Ken Rosewall Arena, located within the sprawling Sydney Olympic Park, is a world-class multi-purpose venue primarily known as the centerpiece for major Australian tennis tournaments. Named in honor of the Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall, the arena is a modern landmark celebrated for its state-of-the-art facilities and its ability to host diverse events, from international sports competitions to major concerts. It stands as a testament to Sydney’s commitment to premier sporting infrastructure.
History and Design
The arena was originally constructed as part of the massive infrastructure project for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. It served as the secondary venue for tennis events during the Games. Following the Olympics, the arena was the permanent home for the Sydney International tennis tournament until the event ceased operations in 2022.
Its design is notable for combining a world-class court with a fan-friendly atmosphere. In 2019, the arena underwent a significant $50.5 million redevelopment, transforming it into a cutting-edge venue. The key feature of this upgrade is the new cable-tensioned roof, a visually striking and technically sophisticated structure that provides shade and rain protection, ensuring continuous play and enhancing the spectator experience regardless of the weather. The roof dramatically improved the arena’s flexibility for hosting non-sporting events.
Major Events Hosted
While its primary purpose is to host professional tennis, Ken Rosewall Arena has demonstrated its versatility by hosting a variety of major events.
- 2000 Sydney Olympic Games: Served as a key venue for the tennis competition.
- United Cup: Hosts matches for the opening of the international mixed-team tennis tournament, marking the beginning of the global tennis season.
- Sydney International: The historical primary venue for the long-running professional tennis event on the ATP and WTA tours, which ceased operations in 2022.
- Netball: Hosts major netball fixtures, serving as the primary home court for the Giants Netball team in the Super Netball league. It also hosts matches for the Australian Diamonds national team.
- Concerts and Entertainment: The venue is frequently adapted to host major music festivals, large-scale entertainment shows, and corporate events, leveraging its capacity and new retractable roof.
Key Information
Official Name: Ken Rosewall Arena
Location: Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia
Opened: 1999 (Reopened after major upgrade in 2020)
Capacity: 10,500
Primary Tenant: Tennis events, (primarily the United Cup) and Giants Netball.
Address: Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Getting to Ken Rosewall Arena
Ken Rosewall Arena is part of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, which is located approximately 14 km west of the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). It is exceptionally well-served by public transport.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Sydney Airport (SYD). From the airport, the most direct way to Olympic Park is via a combination of train services (T8 line, changing at Central, to the T7 line).
- By Train: The most reliable and recommended way to get to the arena is by train. Take a train directly to Olympic Park Station. The arena is a short and clearly signposted walk from the station.
- By Bus: Several regular bus routes service the Sydney Olympic Park area, especially on non-major event days. Check the Transport for NSW website for the best route from your location.
- By Car & Parking: Ample parking is available throughout the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, though it is usually paid parking. On major event days, pre-booking parking is highly recommended as traffic and parking can be congested. Follow signage upon arrival.
Tickets & Tours at Ken Rosewall Arena
Tennis Tickets (United Cup)
Tickets for major tennis events like the United Cup are typically sold through the official tournament website or authorised ticketing partner, Ticketmaster. For the United Cup, tickets can be found directly on Ticketmaster. It is highly recommended to book early, especially for finals or sessions featuring top-ranked players.
Netball Tickets (Giants Netball)
Tickets for Giants Netball matches are exclusively available through the authorised ticketing partner, Ticketmaster. You can find tickets here.
Tours
Due to its nature as a central sports venue within a large public park, dedicated guided stadium tours are not frequently available to the public outside of organized event periods. Visitors can, however, explore the public areas of the Sydney Olympic Park precinct surrounding the arena freely. Check the official Sydney Olympic Park website for any potential event-specific or venue-specific tours.
Where to Stay Near Ken Rosewall Arena
Staying in the immediate Sydney Olympic Park precinct is the most convenient option, offering several hotels within walking distance of the arena and public transport links. Alternatively, staying in the Parramatta area offers a wider variety of dining and entertainment options with a short train ride to the arena. The Sydney CBD is also an option, though it requires a longer commute.
- Booking Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Book your accommodation and tickets well in advance, particularly if your visit coincides with major tennis tournaments or other large stadium events.
- Use Public Transport: Prioritize accommodation with easy access to the Olympic Park train line, as this is the most efficient travel method on event days.
- Review Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Ken Rosewall Arena
- Official Sydney Olympic Park Website
- Transport for NSW (Train and Bus Information)
- Official United Cup Website
- Official Giants Netball Website
- Ticketmaster Australia
We hope this guide helps you have an incredible experience at Ken Rosewall Arena!
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by Sports Tourist