The Melbourne Cricket Ground

By Tristan Tancredi

Finals time for AFL has come to it's close for yet another year - but that won't stop sports fans from descending once more upon the city of Melbourne. 

With the handful of AFL games out of the way, it's time to get into the cricket whites for yet another long hot summer - and there is no better time to experience the MCG for what it truly has to offer.

AFL at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is as Australian as a VB and a snag for a Sunday BBQ. Unlike other sporting grounds the MCG is where the heart of Aussie Rules Footy truly beats. The newly refurbished Ponsford and MCC stands have completed the stadium, and it truly is a sight to behold when it is packed to the rafters under lights.

Sitting in the outer in the Great Southern Stand gives you a great view of the entire ground, the breathtaking atmosphere oozes from the stands during an event, at times packing approximately 100,000 people. 

The record being the 1970 grand final between rivals Carlton and Collingwood with in excess of 120,000 fans.

If AFL isn't your thing, you can experience the MCG in a number of other ways. During the summer, there is the cricket. The Boxing Day test at the MCG is a major attraction, always close to capacity. If you want a drunken, crazy atmosphere head towards bay 13 (The Australian versions of the Edgbaston faithful). If you want to watch the cricket, you can find a more relaxed downbeat section, normally in the MCC Reserves.

There is nothing more exciting than hearing the chant of 100,000 people - yet for some reason, Australia is one of the few nations that doesn't have an awesome cricket chant that everyone knows and can sing to spur on the team this summer. But that could very well change over the coming summer...

But cheering is only half the fun. If you have been patient enough to be an MCC member, or if your parents were generous enough to whack you on the waiting list (waiting time is over 15 years), then huge benefits await. Seating in the MCC Members Reserve are the best in the house, positioned perfectly on the wing. There is the option of watching the game in the longroom on couches. 

There's a bar, less queuing time for beer, food and toilets (normally in that order). However, membership isn't cheap and an annual fee is required Being a member gets you entrance to home and away games, as well as benefits to many other sports and events held at the MCG. The only catch, wear decent clothes, collars are a must.

The history of the G dates back to the opening in 1854. Earlier this year Sound Relief was held at the MCG, numerous concerts throughout the years, the 2006 Commonwealth games and, who can forget, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Its the perfect stadium for major events, and if all goes well, the FIFA World Cup will one day be played on the MCG turf. Bad luck Sydney, the G would surely get the final.

If a history lesson is in order, you can't go past the MCG tour. With an experienced tour guide showing you behind the scenes of the stadium, including the Longroom, the Cricket viewing room and, if lucky enough, a stroll on the hallowed MCG turf. 

A visit to the National Sports Museum displaying Melbournes sporting heritage is on offer for a little extra. Concession, children and family passes are available. Booking is not essential.

Getting to the MCG is very easy via public transport. Just get off the train at either Richmond or Jolimont and head towards the big stadium. If driving, parking at the MCG isn't too pricy. But be warned, trying to get your car out after a game is mayhem. However, there is free parking in surrounding suburbs leaving you about a 15-20 minute walk.

Public ticket prices for AFL matches vary according to sections. Reserved Seating costs a fair bit of money, so normally only reserve a seat for games expected to sell out. If the game is not a blockbuster than ticket prices at the door are much cheaper and are the way to go. Adult prices at the gate are just over $20, of course tickets are cheaper for concession, children and family passes.

If you're a Melbournian then you have probably been. If your visiting, you can't leave without experiencing the G.

Links:
MCG
AFL