For sports stars the world over it's the ultimate accolate to have a stand in a stadium named after them. But where sport went first, music has designed to follow - and it's decided to go one better. Australian authorities today announced that the opening of a new music venue just outside cultural capital Sydney.

'The Tina Arena Arena' is named after one of the land down under's most popular stars. No longer in chains Miss Arena has recorded songs in French and also took the leading role in London's West End musical, 'Notre Dame de Paris'. No, we'd never heard of it either.

Kyle Springer of the Sydeny Board for Musical Development said 'with the Tina Arena Arena we hope to create a new venue for great musicians from around the world. It's our hope that the venue will soon become a major destination on the world tour map and we look forward to welcoming the Rolling Stones here for the inaugral gig later on in the year.'

Mick Jagger, who was unable to attend the launch due to a prior engagement, sent a video message noting that he looked forward to 'filling the Tina Arena to the brim'.

Tina Arena was unavailable for comment.

Posted by damian at August 25, 2004 12:29 AM | TrackBack