Overview
With Geelong and Brisbane set to battle it out in Saturdays AFL Grand Final, the MCG is once again the centre of the Australian sporting world — and now talk has turned to how the stadium might evolve in the years ahead.
As reported by the Herald Sun, Premier Jacinta Allan has launched a new business case to explore redevelopment options for the' G, aiming to ensure it continues to lure global events well beyond footy season. Ideas on the table include expanding the Shane Warne Stand to squeeze in another 5,000 fans. One more obvious option, however, might be more costly than expected — a roof.
MCC chief executive Stuart Fox revealed that covering the venue could carry a staggering price tag of up to $6 billion. "We're here to make sure this asset doesn't become old and redundant, and if we sit on our hands and do nothing people will grab more events from us," he said.
The comments come off the back of the stadium's latest Social and Economic Value Study, which found more than four million people came through the gates last year across 69 events. Those visitors delivered $720 million to Victoria's economy — with Taylor Swift's three sold-out shows alone contributing a quarter of that figure.
Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos compared the impact to "12 Taylor Swift concerts," underscoring just how valuable the stadium is to the state.
While the roof may be out of reach, the conversation is another reminder of the MCG's status as both the heart of the AFL and one of the most important event spaces in the country. And as the Cats and Lions run out this weekend, more than 100,000 fans will get a taste of why the' G remains one of the world's great sporting stages — roof or no roof.
Read the original reportage via The Herald Sun.
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