Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust today confirmed that Melbourne’s premier indoor sports arena will have a new name from 1 July 2008 following the announcement by Hisense of its new naming rights partnership.

Hisense have entered into a six (6) year naming rights deal with Melbourne Park which grants them the right to "Hisense Arena" (formerly known as Vodafone Arena). The multi million dollar deal is an exciting partnership for Melbourne Park, sport and the precinct.

Established in 2006, Hisense Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian based subsidiary of Hisense Company Ltd. headquartered in Qingdao, China. Melbourne-based Hisense distributes consumer electronics and household appliances, including LCD’s, air conditioners and refrigerators to Australia’s leading retail stores. Hisense Company Ltd. was formed in China in 1969 and has become a leading global manufacturer renowned for quality products.

Hisense’s success is based on great value yet stylishly designed consumer products. In 2007 Hisense achieved USD $6.7 billion in sales income and #1 Market Share in LCD in the domestic Chinese market. In December 2006 and again in 2007, Boston Consulting Group voted Hisense in the "top 100 companies from rapidly developing economies that are changing the world". Hisense is excited about its new partnership with Melbourne Park in particular the opportunity to assist in developing large indoor entertainment and spectator sports.

Hisense Arena was built in 2000 as the home of spectator sports such as basketball, netball, dance sports, cycling, gymnastics and tennis. In 2007, 355,000 patrons visited the arena for sport and entertainment.

Hisense Arena is the home of cycling, the Melbourne Vixens netball team and the Crazy Johns South Dragons basketball team.

Melbourne Park CEO Brian Morris said "we are delighted to welcome Hisense as a precinct partner, they like us deliver quality products and are committed to the growth of sport and entertainment in Melbourne.

The Hisense service commitment is "Once promised, forever honoured", we valued these sentiments and look forward to working with them." Hisense Australia’s General Manager, Tania Garonzi said "we are a large well known organisation internationally that is relatively new to the Australian market. We are committed to this market and to delivering quality products, industry leading warranty all backed up with exceptional customer service and support.

We are excited to work with Melbourne Park as they are the number one sporting and entertainment precinct in Australia and we share the same values of excellence, service and responsiveness. This is a world class arena, in the sporting capital of Australia and we are delighted to be a part of sport and entertainment in Melbourne".