*Parking alert: Access is restricted to accredited passholders and accessible permit holders only. No general public parking is available for this match.
Step into Greatness at the 'G during the 2023 AFL Premiership Season.
The Melbourne Cricket Club, as ground managers of the MCG, looks forward to welcoming you to the 'G throughout the 2023 AFL Premiership Season.For everything you need to know on visiting the MCG for AFL, click here.
Curtain Raiser - VFL Essendon v Richmond
A VFL curtain raiser will be held between Essendon and Richmond from 2.35pm before the AFL match kicks off at 7.40pm.One ticket will permit entry to both matches.
Key Timings
- 2.35pm: VFL Match Start – Essendon v Richmond
- 6.05pm: The Long Walk
- 7.03pm: Pre-match entertainment featuring Fred Leone, Mo’Ju and Djirri Djirri and Bandok Tati and Dreamtime Contemporary Dancers. Welcome to Country conducted by Aunty Joy Murphy
- 7.12pm: Pre-match entertainment concludes
- 7.34pm: Dreamtime Ceremony performance by Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs
- 7.40pm: Match Start
- Halftime: Half Time performance on Ponsford stage from Archie Roach band featuring, Michael Long, Amos Roach, Bumpy, Mo’Ju and Radical Son
- Post Game: Presentation of Yiooken Trophy to best on ground by Aunty Pam Pederson OAM & Michael Long
Tickets
General Public tickets for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season match – Essendon v Richmond on Saturday May 20 are sold out. This match is a fully ticketed event, with no further tickets to be released.General Admission Seating
Due to the overwhelming demand for Essendon v Richmond, this will be a fully ticketed match.Club members will not be able to scan their membership card at the gate for general admission access. All eligible members are required to upgrade to a reserved seat for this match.
Those who have already purchased a general admission ticket via Ticketek will be able to access limited seating in the Ponsford Stand. Please note, GA areas are subject to change. Check back here for updates.
Ponsford Stand
- Q27-Q28 (rows K-DD)
- Q32-Q36 (rows T-MM)
AFL Reserve
Please note, seating in the AFL Reserve is available to AFL members only.
- Q25-Q26 rows U-DD
Cheer Squad areas
Essendon: M3 (rows A-R)Richmond: M33 (rows A-S)
Parking
General public parking is unavailable for this match. Parking is available to accessible and accredited permit holders only. Click here for parking information as well as alternative parking options close to the MCG, and continue to check regularly for updates.Parking for disability permit holders can be pre-booked via Ticketek here.
Precinct Road Closures
Please note the below road closures around the MCG precinct in the lead-up to, during and post-game.- Brunton Avenue: 5.00pm - 11.20pm
- Jolimont St and Jolimont Terrace: 5.00pm - 11.20pm
- Wellington Parade: 10.20pm - 10.50pm
- Vale Street: 5.00pm - 11.20pm
Metro Train disruptions
Buses replace trains on sections of the Belgrave, Lilydale, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Frankston lines with weekend.Passengers should allow extra time when travelling to and from the MCG, and plan your journey at ptv.vic.gov.au
The G-Train Mobility Shuttle Service
The G-Train Mobility Shuttle Service operates during public events held at the MCG.The service is free and accessible to patrons with mobility challenges. The G-Train also features vehicles with wheelchair-friendly access.
Pre-booking is not required; simply wait at a designated pick up point for the next available buggy. The service has pick up points from the following locations:
- Richmond Station
- Jolimont Station
- Accessible Parking Area
Find out more
Getting to the MCG
Find your best way to get to the MCG with our journey planner and transport option tools. For information on public transport, pedestrian access, taxi ranks and more, click here.At the 'G
- You will be required to enter via the gate listed on your ticket.
- The MCG is a cashless venue. All food, beverage, merchandise and ticketing outlets will be cashless – so all transactions will need to be made on your debit or credit card.
- The MCG is a smoke, e-cigarette and vape free venue. Patrons found smoking or vaping inside the Ground will face immediate eviction.
- At the MCG, your safety is our priority. If you experience any form of antisocial behaviour, please report it by texting 'Assist' to the MCG's antisocial text hotline on +61 409 117 621.
MCC Library Fact Sheets
Click here to read the MCC Library Fact Sheet for this match.Australian Sports Museum
The Australian Sports Museum is open for those attending the match from gate opening (listed above) until 15 minutes before the match start time.Tickets for the Australian Sports Museum are half price and can be purchased on the day inside Gate 3 at the MCG. The Museum showcases the best of Australian sports including AFL, cricket and the Olympics.
Be sure to arrive early to make the most of your visit.