The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) had been conducting a feasibility study on the redevelopment of the Northern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The stand was considered to be at the end of its life, with concerns about its accessibility and amenity. Any redevelopment would require cooperation and coordination between the MCC, state government, and major sports organizations such as the AFL and Cricket Australia. MCC President Fred Oldfield stated that while retiring the Northern Stand debt was a significant milestone, the cost of running and maintaining the MCG remained high, and the venue needed to be reinvested in to remain a world-class global venue.
In collaboration with the state government and the MCG Trust, the MCC had developed a business case to explore various options for the future of the Shane Warne Stand. The club’s current financial position allowed for potential contributions to further stadium improvements and possible stand redevelopments. Premier Jacinta Allan declined to comment on what contribution the state government would make to the redevelopment of the stand. The waiting list for MCC membership had grown to 188,608, with over 63,000 full members, 43,000 restricted members, and 50,000 provisional members.
Negotiations for the future of the Boxing Day Test were still ongoing with Cricket Australia and the Victorian government. The MCC reported that 165,000 fans attended the rain-affected match with Pakistan the previous year, with total cricket attendances for the summer at 268,859. While Big Bash League games and a one-day international against the West Indies drew relatively modest numbers, revenue for the MCC jumped to $199 million from $163 million the previous year. Event revenue increased by $14 million, largely due to higher AFL income, while membership income rose by $11.4 million thanks to inflation-linked fee increases and the end of COVID-era discounts.
The MCC runs the MCG under an arrangement overseen by the Victorian government’s Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust. The club had identified the need for investment in the venue to ensure its continued status as a world-class global venue. The ongoing feasibility study on the Northern Stand redevelopment had not yet determined any specific plans. The club’s financial position allowed for potential contributions to stadium improvements and stand redevelopments in collaboration with the state government and the MCG Trust. With a significant waiting list for membership, the MCC reported increased revenue and attendance numbers for cricket matches. Negotiations were ongoing for the future of the Boxing Day Test, with continued discussions with Cricket Australia and the Victorian government.
