The stunning new 5,000 seat show court at Melbourne Park has been named Kia Arena ahead of the Australian Open 2022.

The new Arena was the signature element of the $271.5 million third stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment, which also incorporated a new conference and events venue in CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park, as well as two additional courts and a logistics hub.

Partially sunken into the ground and located next to Rod Laver Arena, the Arena features an open-roof structure that provides shade and weather protection for fans, ensuring the Australian Open remains the most weather-proof of the Grand Slams.

In recognition of the Australian Open’s 21-year partnership with Kia, the court will make its debut as Kia Arena during the coming Open.

“Kia has been on the Australian Open journey with us for the past 21 years and worked with us side-by-side to grow the event exponentially during that time,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

“The naming of Kia Arena today is another example of the strength of our partnership and provides a year-round platform for Kia to showcase the great relationship between Kia and the AO.

“Kia Arena is a spectacular new asset and provides another premium space for our fans to enjoy great tennis in January.”

More than 130 Kia vehicles will make up the Australian Open fleet in 2022, including 10 of the brand-new EV6 all-electric cars, as part of Kia’s commitment to sustainability.

The fleet will be officially launched during the traditional Kia handover ceremony the week before the AO begins.