Blockbuster tennis action returning to Adelaide’s Memorial Drive

Blockbuster tennis is returning to Adelaide in early 2022 with back-to-back Adelaide International events to be held at the newly transformed Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.

The world-class sporting precinct on the banks of the River Torrens will play host to some of the biggest stars in tennis in the lead up to the Australian Open breathing vibrancy and excitement into the city.

A jam-packed calendar will see two tournaments held at the Drive. The first

will be hosted from 2-9 January and will feature a WTA 500 and ATP 250 combined tournament followed by the second Adelaide International event – a WTA 250 and ATP 250 tournament from 9-15 January.

Premier Steven Marshall said the events will be a fantastic way to kick off the new year, creating jobs and boosting city vibrancy.

“Our investment of $44 million for Stage Two of the Memorial Drive redevelopment is creating a world-class venue capable of hosting not just tennis but a range of sporting and entertainment events into the future,” Premier Marshall said.

“South Australia has done so incredibly well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s our willingness to listen to the health advice that means we’re able to hold events like this one in January.

“Work on Stage Two kicked off in March and has created 85 full-time jobs and 21 new apprenticeships and employed a minimum of 350 people in a variety of roles.

“Tennis events over the next decade are going to generate even more jobs for South Australians and attract thousands of people to our great state which in turn will boost our economy.”

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said the events will inspire the next generation of South Australian tennis enthusiasts.

”We saw earlier this year with A Day at the Drive how popular tennis is here in South Australia and it’s fantastic that next year we’re able to get back to hosting a bigger, longer and more action-packed tournament,” Minister Wingard said.

“Excitement will continue to build from now until January and although we have to wait until next month to find out which tennis stars are heading our way, I’m quietly confident the field is going to be epic.”

The $44 million project includes:

• New Northern and Eastern stands linked by a concourse level, with enhanced patron amenities, food and beverage facilities
• Northern Facility to include a Media and Sports Technology Centre, with broadcast facilities, media lounge and space for high performance sports research and development
• Eastern Facility incorporating high performance training facilities, premium multipurpose event and function spaces
• Northern and Eastern Facilities fully accessible to all levels
• Addition of rigging points on the roof and feature lighting.

The Stage Two redevelopment will be event ready for the Adelaide International in January 2022, with project completion expected in mid-2022.