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AIS Arena

Canberra’s premier destination for sports, events and entertainment

The AIS Arena is Canberra’s premier destination for sports, events and entertainment. With a total capacity of 6,000, the Arena provides the perfect venue for any mid-sized events, from thrilling sporting games to captivating live performances.

Opened in 1981, the AIS Arena has been a cornerstone of the Canberra sports and entertainment landscape for over 30 years. Having undertaken an extensive renovation in 2023, the venue now has enhanced facilities to meet modern standards while preserving its rich history.

Enjoy your next event at Canberra’s home of sport and entertainment.

Keep up to date on our venue socials: Facebook, opens in a new tab and Instagram, opens in a new tab

Getting here

The AIS Arena is located on Leverrier Street, in the suburb of Bruce. The campus covers an area of approximately 65 hectares and is seven minutes from the centre of Canberra.

Read on for key information on how to get here via your chosen mode of transport, refer to the AIS campus map for specific locations.

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  • Parking: Ample parking is available for 3,500 cars across 3 car parks on the AIS site. Car Park 5 is located directly across from the AIS Arena, at the corner of Leverrier Street and Battye Street. This car park can accommodate cars and buses.
  • Public transport: To reach the AIS Arena by public transport, you need to catch the R9 bus from Belconnen Town Centre. If arriving from the City, catch the R1 to Dickson then the R9.  For full timetable information, please visit the Transport Canberra Bus website, opens in a new tab.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Request your taxi/rideshare service to drop you off at the AIS Visitor Centre entry on Leverrier Street.

Seating plan

Our seating plan provides an overview of the general setup of the AIS Arena. Use the AIS Arena seating guide below and please keep in mind this may vary for specific events.

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Accessibility

The AIS is committed to inclusivity. We offer a range of accessible seating options, restrooms, and facilities to accommodate all guests.

Accessible seating reservations can be made through the ticketing provider for each event. There are four accessible viewing platforms available in the Arena, reserved for individuals with accessibility needs. All accessible seats can be accessed via the Visitor Centre lift.

If you have any further questions around accessibility requirements, please reach out to the AIS Arena team: ais.events@ausport.gov.au.

Food and beverage

Food and beverage options at the AIS Arena are managed by the Trippas White Group, opens in a new tab. This includes the AIS Café, find their menu and standard opening hours here. Please note, opening hours may change dependent on event timing.

Prohibited items

The following items are not permitted in the AIS Arena. These items may change, without notice and at the complete discretion of management in conjunction with each event:

  • Alcohol
  • Illicit or dangerous drugs or substances
  • Knives or other dangerous weapons
  • Incendiary devices (e.g., flares, fireworks, smoke bombs)
  • Firearms, explosives, chemical, radioactive, or biological substances
  • Laser lights
  • Missiles/projectiles of any description
  • Bags over size 45cm x 35cm (40 litres and under)
  • Glass containers
  • Aerosols of any type
  • Promotional items intended for resale
  • Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  • Non-accredited photographic equipment or recording devices for commercial purposes
  • Any signs, banners, or materials displaying offensive or inappropriate content or unauthorised commercial or promotional content
  • Any item determined by the AIS that may interfere with the security of the premises or cause injury, public nuisance, or which is deemed dangerous or hazardous to fellow attendees.

Upcoming events

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the AIS Arena is an accessible friendly site. There are free disabled parks available and accessibility friendly tickets available for each event. When purchasing tickets, ensure you clearly outline your accessibility requirements.

Please contact the AIS events team – ais.events@ausport.gov.au.

For most events, cameras are not permitted, especially those with 'long lenses' or 'professional lenses.

In some cases, an announcement will be made before the show advising that photography is prohibited. We ask that you respect the performers' wishes, as flash photography can affect not only the performers but also other patrons.

Please note, the AIS is a cash-free site.

The most convenient entrance for accessing the AIS Arena is through the Visitor Centre on Leverrier Street.

Food and beverage options are available throughout the Arena concourse, as well as at the AIS Café located in the Visitor Centre, refer to the webpage for opening hours.

You may bring a single serve of homemade food to the venue for you or your family to consume. No commercial bought food and beverages will be allowed into the arena.

Please contact the AIS events team – ais.events@ausport.gov.au.

Please report any issues immediately to a venue usher, security personnel, or at the staff at the box office.

Please refer to the ‘Getting Here’ tab for further information.

Yes, there is ample parking available at the AIS Arena, including accessible parking. Refer to the ‘Getting Here’ tab for further information.

Due to access and emergency management requirements, the AIS Arena has a policy that prohibits prams, strollers, or pushchairs from being left in access ways during events. Leaving these items in access areas, especially in aisles, may obstruct other patrons and could impede evacuation procedures if necessary. For some events we may have designated ‘pram parking’ but this is not a guarantee, and we encourage you to leave prams in the car if possible.

Tickets to events are sold by each respective event promoter. Refer to the events tab of the website to find the link to tickets for your chosen event, including requirements around children’s tickets.

Contact

Find out more or to make a booking, contact ais.events@ausport.gov.au.

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