Melbourne Arena renamed John Cain Arena

Melbourne’s 10,300-capacity multi-purpose venue has officially been renamed John Cain Arena, in honour of former Victorian Premier the Hon John Cain.

Although announced back in February 2020, the venue officially changed its name on December 1 – the fourth name for the Melbourne Park venue since it opened 20 years ago.

John Cain’s vision to develop the then National Tennis Centre laid the foundations for the sports and entertainment precinct and shaped Melbourne as Australia’s home of sport and entertainment, securing the Australian Open in Melbourne for generations to come.

“We are proud to honour John Cain through John Cain Arena and look forward to celebrating his legacy through the hundreds of sporting and entertainment events hosted at the Arena each year,” said Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust Chairperson Patrick Flannigan.

“John Cain’s contribution to our precinct, city and State is immeasurable, and there is no more fitting tribute than his name shining brightly in the heart of our sports and entertainment precinct.”

Former Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust Chair Russell Caplan also reflected on his time working alongside John Cain.

“John Cain’s passion and tenacity, along with his core values of inclusion and fairness, were always evident in his approach to bringing this thriving, welcoming precinct to life.”

The venue opened in 2000 as Vodafone Arena and since then, has been known as Hisense Arena and most recently, Melbourne Arena. During the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, it was known non-commercially as the Multi Purpose Venue.

The re-branding of the Arena including internal and external signage is in progress and is due for completion this month.

John Cain Arena will welcome fans once again for the 2021 Australian Open which has been delayed until February 8.