Kia has gained the naming rights of a new 5,000 seat show court at Melbourne Park ahead of the Australian Open 2022.
The new Kia Arena was the third stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment, which also incorporated a new conference and events venue in Centerpiece at Melbourne Park, as well as two additional courts and a logistics hub.
“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,” commented Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley.
“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.”
The park has stated that the building is partially sunken into the ground and located next to Rod Laver Arena, whilst also featuring an open-roof structure in a bid to provide shade and weather protection for fans.
The Australian Open has had a 21-year partnership with the vehicle company, and the organisation has previously said that Kia has played a ‘pivotal role’ in supporting players and promoting the growth of tennis.
Over 130 Kia vehicles will make up the Australian Open fleet in 2022, including 10 EV6 all-electric cars, as part of the company’s bid to boost sustainability.
It has recently been announced that after Novak Djokovic’s participation in the tournament was in doubt given the uncertainty surrounding his vaccination status, Tiley stated a medical exemption was possible, and he has been given permission to play the first Grand Slam.
