ANZ\u00a0has expanded its partnership with\u00a0Tennis Australia, becoming\u00a0the Official Bank of the Australian Open in a\u00a0landmark\u00a0multi-year global agreement.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
The agreement\u00a0builds on ANZ\u2019s\u00a016-year\u00a0history\u00a0with Tennis Australia, marking\u00a0a major milestone in the bank\u2019s\u00a0dedication to\u00a0championing the\u00a0people and communities in which it\u00a0operates.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under the\u00a0renewed\u00a0partnership, ANZ and Tennis Australia have unveiled\u00a0\u2018ANZ Arena\u2019\u00a0at Melbourne\u00a0& Olympic\u00a0Park\u00a0\u2013\u00a0formerly known as Show Court 3. ANZ Arena will\u00a0host AO26 matches and serve as the stage to the tournament\u2019s qualifying competition,\u00a0spotlighting\u00a0emerging talent while preserving the legacy of\u00a0the court\u2019s\u00a0iconic moments\u00a0\u2013\u00a0from\u00a0Thanasi Kokkinakis\u2019 first AO win in 2024\u00a0to\u00a0Lleyton Hewitt\u2019s Grand Slam debut in 1997.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As part of the partnership ANZ also served as\u00a0Presenting Partner of\u00a0the Brisbane International,\u00a0reinforcing the\u00a0bank\u2019s commitment to Queensland\u00a0following\u00a0its\u00a0acquisition of Suncorp Bank.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ANZ Group Executive, Institutional, Mark Whelan, said: “The Australian Open is one of Australia\u2019s most iconic events, and ANZ Arena will give fans and players a world-class experience. Our partnership is about creating opportunities for Australians to celebrate sport at its best.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis marks a new chapter in ANZ\u2019s partnership with Tennis Australia, building on years of shared values and deepening our support for Australia\u2019s favourite sporting event on a global scale.\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0proud to unveil ANZ Arena and strengthen our connection to Queensland through the Brisbane International, continuing to invest in the places and moments that matter most to our customers,\u201d concluded Mr Whelan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ANZ Ambassador\u00a0and\u00a02022\u00a0Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott AO, said: \u201cShow Court 3 holds some of my most memorable moments.\u00a0It was the first ever show court at the AO that I played on and seeing it evolve into ANZ Arena is\u00a0really special. This space has witnessed incredible stories, and now it\u2019s set to create even more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Australian Open is a celebration of what makes Australia unique \u2013 passion,\u00a0resilience\u00a0and community \u2013 and ANZ\u2019s support ensures fans and players can experience those moments at their best. ANZ Arena is accessible using a Ground Pass, meaning everyone who attends the AO can join in the atmosphere and energy on this amazing court.<\/p>\n
\u201cTennis has always been more than a game;\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a platform for connection,\u00a0inclusion\u00a0and opportunity. The Australian Open brings people together from all\u00a0walks of life, and ANZ\u2019s continued support helps ensure that impact reaches far beyond the court,\u201d concluded Mr Alcott.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tennis\u00a0Australia Chief Executive,\u00a0Craig Tiley, said: \u201cANZ has been a valued partner of Tennis Australia for more than 16 years, and this expanded, multi-year agreement reflects the strength of that relationship and our shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences for fans, players\u00a0and communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re\u00a0delighted to unveil\u00a0ANZ Arena\u00a0which\u00a0will celebrate\u00a0our game\u2019s past, present and future,\u00a0from iconic moments to\u00a0emerging\u00a0talent.\u00a0It will no doubt be the stage for many more memorable AO moments this summer,\u201d concluded Mr Tiley.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ANZ Arena also celebrates the iconic Australian tennis champions who have previously graced Show Court 3, with painted murals along the internal entrance walls. In partnership with Jacky Winter Group, the murals will be updated each year featuring a new commissioned artist.<\/p>\n
The murals at ANZ Arena at AO26 will feature portraits of ANZ Ambassador Dylan Alcott, Alicia Molik, Lleyton Hewitt and more by illustrator Nigel Buchanan.<\/p>\n