like the United Cup to continue regardless of rain or heat, and significantly enhances the venue’s ability to host indoor sports like netball year-round. The design maintains excellent sightlines while improving the atmosphere and comfort for all spectators.

Major Events Hosted

Since its opening, the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre has been a major hub for international sports and local competition.

2000 Sydney Olympic Games: Hosted all Olympic and Paralympic tennis competitions.
United Cup: Hosts matches for this major international mixed-gender tennis tournament (co-hosted with other Australian cities).
Giants Netball: Ken Rosewall Arena serves as the primary home court for the Giants Netball team during the Super Netball season.
NSW Swifts Netball: The arena is also frequently used by the NSW Swifts, the state’s other top-tier netball team.
Davis Cup and Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup): Has hosted numerous ties for the prestigious international team tennis competitions over the years.

Key Information

Official Name: Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre
Location: Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia
Opened: 1999
Capacity (Ken Rosewall Arena): 10,500 (Tennis/Indoor Sports Configuration)
Primary Tenant: United Cup (Major Event), Giants Netball (Primary Home Court)
Address: 2 Rod Laver Dr, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia

Contents

Getting to the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre

The Tennis Centre is centrally located within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, approximately 14 km west of the Sydney CBD. Public transport is highly recommended, especially during major events.

By Air: The closest major airport is Sydney Airport (SYD). From the airport, the most direct route is via a combination of train services (T8 line, changing at Central, to the T7 Olympic Park line).
By Train: The most reliable way to get to the arena is by train. Take a train directly to Olympic Park Station. The Tennis Centre/Ken Rosewall Arena is a short, approximately 10-minute, clearly signposted walk from the station.
By Bus: Several regular bus routes service the Sydney Olympic Park area. On major event days, specific event buses often run from key transport hubs across Sydney. Check the Transport for NSW website for details.
By Car & Parking: Ample paid parking is available throughout the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. On major event days, pre-booking parking is essential as spaces can fill up quickly and traffic is heavy.

Tickets & Tours at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre

Tennis Tickets (United Cup)

Tickets for the United Cup are available exclusively through the authorized ticketing partner, Ticketmaster. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

Netball Tickets (Giants Netball)

Tickets for Giants Netball home games at Ken Rosewall Arena are also available exclusively through Ticketmaster.

Tours

Dedicated guided tours of the facility are not regularly offered to the general public. However, the venue operates as a community tennis centre outside of major events, and you can book courts for public use via the Tennis NSW website.

Where to Stay Near the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre

Staying in the immediate Sydney Olympic Park precinct is the most convenient option, as it offers several hotels (such as the Novotel and Pullman) within walking distance of the arena and Olympic Park Station. This is ideal if your focus is primarily on attending an event. Alternatively, the nearby Parramatta area offers a wider choice of budget and luxury accommodations, along with extensive dining and nightlife, and is only a short train ride away.

Booking Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodation and tickets well in advance, especially during the United Cup or other major sporting events.
- Proximity to Train: Prioritize hotels with easy access to the Olympic Park train line, as it is the most efficient travel method on event days.
- Check Availability: Use reputable booking sites like TripAdvisor to find and compare hotel options in both Olympic Park and Parramatta.