The MCG. The People’s Ground.
People don’t just like the ground – they love it, they connect to it.In 2022 the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), as ground manager of the MCG, successfully delivered a series of world-class events at the ground that is intrinsically tied to Melbourne and its culture.
Here are some highlights from the past year at the ‘G:
BBL action
The MCG hosted eight BBL matches in January – including two double-headers and The Eliminator and The Knockout Finals.As the league relocated matches to the east coast to combat the challenges with travel with the COVID-19 wave, three of the eight matches were played between non-Melbourne teams.
The Melbourne Stars’ Glenn Maxwell’s performance at the MCG on January 19 against the Hobart Hurricanes provided a highlight of the season – breaking the league record to notch up the highest score in BBL history – 154 off just 64 balls.
Delaware delight
Delaware North was announced as the MCG’s new hospitality partner in February 2022.The partnership has helped deliver the best of local flavour to the MCG including Melbourne-based brands Gami Chicken, SPQR Pizza and Royal Stacks.
Dining experiences also expanded:
Committee Room by Grossi: Iconic Melbourne chef Guy Grossi from the Grossi Florentine restaurant has transformed the MCC Committee Room into a fine dining venue with Italian inspired dishes.
Long Room by Alejandro Saravia: Alejandro from Farmer’s Daughters has introduced his love of Victoria produce to the Long Room for members and guests on event days.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Portrait finds its place at the ‘G
The heroes of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup were immortalised at the MCG on International Women’s Day this year with the unveiling of a portrait showing the historic celebration.The piece of artwork - commissioned by the MCC with the support of Cricket Australia - was created by two-time Doug Moran National Portrait Prize winner Vincent Fantauzzo.
Opening of new Multi-Faith Prayer Room
Just prior to the beginning of the 2022 AFL Season, a new Multi-Faith Prayer Room was unveiled in the Shane Warne Stand.The new room can cater to 50 patrons at one time and can used by patrons of all faiths.
The AFL returns to the People’s Ground
Following an interrupted season in 2021, the 2022 AFL Premiership season commenced with a 2021 Grand Final rematch between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, with the Demons unfurling their 2021 premiership flag in front of their fans.The largest attendance of the opening round was between Carlton and Richmond – with 72,179 fans seeing the traditional rivals in action.
Cricket world mourns legends of the game
All across the world, cricket fans tuned into the MCG to farewell cricket legend Shane Warne following his sudden passing in March, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance.The Shane Warne Stand was also officially unveiled, replacing the old Great Southern Sand, with Shane’s children revealing the sign at the end of the night.
The permanent sign was installed in December.
The MCC and MCG also paid its respects to Rod March and Andrew Symonds following their deaths in March and May respectively, with all three cricketers leaving lasting legacies.
MCG hosts first official AFLW match
While the MCG has hosted AFLW exhibition matches in the past, the first official AFLW match at the ground took place on April 2.The Preliminary Final – played between Melbourne and Brisbane Lions – saw Melbourne progress through to the AFLW Grand Final, defeating the Lions 5.3 (33) to 4.5 (29).
A return to tradition on ANZAC Day and ANZAC Day Eve
The two ANZAC matches at the MCG were once again highlights on the AFL calendar.The ANZAC Eve match between Richmond and Melbourne saw 70,334 patrons come to the MCG with Melbourne defeating Richmond 9. 22 (76) to 8.6 (54).
The traditional ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood saw 84,205 fans in attendance, with Collingwood defeating Essendon 15.3 (92) to 12.10 (82).
A huge treat for fans with refurbished Trumble Bar and Café
The Trumble Bar and Café reopened in May 2022 after closing at the end of the 2021 Boxing Day Test for renovations.The new, refurbished space is a light, bright and open area with plenty of seating both indoors and in the new-look outdoor courtyard, which also includes a large TV screen and heating.
Narrm FC featured in Australian Sports Museum
The Australian Sports Museum and Melbourne Football Club joined forces to open a new exhibit in the Australian Sports Museum – the Narrm Football Club display.The announcement and exhibition coincided with Melbourne Football Club’s unveiling of Narrm Football Club – a reconciliation-inspired name that was adopted during Sir Doug Nicholls Round of the AFL Premiership Season.
Narrm is the Aboriginal name for Melbourne, coming from Woi Wurrung language.
The exhibition displayed each of Melbourne’s Indigenous Round jumpers worn by both the men’s and women’s teams since 2014.
Dreamtime at the ‘G
Following a two-year hiatus, Dreamtime at the ‘G returned to its traditional home at the MCG in front of 70,226 fans with Richmond 11. 14 (80) defeating Essendon 7.6 (48).Big Freeze at the ‘G
The sea of blue beanies was back at the ‘G in 2022 as the Big Freeze at the ‘G made its return to its usual format.76,059 fans came to watch the Queen’s Birthday match between Collingwood and Melbourne, while 10 iconic Australians took the plunge into the icy waters to support FightMND.
The day raised a record-breaking $19.8 million for FightMND.
Manchester United turns the MCG red:
Manchester United played two matches at the MCG against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.74,157 fans saw Manchester United defeat Melbourne Victor 4-1 on Friday July 15, while a crowd of 76,499 witnessed United defeat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Tuesday July 19, with fans braving the cold to see the Red Devils at the MCG for the first time in 22 years.
Stepping back into September greatness – AFL finals
The long anticipated return of AFL finals to the People’s Ground saw the MCG host six matches across September including the AFL Grand Final.Huge crowds turned out to see the first qualifying final, with Geelong narrowly defeating Collingwood in front of 91,525 fans.
Collingwood would play in front of another large crowd to secure a spot in the preliminary finals, defeating Fremantle with 90,612 fans in attendance.
The hottest ticket in town – the Grand Final - saw Geelong become premiers for the first time since 2011, defeating the Sydney Swans by 81 points in front of a full house at the MCG – 100, 024.
Global pop sensation Robbie Williams was a crowd favourite, performing as part of the pre-match entertainment.
His performance included a touching tribute to Shane Warne while also dedicating a cover of ‘You’re the Voice’ to John Farnham.
T20 World Cup
The MCG hosted a number of fixtures as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup including India v Pakistan – a fixture which attracted 90,293 fans to the MCG and provided an electric atmosphere.Virat Kohli led India to victory on the final ball to beat Pakistan by four wickets in what was an incredible spectacle and memorable night for all in attendance.
This tournament saw huge visitation figures from international fans, with the ball from the 1992 ICC Men’s World Cup between Pakistan and England and the cap worn by Imran Khan proving to be two of the most popular items identified within the MCC collection among fans and visiting media.
The T20 World Cup final saw England crowned champions in front of 80, 462 fans.
Concerts galore at the MCG:
In addition to the diverse offering of sporting events across the year, the MCG concerts again for the first time since 2019.Guns N’ Roses played at the MCG for the first time since 2017, while one week later Billy Joel took to the stage in what was his only show in Australia, performing in front of 76,299 fans.
New milestones and tributes for cricket legend – Boxing Day Test
A number of remarkable individual performances during the 2022 Boxing Day Test has seen a trio of names etched onto the prestigious MCG honour boards – feats that will forever feature at the birthplace of Test cricket, with Australia defeating South Africa by an innings and 182 runs at the iconic ground.Cameron Green was the first of the Australians to find his place in MCG Test history, taking his maiden Test five wicket haul on Day 1, 5/27, while David Warner and Alex Carey secured their place in MCG history with a double century and maiden Test century respectively.
The opening day of the Test also saw an outpouring of support and tributes dedicated to cricket icon Shane Warne, at the ground where he consolidated his legendary status with achievements forever tied to Boxing Day Test folklore.
With more sporting events and concerts already locked in for 2023, we can’t wait to welcome fans back to the ‘G!
