AIA Centre

Originally built as the aquatic venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, the AIA Centre, as it is now known as, serves as the training and administration base of the Collingwood Football Club. It has done so since 2003 when the venue received a major redevelopment, and again in 2012/13. Prior to this, the venue was officially known as the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre and The Glasshouse, serving as Melbourne's primary indoor arena before Rod Laver Arena opened, hosting events such as basketball, netball and concerts.

The building was remodelled internally in 2003 to become a new Sports Administration and Training Centre for the Magpies, offering efficient operational and athlete services, including a 25m swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, theatrette, and administration offices. The glass on the external two grandstand sides of the building was also removed to revert the building back to its original 1956 design.

The venue was originally constructed for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games in which it was the first ever Olympic Pool to have a roof. After the Games, the venue became the Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre, with the pool covered over, and playing host to a variety of indoor events. Often referred to as 'The Glasshouse' following renovations in 1983, the 7,500-seat venue was the home of Basketball in Melbourne. Former-NBL team the North Melbourne Giants continued to call the venue home following the opening of the National Tennis Centre which became the new headquarters of Basketball.

The venue was officially renamed the AIA Centre in March 2022, the latest commercial name for the iconic venue. Previously, it has also been known as the Holden Centre, Westpac Centre and Lexus Centre. The AIA Centre name incorporates the adjacent Olympic Park Oval which is the training ground for the Collingwood Football Club.

AIA Centre Details

Location
Address
Corner Swan Street and Batman Avenue, Richmond GET DIRECTIONS
Highest Crowd since 2003
 
Lights
Yes
Arena Roof
Yes
Video Screen
No
Opened
1956
Redeveloped
2013
Former/Other Names
Olympic Swimming Stadium
Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre
The Glasshouse
Lexus Centre
Westpac Centre
Holden Centre
Sports Played
 
Historic Events
Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games
Last Event
 
Next Event
 
Accommodation
See hotels near AIA Centre VIEW ACCOMMODATION
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Information about AIA Centre (The Glasshouse) in Melbourne including venue layout, history, records, events, map, tickets, directions and accommodation.
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