Melbourne Park’s year-round calendar of events, outside the Australian Open (AO), delivered more than $1.5 billion in social and economic value to Victoria in 2025.
Melbourne Park’s year-round calendar of events, outside the Australian Open (AO), delivered more than $1.5 billion in social and economic value to Victoria in 2025.
New independent analysis and modelling by BDO Australia shows that Melbourne’s epicentre of live events generated $1.34 billion in Gross State Product and supported more than 13,500 jobs, driven by a year-round program of world class sports, music and entertainment outside the AO.
455 Melbourne Park events attracted 2.7 million attendees above and beyond the AO’s 1.2 million. This number includes more than 470,000 interstate and international visitors and 359,000 visitors from regional Victoria. These visitors generated 1.2 million bed nights across Victoria, supporting accommodation providers, hotels and the visitor economy.
Combined with the proven economic benefits of the Australian Open, Melbourne Park’s year-round program of music, entertainment and sport underscores its position as a globally significant destination.
Visitor spending was the primary driver of economic activity, contributing an estimated $936 million in Gross State Product across accommodation, dining, transport, retail and entertainment, supporting Victorian businesses and jobs.
Melbourne’s world stage also delivered $187.5 million in social value including civic pride, liveability benefits, health and wellbeing outcomes, and global branding for Melbourne. Combined with the $1.34 billion Gross State Product, Melbourne Park’s social and economic value for 2025 totalled $1.5 billion.
These results were driven by multi-night residencies from megastars including Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Drake, Katy Perry, Gracie Abrams, Ricky Martin, Tyler the Creator, and Kylie Minogue, as well as a 15-show run of Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular at Rod Laver Arena.
Across the year, Melbourne Park brought together acts from 16 countries, with headline performances from K-pop stars TWICE, Indian pop legend Diljit Dosanjh, Mandopop performer Ronghao Li and J-pop singer Ado.
Beyond music, headline entertainment included Cirque du Soleil, Monster Jam, Disney on Ice and the Wiggles, as well as the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, Intel Extreme Masters e-sports, and international comedians Kevin Hart, Russell Peters and Jo Koy.
Epic sporting showdowns brought fans to Melbourne Park in record numbers, with home teams Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC facing off in a record-breaking A-League Men’s grand final at AAMI Park, home team Melbourne Vixens winning the biggest ever Super Netball grand final at Rod Laver Arena, and Melbourne United vying for the NBL championship at John Cain Arena.
The NBA x NBL Melbourne Series brought the world’s best to Melbourne, and events like the F1 Melbourne Fan Festival, Run Melbourne and the AFL Grand Final Parade brought the entire site to life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We invest in Melbourne Park because we know it means more jobs, more events and more visitors.”
“This report shows it’s paying off. Yet another reason why we are the major events capital.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust chair, Patrick Flannigan AM
“Melbourne Park plays a critical role in supporting jobs, industry and Victoria’s global reputation as a major events destination.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Park CEO, John Harnden AM
“For Victorians, and for visitors from around the world, Melbourne Park is where we play. Our diverse calendar of events means there really is something for everyone.”
Quotes attributable to BDO Sports and Entertainment Partner Katie McNamara
“The scale of impact demonstrated in this report reinforces the importance of a diversified, year-round events calendar in driving economic growth, job creation and meaningful social outcomes across Victoria.”
Acknowledgement of Country
Melbourne Park acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the East Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
Acknowledgements
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