Rod Laver Arena — Attraction in Melbourne

I’ve been to Rod Laver Arena many times over the years, it’s been a staple of Victoria’s entertainment scene since I was a kid. My most recent visit was in May 2024 when I scored some last minute tickets to see Birdy and Niall Horan on tour. I was absolutely stoked, being a big fan of both artists, and decided to head in early to soak up the atmosphere before the show.

Getting to the arena was a breeze. I took the train to Richmond Station, which is just a short walk from the venue. You can also catch a tram from a few directions, making it super accessible from most parts of Melbourne. There’s also a paid parking structure nearby if you’re looking to drive in along with more paid structures in the CBD. Entry was straightforward, I scanned my ticket and was bag checked on the way in. Luckily I checked what was allowed into the venue before arriving but I saw a few people throwing things out at the entrance. I’d recommend checking yourself what’s allowed which should be available online.

Outside the venue, there were merch stalls, and even more inside, with heaps on offer. The foyer was decked out with fun displays where you could take photos or play games to win merch or drinks. I had a go at one of the machines, a wind chamber where paper blows around you and you have to grab the right one to win a prize. I was lucky enough to score myself a free Pepsi who were sponsoring the tour. It was a lot of fun! I grabbed some chips from the food court (nothing special but they hit the spot), and there were plenty of other food options available, though as you’d expect, prices were on the higher side for a big venue like this.

Inside the arena, I was seated up in the nosebleeds. With my eyesight, the view was a bit blurry, but I still loved being there and soaking up the energy. After watching Birdy from my original seat, I chatted with the staff, who were so supportive and helped me move to a vacant spot since I was on my own. They even took a photo for me which was such a nice gesture! For Niall’s set, I ended up side stage with a fantastic view. The sound was brilliant with no technical issues, and the lighting really brought the performance to life, pairing beautifully with the music.

Leaving the arena was the usual hustle, with everyone funnelling out at the same time. The staff did a great job guiding us towards the exits, but of course it was still a bit stop start, which is pretty standard after a big show. Merch stalls were still open, but the food vendors had closed by then (around 11pm), which made sense. I headed back to the station from there.

Overall, I really enjoy Rod Laver Arena as an entertainment venue. It’s a huge part of Melbourne’s entertainment scene, hosting everything from the Australian Open to big-name concerts. While it’s a fantastic place to catch a show, it’s not the most unique venue. It looks and feels similar to other large entertainment complexes around Australia. When it’s not packed, the size can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re seated way up high, so I’d recommend planning your seating arrangements carefully. That said, it’s an excellent place to experience live music and support artists in Melbourne. I’d definitely recommend booking tickets to see a show here, even if it doesn’t have the charm of some of Melbourne’s more classic...

Rod Laver Arena – Melbourne’s Iconic Entertainment Venue

Rod Laver Arena is one of Melbourne’s most famous venues, known for hosting world-class sporting events, concerts, and entertainment shows. Located in Melbourne Park, just a short walk from the city center, it is best known as the main venue for the Australian Open tennis tournament. However, it also regularly hosts international music artists, comedy acts, and other major events.

Venue and Atmosphere

Rod Laver Arena offers a fantastic atmosphere for any event. The venue is well-designed, with a retractable roof that allows for events in all weather conditions. The seating layout ensures that most attendees have a great view of the stage or court, although some upper-level seats can feel a bit far from the action.

The acoustics are impressive, making it a top choice for concerts. Whether it’s a packed tennis match or a sold-out show by artists like Taylor Swift or Drake, the energy inside the arena is electric.

Seating and Comfort

The arena has a seating capacity of around 15,000, providing options for various budgets. The premium seats offer an excellent view and comfortable spacing, while the general seating areas are decent but can feel a bit cramped during long events.

Some recent renovations have improved the experience, but a few attendees have mentioned that certain structural changes have slightly obstructed views in some sections. Checking the seating map before purchasing tickets is recommended.

Food and Facilities

Rod Laver Arena offers a good selection of food and beverage options, including fast food, snacks, and drinks. Prices are on the higher side, which is typical for a major venue, but the quality is decent. There are also several bars and lounge areas for pre-event drinks.

Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, although lines can get long during peak times. The venue also has accessible seating and facilities for people with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Transport and Parking

Getting to Rod Laver Arena is easy, with multiple public transport options available. The arena is within walking distance from Flinders Street Station, and several tram stops are nearby. Parking is available but can be expensive and fills up quickly during major events. Public transport is the best option to avoid traffic and high parking fees.

Recent Events

Rod Laver Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. In February 2025, Bryan Adams performed two sold-out shows as part of his So Happy It Hurts tour, thrilling fans with his classic hits. Hip-hop superstar Drake also made headlines at the arena when he surprised two fans with $45,000 in cash during his Melbourne concert.

Final Verdict

Rod Laver Arena is a top-tier venue that delivers an unforgettable experience, whether you’re there for sports, music, or entertainment. While ticket prices and food costs can be high, the quality of events and the overall atmosphere make it worth it. If you’re visiting Melbourne, checking out an event at Rod Laver...

Have been attending concerts at Rod Laver Arena for nearly 40 years!! In that time it has had many changes which I'm sure have been done with purely the tennis in mind but for those of us who attend concerts only, II feel it has lost something or maybe i'm just being nostalgic as this evening, March 26, 2022 just saw Midnight Oil and last time i saw them at Rod Laver Arena was in the mid 80's! Still great venue and they have improved their food offerings to cater for the health conscious but the coffee well the decaf soy latte i had is better not discussed! If memory serves i have seen the following here: U2, David Bowie, The Eagles, Cher, Motley Crue, Spandau Ballet, Alice Cooper, Blur, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis The Corrs, Bryan Adams, The Eurythmics, Culture Club, Human League, Kylie, Madonna, Blondie, Pink, Beyonce, The Cure, Prince, Split Enz, Foo Fighters and more that I can't remember and I look forward to even more including KISS! Special mention to Amyl and The Sniffers who supported Midnight Oil, absolutely outstanding! So so good to hear Punk music in Rod Laver! 21.8 KISS! oh my you wanted the best....you got the best! 22.11 Crowded House, so set up was so low key you would have thought they were the support act! Anyway encore was highlight with guest appearance from Mark Seymour!. 23.2 Joe Sumner, Sting's son, his support and yes OK. Note had nachos there for first time and $13.20 good value, good portion size, would get again. Sting was brilliant! 9.9. Culture Club, fantastic, supported by Berlin, brilliant. OK George voice a bit creaky and croaky but by george it's good to see him. 6.11 The Corrs. I love Irish music. 26.11. Mushroom 50 concert, one of the best I've ever been to. 23.6.24 Jerry...