Tens of thousands of cricket fans will pour through the gates of MCG today, as Victorians celebrate the start of the Boxing Day Test.
Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaala Pulford welcomed fans to the MCG, with the big crowd expected to deliver a major boost to city restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels.
With Australia two-nil up in the Ashes Test series, a capacity crowd each day is permitted to see Australia take on England. Wearing a mask will be required when moving around the stadium – including when getting food or entering the venue – but fans do not have to wear one when they are in their seats outdoors.
The Boxing Day Test opens an action-packed summer calendar of sport, arts, and creative events set to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the city in coming months.
Grand Slam tennis returns to Melbourne Park from 17 January, and the Socceroos play their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Vietnam at AAMI Park on 27 January.
Melbourne’s famed theatre district is humming, with productions including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Disney’sFrozen to continue over the summer months.
Fashion lovers can check out the Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto exhibition, which made its stunning debut at the NGV earlier this month.
South Africa is locked in to take on Australia at the MCG for next year’s Boxing Day Test.
As stated by Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Jaala Pulford
“There’s no better place to watch the Aussies beat England than at the MCG on Boxing Day.”
“Having MCG crowds at full capacity for the Boxing Day Test and our summer of major events will attract hundreds of thousands of people to Melbourne and deliver big benefits for so many local businesses.”
As stated by Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox
“The MCG hosted the first ever Test match in 1877 and holds a special place in the heart of cricket fans – it’s great to welcome England back at the Ashes and we look forward to delivering an exhilarating program of play.”
