The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), established in 1853 in Yarra Park, Melbourne, is Australia’s largest and most iconic sports stadium, affectionately known as “the G.” Founded by the Melbourne Cricket Club, it hosted the first-ever Test match in 1877 and the first ODI in 1971, alongside historic moments like the 1932-33 Bodyline series. With a capacity of ~100,024, it is home to the Victoria Bushrangers, Melbourne Stars (BBL), and AFL clubs like Melbourne and Collingwood, hosting every AFL Grand Final since 1902 (except 2020-21). The MCG also staged the 1956 Olympics and major concerts. Redevelopments, like the 2005 upgrades, modernized its stands while preserving heritage elements.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Seating Plan
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with a capacity of approximately 100,024, features a tiered seating layout across four main stands: the Great Southern Stand, Shane Warne Stand, Ponsford Stand, and Olympic Stand, alongside the historic Members’ Pavilion reserved for Melbourne Cricket Club members.
General admission is available in designated areas, primarily in the Great Southern and Ponsford Stands, while reserved seating spans all stands, with premium options in corporate suites and dining areas. The oval-shaped field (174m x 149m) ensures varied sightlines, with accessible seating and companion card support on all levels, including wheelchair platforms. The layout, enhanced by 2005 upgrades, balances modern amenities with heritage charm.
MCG Seating Capacity
The MCG has a seating capacity of approximately 100,024, making it Australia’s largest stadium. Key stands include the Great Southern Stand, Shane Warne Stand, Ponsford Stand, Olympic Stand, and Members’ Pavilion, with general admission, reserved, and premium seating areas. The oval-shaped ground (174m x 149m) offers varied sightlines, with accessible seating and companion card options across all levels. Record attendances include 350,000 over six days for the 1956 Olympics and 130,000 for Billy Graham’s 1959 crusade.
MCG Establishment
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), located in Yarra Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, was established in 1853 when Lieutenant-Governor Charles La Trobe granted land for a cricket ground to the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), founded in 1838. The first cricket match was played in 1854, marking the start of its storied history.
MCG History
The MCG, often called “the G,” is Australia’s most iconic sporting venue and one of the world’s largest cricket stadiums. It hosted Australia’s first Test match in 1877, the first-ever international Test, and the first One Day International in 1971. Notable moments include the 1932-33 Bodyline series, Don Bradman’s exploits, and record-breaking crowds like 90,800 for the 1937 Ashes Test. Beyond cricket, it has been the primary venue for Australian rules football (home to AFL clubs like Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, and Hawthorn), hosting the first VFL game in 1897 and every AFL Grand Final since 1902 (except during WWII and 2020-21). The MCG also hosted the 1956 Olympics, rugby, soccer, concerts (e.g., The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift), and even baseball in 1914. Major redevelopments include the 1937 Southern Stand, 1984 floodlights, and the 2005 Great Southern Stand and Northern Stand upgrades for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, preserving heritage elements like the 1854 Members’ Pavilion. It is home to the Victoria Bushrangers, Melbourne Stars (BBL), and the National Sports Museum.
MCG Ticket Prices
Ticket prices at the MCG vary by event, sport, and seating type. For AFL matches, general admission ranges from $25-$45 for adults, $5-$17 for concessions, and free for children under 6, with reserved seats from $50-$100 and premium hospitality (e.g., dining packages) $150-$300+. Big Bash League (BBL) tickets start at $20-$40 for general admission, $50-$100 for reserved seats, and higher for premium areas. Test matches, like Australia vs. India (Boxing Day Test), range from $30-$70 for general admission to $100-$250+ for reserved or premium seats. Concert prices vary widely, typically $80-$150 for general admission standing and $150-$400+ for premium or VIP seating. Prices fluctuate with demand, and secondary markets.