Melbourne Cricket Ground - MCG (Melbourne, Australia)
Melbourne Cricket Ground is so Much More Than a Stadium
“Its going for a six!” For over a century and a half, these words have been shouted in excitement by the crowds that fill Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It’s no secret that the Aussies love their cricket, and what better way to celebrate the sport than to build a cricket ground that can stand the test of time. In 1854, that is exactly what they did. With regular upgrades and redevelopments, MCG has been home to some of the greatest sporting events in history, including two cricket world cups, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and 1956 Summer Olympics. Nowadays, this mixed-use stadium not only holds major sporting events, but also music concerts and cultural events. With a capacity of just over 100.000, it’s easy to see why MCG is a landmark overlooking Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD).
MCG Draws in the Crowds
MCG sits within Yarra Park, a vibrant public parklands offering vast open lawns for visitors to relax on. If you’re wanting to learn about the history of these grounds, as well as the history of Australian sports, National Sports Museum, which is located in MCG, offers interesting exhibits that will bring you up to speed. You’ll also be able to read up on Melbourne Cricket Club while visiting this museum.
Given its size and ability to adapt to almost any event, it’s no surprise that MCG is the oldest running grounds that are host to Australian Football League (AFL). The AFL Grand Final is held each year at at this stadium, filling it to its capacity. Visitors describe the atmosphere as electric, and sports players feel privileged to be able to play on the historic turf.
Hotels Near MCG Won’t Leave You Feeling Stumped
No matter your reason for visiting MCG, accommodation is plentiful. Hotels surrounding Yarra Park vary in style and price, and cater to an influx of guests during stadium events. If you’re travelling with your family or a group of friends, you might want to rent one of several modern serviced apartments available near MCG. Melbourne Empire Apartments and Mantra on Russell are both competitively priced, and offer the space you’d need to stretch out after a long day at the cricket grounds. You could also stay at the highly rated Art Series - The Olsen, which boasts contemporary, spacious apartments that’ll make you want to stay just a little longer. On the other hand, The Victoria Hotel not only serves your budget well, but also takes care of your every need while you’re away from home.
All these accommodation options are within two kilometres from MCG, adding convenience to your stay in Melbourne. The close proximity of this stadium to the CBD allows you to explore all that Melbourne has to offer in between match days or concerts. Getting to and from the grounds are also easy, as you’ll be able to take the train to one of two stations (Jolimont, Richmond) near the stadium. Alternatively, you can ride the tram, catch a taxi, or take the bus directly to the grounds. Even if you’re visiting Melbourne for alternative reasons, MCG has made the Australian National Heritage list, and is certainly worth checking out.
Contact
Brunton Avenue, Richmond, 3002, Telephone: +61(3)96578879 | Official site