Nb. Prior to 1 July 2008, Hisense Arena was known as Vodafone Arena.
Completed in 2000, Hisense Arena offers unparalleled flexibility for events and functions. This incredibly versatile venue boasts an ICU internationally accredited 250 metre cycling track, a Plexicushion tennis court used predominantly for the Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis Championship, concert quality acoustics, and innovative seating design that ensures spectators are close to the action at all times. Hisense Arena caters for all tastes, with 10 food and beverage outlets and 4 merchandise outlets within its expansive public space. The total area of Hisense Arena is 13,100 square metres, with a floor space of 2,760 square metres.
In 2006 NBL Basketball made a triumphant return to Hisense Arena with the newly formed South Dragons hosting their inaugural home game against Wollongong. The venue was a former home to the Melbourne Tigers, Victoria Giants and Victoria Titans basketball teams.
Overseen by the Victorian Government Office of Major Projects, the arena was designed by Peddle Thorp Architects and Planners and built by Theiss Constructions. The cycling track was designed by world-renowned track builder Ron Webb, an Australian and one of only two such experts in the world.
Distinctive features
Hisense Arena is the only venue in Melbourne to have been purpose built to suit a range of functions rather than adapting an existing single purpose structure. The latest technology was used to ensure that this arena is the most flexible and advanced of its type in Australia.
The arena boasts both a retractable roof and retractable, raiseable and removable seating. At the touch of a button the roof can open to transform the indoor Arena within ten minutes into an outdoor venue. To complete the transformation, seating can be raised to reveal the cycling track. The ease of reconfiguration ensures minimal turnaround times, allowing a maximum number of varying events to be held.
Hisense Arena has a maximum capacity of 10,500, depending on the seat configuration. Typical seating capacities are 9,400 for an end stage production, 4,700 in reduced or hall modes, 10,500 for concerts staged in the round and basketball/tennis matches, and 4,500 in velodrome mode.
The seating design is stunningly innovative. Permanent seating allows spectators to have close views of the thrills and spills at each event. The other seating is raiseable, retractable and removable, enabling the Arena to be completely altered in a short period of time.
The Velodrome
Hisense Arena’s indoor cycling track is a 250 metre circuit designed and constructed by world renowned track builder, Ron Webb. The track comprises 56 kilometres of Baltic pine strips secured with 360,000 nails. The 7 metre wide track features a bank incline of 42 degrees and is designed to produce fast times and exciting racing.
Patrons with Disabilities
(Hisense Arena has been designed to accommodate patrons with disabilities. A convenient pick-up and drop off point is located at the front of the venue. Ramps from Olympic Blvd (previously known as Swan St.) to the reception foyer allow convenient wheelchair access, and lifts located in each quadrant of the building provide access to all levels. Other features include disabled toilets on every level, wheelchair lift access from the tram stop, and Braille on buttons inside lifts.
Access
Avoid the traffic and catch public transport to events at Hisense Arena. The venue has its own tram stop (route 70), enabling patrons to be delivered right to the door. Richmond, Flinders Street and Jolimont train stations are within easy walking distance.
Functions
The "creative space" of Hisense Arena offers endless possibilities for entertaining. From a meeting for 10 to a sit-down dinner for 400 to a plenary session for 10,500, Hisense Arena has spaces that can be seamlessly transformed to suit your function.
Past Events
Hisense Arena has hosted an extensive range of world class sport and entertainment events. Competitions such as the Track Cycling World Championships, Australian Boomers Basketball and Commonwealth Games along with various Rock Concerts have all been performed in this versatile venue. Click Here to see a list of past public events held in Hisense Arena. |