On the eve of the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosting the AFL’s biggest match of the year – the Grand Final between Geelong and Brisbane last Saturday – a new study revealed the importance of the venue to the Victorian economy. Figures released as part of the ‘MCG Social and Economic Value Study’ showed that the MCG contributed $720 million to the Victorian economy in the past 12 months alone while also smashing attendance records in 2024.  

More than four million fans streamed through the turnstiles across 69 major sporting fixtures, concerts and community events, including the AFL Grand Final, NRL’s State of Origin, Tottenham vs Newcastle football friendly, three Taylor Swift concerts and a record-setting Boxing Day Test. These and other events at the MCG brought more than 620,000 visitors to Victoria from interstate and overseas, with $290 million spent in Victoria and supported 7500 full-time equivalent jobs.

Off the back of that record breaking year, the MCC (which manages the MCG), in partnership with the MCG Trust, Victorian Government and other key stakeholders, will lead investigation into the future requirements of the stadium to help ensure its world-class status. The business case will review the current state of the MCG, including the Shane Warne Stand, and outline options for redevelopment to meet the contemporary facilities that athletes and spectators require.

Opened in 1992 in time for the Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Shane Warne Stand was originally named the Great Southern Stand, and was renamed in honour of the Victorian cricket legend who died in 2022. The northern side of the ground was redeveloped and opened in 2005 before the MCG hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Picture courtesy of the MCG