Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

It does not matter whether you are a sports fan or not. For, this magnificent sporting venue of Australia – the Melbourne Cricket Ground would remind you of the sporting legends and the record-breaking history made in the field of cricket, rugby, football and others of the like!

Popularly known as the “G” by the locals, the venue has a century-long legacy for hosting some of the best cricket, Australia Rules Football and rugby matches ever! Right from being an integral part of the 1956 Olympic games, the cricket ground continues to be the hub for Victorian sport. So, where is this stellar attraction of Melbourne that draws tourists and sports enthusiasts alike it is one of the best tourist places to visit in Melbourne.

Located in Yarra Park, in Victoria, Melbourne, the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG is known for its imposing stature. Its whooping 100000-odd seating capacity comprises different seating banks such as: Members Reserve, Ponsford Stand, Olympic Stand and the Grand 3-tiered Southern Stand. Adding to the iconic attractions of the ground are two huge electronic scoreboards, a gallery of sport and a host of media and corporate facilities.

So, it is wonderful to witness the fan frenzy at the MCG during the cricket and football matches that are held almost 90 days in a year. During the events, food kiosks serving variety of fare are set up in the premises for fans/spectators to grab quick bites, while watching their favourite sports star in action.

While the sports events draw crowds to the MCG, the sheer grandeur of the venue is an attraction for tourists, even otherwise. Being a tourist hotspot, there are numerous stays – hotels, guesthouses, budget stays and sorts within the vicinity of the MCG.

In addition, the location of the venue in Melbourne’s CBD(Central business district) makes it readily accessible by various means of public transport. One cannot but be in awe at the grandeur of the MCG, which talks of a glorious past ever since it was established.

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• Witness the magnificent of Melbourne Cricket Ground, the century-old sporting ground that has hosted some of the greatest matches in cricket, football and rugby history.
• With a seating capacity of 100,000, Melbourne Cricket Ground is known for its sporting attractions like the Cricketers’ Viewing Room, Players’ Change Room, Ron Casey Media Centre, National Sports Museum, MCC Long Room, Melbourne Cricket Club Library, Cricketer Victoria Bill Lawry Centre, MCG Tapestry, Ponsford Stand, and City Terrace.
• Click pictures with majestic portraits of two of cricket’s greatest legends, Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
• Attend seasonal cricket, rugby, and football matches and be a part of the fan frenzy during your Melbourne tour.
• Explore nearby attractions like Hosier Lane, Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square, and Degraves Street, and go for hot air ballooning after your trip to Melbourne Cricket Ground.

There are Metro, Shuttle, Skybus, Yarra trams and taxi rides available to reach MCG from the airport.

When you are using public transport, the route you take is:

From Jolimont MCG(closest stop) , to the Southern Cross by train;

Walk through to Skybus Coach Terminal and board the Melbourne Airport T3 Skybus.  

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To explore something as spectacular as the MCG, you will want the weather to be on your side. And that you are not browbeaten by extreme climatic conditions.

The ideal period to visit Melbourne is during autumn(March-May ) and Spring(September – November). This is the time when you can go on cycling trails or even explore the city on foot.

But if you choose to visit during the summer or winter season you can catch some of the major sporting events in Cricket or Football at the MCG.

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Location: Yarra Park, Jolimont, VIC, 3002 (Phone: +61 3 9657 8867)

Timings: Monday – Sunday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

History of MCG – Reliving the past glory, time and again

As it stands tall today with some of the most amazing world records in sports, the story of MCG began in 1853, when it was first established. The sporting venue came into being within a decade of the founding of the city of Melbourne.

From having a 6000-odd seating capacity at the time of its construction to accommodating staggering 100000-odd spectators at present, MCG’s stature as a premier sports venue in Australia, is something to reckon with.Apart from being home to the AFL(Australian Football League) rugby and cricket matches, the MCG was the centerpiece during the 1956 Olympic games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The first official kick-off of a sporting event at the MCG was in 1854 when the first cricket match was played on its grounds. This was followed by a football match played by the Victoria Football league, during the 1870s. Apart from cricket and football, the MCG has also hosted the State of Origin series, the rugby union, the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 1997 and 2001.

These sporting events have pulled in crowds over and beyond the capacity of MCG, especially during the 1975 VFL Grand Final, with to the extent of 121696 spectators cramped for space! What adds a jewel to its crown is that the sporting facility has also played host to iconic celebrities like Pope John II in 1956, Queen Elizabeth in the 1980s, along with staging musical concerts by Madonna and Rolling Stones. As the past glory of MCG shines on, you have umpteen avenues to explore and discover in the biggest sports venue of Australia.

Tips for Melbourne Cricket ground

There is no doubt that visiting Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of your bucket list of things to do in Melbourne. As you gear up for an amazing experience of the MCG, here are a few tips that will come in handy before you head to Australia’s largest sports stadium.

1. Check for tickets online to explore the MCG, where you can book in advance.

2. You should go for the guided tours to get better insights of the MCG, its sporting history, and a host of facilities and features that make it world-renowned.

3. Do not forget to check for events happening on the ground on the MCG website.

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