Off the back of the success of the star-studded A Day at the Drive event in Adelaide, new concept images have been released for Stage Two of the venue's major redevelopment.
The Marshall Liberal Government announced $44 million in the 2020-21 State Budget for Stage Two of the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre redevelopment to build on the momentum of Stage One – the $10 million roof upgrade.
Premier Steven Marshall said Stage Two will continue the transformation of one of the nation's most iconic sporting precincts into a state-of-the-art arena for sporting, arts and entertainment events.
"Our investment in Memorial Drive is a game-changer for our state," Premier Marshall said.
"Investing in this precinct is positioning South Australia perfectly to be able to attract and host more events like A Day at the Drive – the first tennis event in front of a crowd in close to 12 months.
"Today's announcement that eight of the world's top 20 and 15 of the world's top 30 players will compete at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre immediately after the Australian Open is yet another example of Adelaide serving up some of the best tennis players around the world.
"The WTA tournament will also be broadcast showcasing South Australia to the world.
"Tennis events over the next decade are going to drive jobs, vibrancy in our city and will inspire the next generation of South Australian tennis enthusiasts to play and train right here at home – and we couldn't be more excited."
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard, said it's clear the government's investment is paying off.
"Stage Two will create a world class venue that can accommodate a range of sporting and entertainment events," Minister Wingard said.
"The project includes two new spectator stands to the east and north of centre court with new seating with great sightlines, food and beverage facilities and enhanced amenity.
"We were able to hold A Day at the Drive and attract the calibre of players we did because of our investment in the venue – starting with the roof.
"We've got the WTA 500 event just around the corner which will feature World No. 8 and 2019 US Open Champion Bianca Andreescu (CAN), two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka (BLR) and World No. 12 Belinda Bencic (SUI)."
Tickets for the WTA Adelaide International go on sale via Ticketmaster from 12.00 noon ACDT, Wednesday 10 February 2021. Tickets start at $20 for adults, with free tickets available for children at all sessions.
The Stage Two redevelopment is expected to get underway in March and will be event ready for the Adelaide International in January 2022, with project completion expected in mid-2022.
