Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Melbourne and the incredible Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This world-famous sports stadium has served the Victorian sporting community and beyond since 1853 and is one of the greatest cricket grounds in the world. Whether you’re a travelling sports fan, researcher or just curious to learn more about this magnificent sporting spectacle, this blog will enlighten you with fascinating facts, interesting information and a travel guide to make the most of your visit to the MCG. So join us as we explore and discover the magic of the MCG!

Interesting Facts About Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

1. The MCG holds the world record for the largest light towers, standing at a total of 85m.

2. The MCG is also home to the largest spectator capacity of any other sporting ground in the Southern Hemisphere, with a capacity of 100,024.

3. The MCG is actually the oldest sporting ground in the world, having hosted cricket since 1854.

4. The MCG is traditionally known as ‘The G’ and is the official home ground of the Australian Football League.

5. The first ever AFL Grand Final to be held at the MCG occurred in 1902, when Collingwood defeated Essendon by 33 points.

6. The ‘G’ is the site of the Boxing Day Test, the Australian Football International Cup, and a variety of other sports events.

7. As of 2019, the MCG holds the record for the highest attendance at a single sporting event, with a total of 131,782 spectators attending the 1970 VFL Grand Final.

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History & Information About Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a sports stadium located in Melbourne, Victoria. It is the largest stadium in Australia, with a capacity of 100,024 people. It is the 10th largest stadium in the world. The MCG is owned and operated by the Melbourne Cricket Club.

The MCG was built in 1853, making it the oldest continuously used sporting venue in the world. The stadium has a long and diversified history as one of the most iconic sporting venues in Australia. The MCG is mostly used for Australian rules football, cricket and other sports events, including rugby and soccer. The MCG is also the home ground for the AFL’s Melbourne Demons and the cricket teams Victoria Bushrangers and Melbourne Stars.

The MCG has hosted some of the country’s most historic and iconic sports moments, including the 1956 Olympic Games, the first Test match between England and Australia in 1877, the annual Boxing Day Test match, and the FIFA World Cup in 2020. It has also hosted some of the greatest AFL games and the 2015 Cricket World Cup final.

The MCG has played a key part in Australian culture and has been used for political rallies, concerts and other events. The venue attracts thousands of visitors each year, with many enjoying the atmosphere of the stadium. In recognition of its importance to Australia’s rich sporting history, the MCG was added to the National Heritage List in 2007.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the spiritual home of Australian sport, where many important Australian sporting moments have occurred and some of the most memorable sporting events in history have taken place. Located in Victoria’s vibrant city of Melbourne, the MCG is not only one of the most famous and iconic stadia in the world but is also a must-visit for anyone visiting the city.

Getting there:

The MCG is centrally located in the center of the city of Melbourne and is very accessible to visitors. It is located just off the M3 Freeway and the nearest train station is Richmond station (1km away) with regular services from Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station. You can also take one of the many tram or bus services that pass close to the MCG.

What to do:

Take a guided tour of the iconic stadium to learn more about its history and cheer on your favourite team. There is plenty of sports memorabilia to browse throughout the Museum, which chronicles from the early days of the ground to its present state. Take a stroll around the ground and view the famous Southern Stand, home to the ‘G, before heading up to the Members Stand for a birds eye view. The Great Southern Stand Plaza outside the Ponsford Stand also offers outstanding views of the MCG and the city skyline, and is great for photos.

When to visit:

The MCG is open 365 days a year, with regular tours running throughout the year plus plenty of special experiences and events ! The ultimate time to visit is during the summer months when the famous AFL Grand Final is held. Enjoy the great atmosphere, witness the cheer and excitement as teams battle it out on the hallowed ground, soak up the pre-game entertainment and world-class hospitality and get up close to the spectacle and thrill of the AFL.

Accommodation:

There are numerous accommodation options available in the vicinity of the MCG. The Rod Laver Arena and MCG precincts have plenty of nearby hotels, hostels, motels and apartments that are suited to all budgets and needs. For visitors looking to stay closer to the city, there are many hotels located around the city centre, with easy access to transport links to the MCG.

Whether you are a fan of sport, a tourist or simply a curious explorer looking to experience the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Melbourne Cricket ground will be sure to provide an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Q1. Where is the Melbourne Cricket Ground located?
A1. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Q2. When did the MCG first open?
A2. The Melbourne Cricket Ground first opened in 1854.

Q3. How large is the MCG?
A3. The Melbourne Cricket Ground has a capacity of approximately 100,000 people and covers an area of approximately 10 hectares.

Q4. What type of events are held at the MCG?
A4. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is primarily used for cricket matches, although it has also hosted other events such as AFL football, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, and concerts.

Q5. Is there parking available at the MCG?
A5. Yes, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has a large car park with over 5,000 spaces.

Q6. Are there any public transport options available to get to the MCG?
A6. Yes, public transport options are available to get to the MCG for events. Trains, trams, and buses run regularly and there are also nearby taxi ranks.

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