The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a historic and iconic sports stadium located in the heart of Melbourne.
Affectionately known as the ‘G’, it is one of the world’s greatest sporting arenas and has played host to countless memorable moments.
Who could forget the roar of the crowd when Shane Warne claimed his 700th wicket in the Boxing Day test of 2006? Or when Mitchell Starc clean bowled the Kiwi batsman Brendan McCullum with an inswinging yorker in the first over of the ODI Cricket World Cup Final in 2015.
And how about the scenes from the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1956 Summer Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games?
Then of course there was that spectacular mark Carlton’s Alex Jesaulenko took over Collingwood’s Graeme Jenkin in the dying minutes of the 1970 VFL Grand Final. (Google it, you’ll be amazed!)
With a capacity of over 100,000 spectators, the MCG is one of the largest stadiums in the world and has become a cultural landmark for Melbourne and Australia as a whole.
Its rich history, unique architecture, and impressive facilities make it a must-visit destination for sports fans and tourists alike.
About the Stadium
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a historic sports stadium that resides in Yarra Park district of Melbourne. It is built on top of a Wurundjeri camping ground and is the site of several corroborees.
Originally opened in 1854 as a cricket ground, the MCG is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the tenth largest sporting venue in the world.
Comprising a 171 metre x 146 metre field, the MCG has found main stands. These include the MCC Members’ Reserve, Ponsford Stand, Olympic Stand and Shane Warne Stand (formerly the Great Southern Stand). The latter of which contains the infamous Bay 13, which is regarded as one of the most unruly and worst behaved sections of crowd in the cricketing world.
The MCG’s first scoreboard was built back in 1882. Over the years it has undergone several upgrades to its current form, which now sees it as the largest scoreboard in the country. Measuring just over 25 metres in length and 13 metres high, it incorporates a cutting-edge LED-high-definition screen which enables spectators to see a full scorecard including batting and bowling stats and full-colour video replays.
Other renovations and expansions that have taken place at the ‘G’ include the installation of a retractable roof in 2009.
Primarily used for cricket and Australian rules football matches, the MCG famously gave birth to
international test cricket, when Australia hosted England on 15th March 1877 in a timeless test match, which the home team won by 45 runs in four days.
Since then it has presented a number of significant sporting events, including the 1956 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and the 1992 and 2015 Cricket World Cup finals. It is also famous for hosting the Boxing Day Test cricket match, which is one of the biggest events on the Australian cricket calendar. In addition, it was the venue of the first ever cricket one day international match.
Overall, the MCG is not just a sports venue, it is a cultural icon for Melbourne and Australia, representing the city and country’s passion for professional sporting competitions.
Who plays at the MCG?
The MCG hosts several sports teams, primarily in the sports of cricket and Australian rules football.
In cricket, the MCG is the home ground of the Victorian cricket team and the Melbourne Stars in the men’s Big Bash League, as well as the Melbourne Renegades in the women’s Big Bash League.
It also hosts international cricket matches, including the Boxing Day Test match, which is played between the Australian cricket team and a visiting team every year.
For Australian rules football, the MCG is the home ground of the Melbourne Football Club and occasionally the Richmond Football Club, two of the most successful clubs. Throughout the season, the MCG hosts many of the biggest matches on the AFL calendar, including the AFL Grand Final, which is played every year in September.
In addition to cricket and Australian rules football, the MCG has also hosted other international sporting events such as soccer. With the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Argentina, Brazil and France all playing there.
Rugby Union Bledisloe Cup matches between Australia and New Zealand have also been held at the stadium.
Other Events
Aside from these sporting events, the MCG has hosted numerous non-sporting events throughout its history, including concerts, cultural events, and political rallies.
One of the most famous non-sporting events was a mass held there by Pope John Paul II in 1986. In addition, some of the world’s biggest names in music have performed concerts at the stadium.
This includes the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Michael Jackson and Guns n Roses.
Facilities
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has world-class facilities that cater to the needs of athletes, performers, and spectators alike.
One of the best features of the ground is that each of its stands offers excellent views of the playing field. Another is its retractable roof that provides protection from the elements and allows events to be held rain or shine.
The MCG also features an iconic state-of-the-art scoreboard and video screen system that provides real-time updates and replays of the action on the field.
In addition to spectator facilities, the MCG has excellent athlete facilities, including dressing rooms, warm-up areas, and recovery rooms. The stadium also has multiple change rooms for teams and officials, as well as over 100 private suites for VIPs and corporate sponsors.
How to get to the stadium
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is located in Yarra Park, which is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.
Probably the best way to get there is by public transport, as the MCG is located near several tram and train stations. Thus, making it quite straightforward to get to and from most parts of the city.
The nearest train stations are Jolimont Station and Richmond Station, both of which are about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. The nearest tram stop is located on Wellington Parade, which is a short walk away.
If you are intent on driving, there are several car parks located nearby. However, parking can be limited and expensive, especially on event days. It is recommended to pre-book your parking or consider using public transport instead.
An alternative way to get to the stadium is by bicycle. The road network leading up to the stadium easily enables you to access it and there are several bike racks available near the ground where you can leave yours. You can also use the Melbourne Bike Share program to rent a bike and ride to the stadium.
For those who are staying in the central business district of Melbourne, the MCG is within a 20 to 30-minute walking distance.
Food in ground
The MCG is a place where you won’t go hungry!
Throughout the stadium, there are some very good restaurants, bars, food trucks and kiosks that offer food and beverage options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.
This includes the likes of burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, fish and chips, sushi and noodles. For those with specific dietary requirements, the MCG has several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, including plant-based burgers and pizzas, vegan pies, and gluten-free sandwiches and salads.
Overall the quality of the food is pretty good, with many vendors offering food with high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients.
The MCG also has several licensed bars serving beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as soft drinks and juices. It also has several corporate hospitality options, including private suites and function rooms. These areas offer a range of food and beverage options, including gourmet menus and premium wines and spirits.
Accommodation near the ground
There are several hotels located near the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that provide convenient accommodation options for visitors attending matches or events at the stadium.
One of the most convenient is the Pullman Melbourne on the Park, which is an upscale hotel located directly opposite the MCG. This property features modern rooms with city or park views, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and several excellent dining options.
The Mantra on Jolimont is another popular venue. It is an apartment-style hotel just a few minutes walk from the MCG and is ideal for visitors seeking self-contained accommodation. It features spacious apartments with kitchenettes, a rooftop terrace, and a gym.
If you don’t fancy staying right near the MCG, the Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne is a lovely boutique hotel to consider. It is located in Richmond, just a short tram ride from the stadium and features stylish rooms with river or courtyard views, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.
Other good options include Quest East Melbourne, which is a serviced apartment hotel located in East Melbourne, not too far from the MCG and The Victoria Hotel which places you in the heart of the CBD.
Good pubs to visit
Melbourne is known for its vibrant pub culture, and there are several great pubs located near the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that are worth visiting before or after a match or event.
One of the best places to visit is the Richmond Club Hotel. This is an iconic pub located in Richmond, just a short walk from the MCG. It features a large beer garden, a rooftop bar, and a bistro serving classic pub fare.
Located in Carlton, the charming and historic Prince Alfred Hotel is another very good option as it is a lovely courtyard and a rooftop bar which showcases tremendous views of the city skyline.
For their excellent beer, good food, terrific vibe and overall sporting ambience, the Great Northern Hotel, Fitzroy Pinnacle and Corner Hotel are also very good venues to go to pre or post-match.
Quick Stats
Address: East Melbourne, Victoria
Capacity: 100,024
Opened: 1853
Field size: 171 metres x 146 metres
Record attendance: 100,024 – 2022 AFL Grand Final (after configuration), 121,696 – 1970 VFL Grand Final (before configuration)