The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia, is set for a £1billion revamp with its capacity jumping to 105,000 and a legend’s tribute stand modernized.
‘THE SUN’ stated that the Melbourne Cricket Ground, better known as the MCG, is situated in the Australian State of Victoria.
The 1,00,024-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known locally as the ‘G’, is a sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne, Victoria (Australia). Founded and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club it is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, the 11th-largest stadium globally and the second-largest cricket stadium by capacity.
It is one of the most recognizable grounds in the world thanks to its impressive size and history as a top venue for sports and music.
The MCG has also long been associated with cricket having played host to both the first-ever Test match and One Day International (ODI).
‘THE SUN’ further stated that on a good day the arena packs in 95,000 eager fans into its seats.
But after being originally opened in 1853 the MCG is now set for a new look.
It’s already undergone two redevelopments – the first occurring in 1992 and the second in 2006.
However, plans have now been unveiled for a third restructures costing an eye-watering £1bn.
The chiefs are looking to expand capacity by 10,000, meaning that 105,000 seats would be available for the punters.
And to do this, they want to modernize the iconic Shane Warne Stand, named after the Aussie cricket legend who tragically died in March 2022 at the age of 52.
It’s reckoned that freshening up the block would not only create more space inside the MCG but would also ease congestion outside the ground.
According to reports, it would open up large passageways in the Northern section of the arena too.
And the extra space would also see the creation of new social dining areas.
Meanwhile, the new Shane Warne Stand is expected to provide new 180 degree-views over Melbourne’s Yarra Park which is based in the City’s South-East.
And there could even be a new hotel built behind it as well.
Planning development is yet to be approved with a £7million business case being funded by the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Victorian Government.
But work would not start on redevelopment until 2030.
It’s reckoned that the project will take at least two or three years to complete.
And the chiefs also hope to improve the other areas at the stadium including the roof lighting, the seating and the public amenities.
When work begins, it could see the MCG’s capacity drop from 95,000 to 70,000.
But this would allow it to continue hosting major events such as the Australian Football League (AFL’s) Grand Final.
However, the grand result would be a stadium boasting 105,000 seats – making it the fifth- largest arena in the world.
Melbourne (Australia)-based the Australian Football League (AFL) is the pre-eminent professional competition of Australian Rules football. It was originally named the Victorian Football League and was founded in 1896.
The Australian football, also called the Australian Rules football or Aussie Rules, or more simply football or footy, is a contact sport played between two teams of 18 players on an oval field, often a modified cricket ground.
The AFL Grand Final is an Australian Rules football match to determine the premiers for the Australian Football League season.
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