Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) is an international sporting venue located in Albert Park. The centre was opened on the 24th of July 1997 at a construction cost of A$65 million. The cost was funded by the State Government of Victoria and the City of Port Phillip. The centre has hosted international events including the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2007 World Aquatics Championships.
The centre has several swimming pools and international standard diving facilities. There is a large multi-purpose sports hall used for sports such as badminton, basketball, table tennis, and volleyball, and also squash courts and a gym.
The centre is accessible by tram routes 96 and 112.
The first part of MSAC's construction was completed in 1997. This included the majority of the facilities currently at MSAC including the indoor pools and the sports hall.
Stage 2[]
In 2002, it was announced that the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre would be expanded in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. A new hydrotherapy pool, a new 50 metre outdoor pool and improved transport links were some of the facilities added in the $51 million expansion. Work began on the Stage 2 project in September 2003. The expansion opened in early 2006. Since then, a movable floor was installed in the 50m outdoor pool which allows the water depth to be varied.
Facilities[]
The centre boasts numerous facilities.
Aquatics[]
25m Lap Pool
Indoor 50m pool
25m lap pool
Multi-purpose pool
Hydrotherapy pool
Outdoor 50m pool
Wave pool
Diving boards
Water Slide
Sport[]
10 indoor basketball courts
10 squash courts
12 badminton courts
18 table tennis tables
3 volleyball courts
Events[]
MSAC regularly hosts many events including state and national championships. Among the major events MSAC has hosted are: