Heading to a concert at Rod Laver Arena? Whether you have scored tickets to your favourite pop star, are getting ready for a massive rock show, or are planning your first ever visit, here is everything you need to know before attending a concert at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne.

Rod Laver Arena is an indoor multi-purpose arena in Melbourne, Australia, located within Melbourne Park adjacent to the MCG. With a concert capacity of approximately 14,820, it is one of Australia's premier indoor concert venues and hosts major international artists throughout the year.

A Brief History of Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena has been part of Melbourne's sporting and entertainment landscape since 1988, when Melbourne Park was established as the new home of the Australian Open.

The venue was originally known as the National Tennis Centre and was also referred to as Centre Court. It was renamed Rod Laver Arena in January 2000 in honour of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver.

The arena was revolutionary when it opened, featuring a 700-tonne retractable roof that allowed tennis to continue in Melbourne's unpredictable weather. Today, the venue remains one of the most recognisable stadiums in Australia and one of Melbourne's most significant concert venues.

And Rod Laver Arena isn't just for tennis. It has hosted everything from gymnastics and basketball to some of the biggest concerts in the world.

In fact, AC/DC became the first live band to perform at the venue in 1988.

Fun Facts About Rod Laver Arena

Here are a few facts you might not know:

It opened in 1988

Rod Laver Arena was built as part of the redevelopment that moved the Australian Open from Kooyong to what is now Melbourne Park.

It can seat around 15,000 people

The arena has a seated capacity of approximately 14,820, although the exact capacity can vary depending on the event configuration. Concerts can have different layouts depending on whether the floor is seated, standing or used as part of the stage setup.

It has a retractable roof

The roof was one of the venue's defining features when it opened and means events can continue even when Melbourne decides to throw some classic four-seasons-in-one-day weather at you.

AC/DC made history

AC/DC were the first live band to perform at the venue when it opened in 1988.

Justin Timberlake holds a record

On 18 November 2007, a record-breaking crowd of 16,183 people packed the arena to see Justin Timberlake.

It has welcomed some of the world's biggest artists

Over the years, Rod Laver Arena has hosted major international performers including Pink, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Alice Cooper, helping establish it as one of Australia's premier indoor concert venues.

Where Is Rod Laver Arena?

Rod Laver Arena is located within Melbourne Park, just across the Yarra River from Melbourne's CBD. The venue is surrounded by some of Melbourne's biggest sporting and entertainment landmarks, including the MCG, AAMI Park, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena.

For concerts, entry is generally through the Melbourne Park precinct, with event-specific information provided before the show.

How to Get to Rod Laver Arena

One of the best things about attending a concert at Rod Laver Arena is that you don't necessarily need to drive.

By Train

Richmond Station and Flinders Street Station are both within walking distance of Melbourne Park, making public transport a convenient option for concertgoers.

By Tram

There are several tram routes servicing the Melbourne Park and MCG precinct. Public transport is often the easiest option on major concert nights, particularly when thousands of people are leaving the venue at the same time.

By Car

Driving is possible, but parking around Melbourne Park can become very busy on concert nights. If you are planning to drive, allow extra time and check event-specific parking information before leaving.

By Rideshare

Rideshare can be convenient, but remember that major events can cause significant congestion around Melbourne Park. Pick-up and drop-off locations may also be changed depending on the event.

For the latest transport information, it's always worth checking the official venue information before your concert.

What Are the Best Seats at Rod Laver Arena?

The best seat depends on the artist, stage design, and whether the show is end-stage, in-the-round, or includes a standing floor. Rod Laver Arena is a relatively compact arena compared with some of Australia's much larger stadiums, so even seats further back can still give you a strong view of the action.

Best Seats for Being Close to the Artist

If your priority is getting as close to the artist as possible, floor seating or General Admission is usually the obvious choice.

For an end-stage concert, the front floor sections, often labelled A, B and C depending on the event, can put you closest to the stage.

However, there's one thing to keep in mind: floor seating is generally flatter than the tiered seating around the arena.

If you're shorter, or if the people in front of you are standing throughout the show, your view can sometimes be less predictable.

Best Seats for a Full View of the Stage

For a great overall view, we'd recommend looking at the lower seating rather than automatically choosing the closest possible seat.

Lower-level sections positioned directly opposite or slightly to the side of the stage give you some elevation while keeping you relatively close to the performance.

This can be particularly good for highly produced concerts where the lighting, screens, choreography and full stage design are just as important as seeing the artist up close.

Best Seats for Big Pop Shows

For pop concerts with huge screens, choreography and elaborate stage designs, a lower-level seat facing the stage is often the sweet spot.

You'll be close enough to see the performer while still being far enough back to take in the entire production.

If the artist uses a large runway or extended stage, check the event-specific seating map before choosing your seats. The "best" section can change dramatically depending on where the runway finishes.

Best Seats for Rock & Alternative Shows

For rock shows, atmosphere can be just as important as the view.

Floor or lower seating can give you that big-concert energy, while lower side sections can offer a great combination of proximity and elevation.

If the show has a General Admission floor, being closer to the stage usually means more energy, but you'll also want to be prepared for standing for most of the night.

Best Seats for K-Pop Shows

K-Pop concerts are often heavily produced, with choreography, giant screens, lighting effects and extended stages.

For these shows, a lower-level seat with a central or slightly angled view can be an excellent choice because you'll get a better perspective of the entire production.

If you're attending specifically to see choreography, don't automatically assume the front row is best. Sometimes being a little further back gives you a much better view of the full stage.

Best Seats for Acoustic or Singer-Songwriter Shows

For a more intimate artist or singer-songwriter performance, consider prioritising a centred lower-bowl seat.

These shows often rely less on huge production and more on the performer, so having a direct view of the stage can make a bigger difference than being extremely close.

What About Upper-Level Seats?

Don't write off the upper level.

Rod Laver Arena's design means you can still get a good overall view from higher sections, and these seats can be a great option if you're looking for a more affordable way to see a major artist.

If you're choosing between a very rear floor seat and a well-positioned elevated seat, we'd often lean towards the elevated seat for the clearer overall view.

Important: seating configurations change from concert to concert. Always check the seating map for your specific event before purchasing.

What Should You Bring to Rod Laver Arena?

Before leaving home, check the conditions of entry for your particular event. Rod Laver Arena has strict bag requirements. Backpacks are not permitted, and other bags need to meet the venue's size restrictions. Check the official Rod Laver Arena website for the current bag policy before your event.

Major concerts can also have security screening at entry, so travelling light can help you get inside faster. Your phone, ticket, ID where required, and a small bag with essential items are usually all you will need.

Food and Drinks at Rod Laver Arena

You'll find food and beverage options inside Melbourne Park and within the arena during events.

The exact range of food, drinks and merchandise can vary depending on the concert.

If you're planning on buying merchandise, consider arriving earlier than usual. Popular artists can attract long queues before and after the show.

When Should You Arrive?

Our biggest tip is simple: don't leave it until the last minute.

Your ticket will usually show the event start time, but that's not necessarily the time you should arrive at the venue.

Allow extra time for:

  • Getting to Melbourne Park
  • Finding your entrance
  • Security checks
  • Collecting tickets or resolving ticketing issues
  • Buying merchandise
  • Getting food or drinks
  • Finding your seat

For particularly popular concerts, arriving earlier can make the entire experience much less stressful.

Also remember that running times can change. Always check the official event information before heading to the venue.

 

Upcoming Concerts at Rod Laver Arena 2026

Updated regularly. Browse all upcoming Rod Laver Arena shows and tickets through Ticket Merchant.

September 2026

 

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

 

With that many major artists coming through, there's plenty to look forward to at Rod Laver Arena over the next few months.

And if you're waiting to see which artists might announce an Australian tour next, check out Our Tour Predictions page for the latest predictions and rumours.

Rod Laver Arena Concert FAQs

What is Rod Laver Arena? Rod Laver Arena is an indoor multi-purpose arena located within Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It has a concert capacity of approximately 14,820 and hosts major international concerts, the Australian Open, and other sporting and entertainment events throughout the year.

Does Rod Laver Arena have a roof? Yes. Rod Laver Arena has a retractable roof, which was introduced when the arena opened in 1988 and allows events to continue in wet or extreme weather conditions.

How many people does Rod Laver Arena hold? The arena has a standard seated capacity of around 14,820, although the capacity can vary depending on the event and seating configuration.

What are the best seats at Rod Laver Arena for a concert? For most end-stage concerts at Rod Laver Arena, lower-bowl seats facing the stage offer an excellent combination of view and elevation. Floor seats are best if being close to the artist is your priority, while upper-level seats can provide good value and a great overall view. Always check the specific seating map for your concert as the stage layout can change.

Can you stand at Rod Laver Arena concerts? It depends on the event. Some concerts have General Admission standing areas while others are fully seated. Check your ticket and the event-specific information before arriving.

Is Rod Laver Arena easy to get to? Yes. Rod Laver Arena is located within Melbourne Park and is accessible by public transport, car, taxi, and rideshare. Richmond Station and Flinders Street Station are both within walking distance, making public transport the easiest option on major concert nights.

What was Rod Laver Arena called before it was renamed? The venue was originally known as the National Tennis Centre and was also commonly referred to as Centre Court. It was renamed Rod Laver Arena on 16 January 2000 in honour of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver.

Who was the first band to perform at Rod Laver Arena? AC/DC were the first live band to perform at the venue in 1988.

Where can I buy Rod Laver Arena concert tickets? Tickets for upcoming concerts at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne are available through Ticket Merchant. Browse the full list of upcoming shows and secure your seats before they sell out.

What was Rod Laver Arena called before it was renamed? The venue was originally known as the National Tennis Centre and was also commonly referred to as Centre Court. It was renamed Rod Laver Arena on 16 January 2000.

Who was the first band to perform at Rod Laver Arena? AC/DC were the first live band to perform at the venue in 1988.

Ready for Your Next Rod Laver Arena Concert?

From its history as the home of the Australian Open to its packed calendar of international concerts, Rod Laver Arena remains one of Melbourne's must-visit entertainment venues. Whether you are chasing the closest possible view, looking for the best value seats, or simply want to know what to expect before walking through the doors, a little preparation goes a long way.

Now all that is left is to pick your show, find your seats, and get ready for a big night in Melbourne.

Browse all upcoming concerts at Rod Laver Arena through Ticket Merchant.