MCG to get 2 billion makeover and we are begging for a few hundred mill for Suncorp , nothing for Accor, delay on hbf park, nothing for Canberra, gong, Newcastle or brookvale
Nrl is so far behind in terms of getting stadium upgrades itâs a joke. Probably behind soccer
The Herald Sun can exclusively reveal details of the business case and early concept images.
For the first time, fans would be able to gather with friends in 2000-seat pub-style eateries for pre-game meals and drinks inside the rebuilt southern side of the stadium.
It is expected the new dining hubs would help significantly improve the fan experience along with major upgrades to public amenities, rooftop lighting, seating, digital technology, accessibility and pedestrian flow at the home of footy.
The rebuilt stand would have a deeper footprint to create new social dining areas, ease congestion and bring the thoroughfares in-line with the more expansive passageways in the northern section of the venue.
In another major change, the new Shane Warne Stand would provide spectacular 180 degree-views over the south-eastern part of the city overlooking Yarra Park.
Early concept designs show a stunning glass exterior which would replace the current concrete walls.
There is also scope for open-air decks and a major outward-facing tourism offering to capitalise on the elevated aspect.
A new roof could also cover more seating, pending final designs.
The major infrastructure project would take between two and three years to complete and boost the venueâs capacity by 5000 to about 105,000.
That would put the MCG back in the top 10 biggest stadiums in the world, up from 11th to 5th.
The vision is detailed in a $15m business case which is jointly-funded by the Melbourne Cricket Club and Victorian Government.
The option of building a new hotel at the back of the stand is being strongly considered.
One concept image obtained by the Herald Sun also shows a large grassed open space and walkways over the train tracks south of the stadium.
Such a huge redevelopment to link the MCG to Melbourne Park is not part of the proposed $2bn stadium project and would require a significant amount more.
But it is expected to be a key consideration as part of a separate review of the broader precinct, which would also investigate improved links to Richmond station.
And given the new standâs deeper footprint and wider planned concourse, stadium architects will probe how much their development would need to hang over Brunton Avenue and some rail lines.
If approved, the new standâs construction would be completed in stages and not start until after 2030.
The phased works would ensure the venue could maintain the 70,000-seat minimum capacity required to keep AFL grand finals in Melbourne.
The MCC would likely be required to contribute a significant slice of the bill in conjunction with the Victorian and Federal governments as well as the AFL and Cricket Australia.
The MCC, which has more than 160,000 fee-paying members and a 20-year waiting list, may consider a loan (like it did on the northern stand) to help jointly fund the Shane Warne Stand rebuild.
But the State Government could be required to chip in more than $1bn, making it one of Victoriaâs next biggest construction spends.
The stadium has a busy schedule over the coming years, including a multi-year NFL deal, Boxing Day and 150-year anniversary day/night test, potential rugby and cricket world cup tournaments and blockbuster concerts including rock legends AC/DC next month.
The venue has attracted some of the globeâs top acts in recent years including sold-out shows for pop sensations Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, as well as EPL and international soccer friendlies, the British and Irish Lions tour and cricket world cup finals.
And the NFL deal which will see the LA Rams play in early September next year is expected to fuel further interest from the US market on top of the strong existing ties to India and the UK.
But a major feasibility study conducted over the past four years has recommended the southernstand â which was constructed in 1992 and renamed the Shane Warne Stand after the cricket legendâs death in 2022 â should be knocked down and rebuilt.
Due to its narrow thoroughfares, queues to food and beverage outlets and the bathrooms can become entangled at major events, with severe congestion around the inner concourse.
Space for communal dining is also largely limited to takeaway food outlets, while there is restricted wheelchair access on level four.
Under the new vision, AFL tenant clubs would have access to new and improved function rooms and other amenities to help service membership and hospitality packages on all levels.
There would also be consideration given to moving the champion leg spinnerâs popular statue from gate two to a new position as part of a grand entrance inside the stand named after him.
Parkland could incorporate improved lighting for safety and security, celebrate Indigenous culture and storytelling, as well as an avenue of honour for sporting greats, subject to necessary approvals.
MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said it was time to outline a vision for the Shane Warne Stand which maintained the MCGâs reputation as âone of the worldâs greatest and most fan-friendly venuesâ.
âWe are thrilled the Victorian Government has chosen to partner with the MCC, in conjunction with the MCG Trust, on this important project,â Mr Fox said.
âIt is an incredibly exciting piece of work which will explore what the Shane Warne Stand could look like, what it will include, how we would build it, how much it will cost and how it will be funded.
âIt will be benchmarked against the greatest stadiums in the world and many years of work have already gone into what the best sporting experience looks and feels like for fans.â
Recently, major investment has been made to construct first-class venues in Adelaide and Perth, while the AFL is pushing ahead with plans to build a new home for the new AFL team in Tasmania.
Brisbane will also build a 63,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium for the 2032 Olympics, costing an estimated $3.8bn.
It means the MCGâs Shane Warne Stand in particular â which would be almost 40 years old by the time construction works would begin â is at risk of becoming outdated.
But new technology and design initiatives from some of the globeâs premier sporting venues including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London are on the MCGâs radar.
Sport minister Steve Dimopoulos said the MCG hosted 69 major events last year, attracting more than four million visitors including 623,000 from outside Victoria and powering 7500 full-time jobs.
âThe MCG is one of Victoriaâs most iconic landmarks and we want to keep it that way,â Mr Dimopoulos said.
âWe know how much this ground means to Victorians which is why we want to make sure it remains the best stadium in the world for generations to come. This business case will help us plan the MCG and Victoriaâs future to continue to support the very best events, and Victorian jobs.â
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the MCG was âone of the most iconic stadiums in the worldâ.
âThe AFL strongly supports any initiatives that ensure this landmark venue continues to deliver the best and most innovative experience for our fans, players, and clubs into the future,â Mr Dillon said.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the sport strongly supported the business case and any further initiatives âto ensure the MCG maintains its place as one of the worldâs great cricket stadiumsâ.
âProviding brilliant experiences for fans is a key part of our strategy and we want them to enjoy the best possible contemporary facilities in stadiums across Australia,â Greenberg said.
