By Ian Neubauer
Chinese electronics and information company Hisense yoday (July 21) marked its six-year naming rights sponsorship of a prominent Melbourne sporting arena.
Formerly known as the Vodafone Arena, the Hisense Arena is one of Australia’s most unique sporting and entertainment venues. It features a fully retractable roof that takes only 10 minutes to close, retractable seating for up to 10,500 spectators, an Olympic certified 250-metre cycling track, a Plexicushion tennis court, 10 F&B outlets and four retail outlets.
In a ceremony this morning, Hisense CEO Miss Yu exchanged gifts with Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino, heralding the occasion as “significant partnership between Australian sports and entertainment” and the Chinese firm.
Also in attendance were Chairman Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust, Russell Caplan, Consulate General of Peoples Republic of China in Melbourne, Shugen Liang, the Melbourne Football Club’s Brock McLean and
 former Australian Netball Captain, Eloise Southby-Halbish.
