What to expect from the Rod Laver Arena crowd?

Melbournians take their sport very seriously so for any event at the RLA, you can expect a very knowledgeable crowd. If there is an Australian playing in the tennis, hopefully you're not sitting next to the 'Fanatics' who are the self-proclaimed Aussie supporter base…Oi Oi Oi! The other 99% of the crowd hate them!

Best restaurants near Rod Laver Arena?

Take your pick in Melbourne! For a taste of Spain, head to MoVida in Hosier Lane. It's tapas tapas tapas here, all created and served full of flavor and with a bit of Spanish flair. Washed down with a 'cerveza' or 'blanco', MoVida is a great place to start or end your night.

Best Insider tip at Rod Laver Arena?

Safety at Rod Laver Arena?

Security is at its strongest during the Australian Open Tennis Championships, with bag searches and metal detectors the norm now. There is a strong Police and private security presence for all major events.

Rod Laver Arena seating?

Like so many of Melbourne's stadiums and arenas, it depends on what sport is being played there. During the Australian Open, you need to be wary of sitting out in the sun. RLA is one of those venues that it doesn't really matter if you end up in the upper tiers as the view is still sensational. For value, aim for bays 44/45. They're right next to the more expensive tickets, with pretty much the same view.

Rod Laver Arena parking?

Like parking for neighboring Hisense Arena, you can pre-book parking online to save some coin if you want to park at the multi-level parking there. Best tip, particularly if your event is in the evening, is to stalk a park on Alexandra Avenue or Boathouse Drive which is free after 7pm. Unusual for being so close to the city! 

Best Bars near Rod Laver Arena?

Transport Bar located at Federation Square has been a common meeting place for fans heading to Rod Laver Arena, or any of the 3 other world class venues in the Olympic Park Sporting Precinct (MCG, Hisense Arena, and AAMI Park). Perfectly setup for the sporting fan with heaps of screens throughout, there are also a couple of outdoor areas to soak up some, sun. The food is good portions (the Chicken Parma is as good as any), and there are plenty of drink selections too.

Things to check out around Rod Laver Arena?

There's tonnes to do in and around Melbourne. If you haven't got time to head down to Phillip Island to check out the Penguin Parade, head to St Kilda pier (about 5kms from the CBD) where fairy penguins have created a colony in the rocks of the pier. They come in to nest at dusk which is the best viewing time. Grab a bite to eat on Acland Street in St Kilda beforehand, and get the mandatory photograph in front of the iconic Luna Park.

Directions to Rod Laver Arena?

There are a number of different ways to get to RLA. If you don't want to walk through Birrarung Marr, you can get Tram 70 (Wattle Park) from outside of Flinders Street Station which will drop you right at the gate.

Stores to hit up at Rod Laver Arena?

Best Food and Drink at Rod Laver Arena?

The Arena Café is connected to Rod Laver and has gourmet pizza, pasta, and other bistro favorites on the menu. There is also all your normal food and drink on the concourse level. During the Australian Open, the food and drink options grow exponentially and you can pretty much chose whatever you want! A trip to the Australian Open is never complete without having a beer at the Heineken Bar too.