Calls grow for new 20,000 capacity Melbourne arena

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Leading entertainment and sporting figures are calling for a new 20,000-seat arena to be built in Melbourne if the Australian city is to remain a world leader in major live events.

The Herald Sun said the campaign is being led by Live Nation Australia president Roger Field, former Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Healy and Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece.

The group argue that Melbourne lacks a suitably sized, modern venue for concerts and sporting events.

The proposed arena would sit between Melbourne’s existing large stadiums and smaller entertainment venues, catering for events that do not require the capacity of venues such as Marvel Stadium, the MCG or Rod Laver Arena.

Melbourne Park has been suggested as one potential location, while Fishermans Bend has also been put forward as an alternative.

The group say that Melbourne’s major venues are increasingly busy, particularly as demand for live music, sport and international events grows.

A 20,000-person indoor venue could host concerts, basketball, tennis, combat sports, esports and other events throughout the year.

The industry believes a purpose-built arena would help Melbourne compete with Sydney, Brisbane and other cities for major tours and sporting competitions.

An indoor venue would also provide greater protection against Melbourne’s unpredictable weather and could offer more suitable acoustics and production infrastructure than large outdoor stadiums.

The proposal is framed as an industry and tourism investment, rather than simply a new sporting ground.

The calls reflect a wider concern that Melbourne’s venue infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth and the expansion of the live-events market.
 

Key learnings

The central issue is a capacity gap. Melbourne has very large stadiums and a range of smaller venues, but there is insufficient supply in the middle: a venue large enough for major concerts and televised sport, but smaller and more economical than the city’s biggest stadiums.

Rod Laver Arena remains the city’s premier indoor venue, accommodating around 15,000 spectators for sport and serving as centre court for the Australian Open, as well as hosting concerts and other major events.

Adjacent to Rod Laver Arena is is John Cain Arena with a capacity of 10,300. It is home to NBL clubs Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The smaller 7,500-capacity Margaret Court Arena provides another indoor venue within the Melbourne Park precinct.
 

Modern venues

Another point is that venue design matters. Promoters need spaces with modern backstage facilities, loading access, flexible seating, strong acoustics and year-round usability.

A purpose-built indoor arena could make events easier and cheaper to stage than adapting venues designed primarily for football or cricket.

The proposal also highlights the competition between Australian cities for major events. Landing international artists, tournaments and other large-scale productions can generate visitor spending and strengthen Melbourne’s reputation as an events destination.

Supporters say the project would help Melbourne attract more international events and address growing demand from audiences and promoters.

They also see it as part of a broader need to renew the city’s events infrastructure and ensure Melbourne remains competitive with other Australian capitals.

However, the city is up against fierce competition from across the country. A 17,000-seat arena progressing in Brisbane and an up to15,000-seat venue is planned for the Gold Coast.

Plans are in for a 12,000-seat arena in Newcastle and a new 9,500-seat arena has been proposed for Wollongong.

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