Rod Laver Arena

Given my sense of direction, I had to detour twice to finally get back on track to the Rod Laver Arena. I think I totally lost whatever little sense of direction here. Still, the detour and the "sufferings" that my feet and legs had to go through was worth it! More than worth it!

Throughout the guided tour inside, I can feel the buzz of the Australian Open going on, even though it was only the Wheelchair Grand Slam. I joined a group of Sports Management students for this guided tour, and their teachers were very nice to me. The guide said I had come a long way and I absolutely need to take a picture at the Press Table. So, I had a picture taken at the Press Conf area where the players faced the Press. I finally knew how they players felt, win or lose. This room was truly built for the Media. With the camera positions, mics and cables all taken into consideration! Whow!! The Aussies ARE serious about their sports.

The retractable roof in the main court needs 27 minutes to open or close. And a trip into the commentator booth threw me away. Too bad we could not go into the changing rooms because of the wheelchair grand slam. But the Walk of Flame was enough to make any tennis fan drool.

The whole Rod Laver Arena could be rented out, including the Melbourne Park Administration Building. For concerts, weddings, etc. Apparently there was an Indian wedding held in Melbourne Park recently, and they had horses in the building!