The MCG

[Tim_in_Philly]

In various threads there have been comments, mainly but not only from residents of Melbourne, to the effect that:
(1)"the MCG is the best stadium in Australia"
(2) "the MCG is the best stadium in the world"

Why is it?

 

[XNICK]

Tim you need to experience the atmosphere created by the grand old lady. The ground seems to generate its own excitement, steeped in tradition, just being part of a large crowd their is an experience in itself, other grounds dont seem to generate that same feeling as you walk to the ground. If you havent been to the MCG on AFL Grand Final Day you havent lived. But its hard to describe the feeling in words it must be experienced

 

[Aussie_Roo]

MCG is the greatest stadium in the world, because the people of Melbourne have made it that way, hence which is way we are the sporting capital of the Australia. It is traditional, attracts the crowds like no other, regardless of what it playing there. There is nothing like running out onto the G on Grand Final day (AFL), or opening bat on the Boxing Day Test (Cricket), or perhaps a full capacity for a World Cup qualifier match (Australia v Iran) when club soccer is struggling in this state. Prior to Stadium Australia being built it held the record for the most people at a rugby league match and there wasn't even a Melbourne based team in their competition at the time !!!

 

[carb70]

Tim its hard to describe why we love the MCG, It's loved by all Australians not just people who live in Melbourne. I know when I used to live in Melbourne there was nothing more exciting then waking up Saturday morning knowing you where catching the train to the MCG to watch a football match, its just the atmosphere and history of the place. Our two biggest sports in AFL football(winter) and cricket(summer)are played there, as well as the AFL grand final (which is our equivalent to your super bowl)so its used all year round, and as far as the athletes go once they have played on the MCG they know they have made it to the big time in Australian sports. The only way I could compare it in American terms is if you crossed Lambeau Field (NFL) with Yankee Staduim (MLB) you would end up with the MCG, or just image if you played the Super Bowl in the same staduim for 100 years how special would that staduim be.

 

[Stealth bomber]

I personally don't think it is *the* greatest stadium in the world, though it is *one of* the greatest.

I'm naturally biased because of my nationality as well being a frequent visitor to arguably the best pro and college football stadium atmospheres in the US (Lambeau Field and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium/Osborne Field).

For what the MCG is though, I don't think anything can beat it as an all-purpose venue. My two favourite American stadiums are both very specialized.

I have been to the G once and was impressed but not totally blown away. Admittedly I think the atmosphere didn't really do it justice though, becuase it was a low-profile contest (Essendon-Fremantle) with little suspense at all (final tally was something like 23.11 to 12.14).

I am certain that if I ever saw an Essendon-Carlton finals match that was hanging in the balance, things would have been a lot more electric.

 

[Grendel]

To be at the 'G' with the crowd pumping and a decent match on is to embrace life. It doesnt even have to be your team. I remember the centenary match of Geelong and Essendon, Bewick kicking nine after coming back from a knee reco, the Cats playing some scintallating footy and still getting done. It was fantastic. One of the best games ive seen.

My bomber mate says the same thing about the Hawks vs Dees 'merger game' in 96. He reckons that was one of the most emotional moments of HIS life, and hes a Bomber!! lol

The G is a unique place, you have to experience it to appreaciate it.

 

[CJH]

When Richmond played North Melbourne in the 95 qualifying final (Which was our first final since 1982) I had the pleasure of sitting in the Northern stand on the ground, directly facing and being dwarfed by the Great Southern Stand which was completely full. This was a novel experience for me as I am usually in the Great Southern Stand.

I remember being stunned by the sheer power of the wall of noise that was generated by the crowd filling this stand. I had never noticed it before as I was usually a part of it!

Atmosphere. A subjective and euphemistic term that is used to describe the collective excitement generated at an event.

This is what makes the 'G special. It has atmosphere by the truckload, and really does need to experienced to be understood.



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This is a hallucination and these faces are in a dream. A computer generated environment; a fantasy island you can do anything and not have to face the consequences.

 

[Same Old's]

Originally posted by Tim_in_Philly:
In various threads there have been comments, mainly but not only from residents of Melbourne, to the effect that:
(1)"the MCG is the best stadium in Australia"
(2) "the MCG is the best stadium in the world"

Why is it?

It depend's on what you mean by if the MCG is "the best stadium in Australia". Does this mean that they have the best amenities? The best sight lines? etc.

 

[AlfAndrews]

Originally posted by Aussie_Roo:
MCG is the greatest stadium in the world, because the people of Melbourne have made it that way.

That is a beautiful quote ... and probably sums it ALL up.



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**floreat pica**

 

[Carey_is_King]

Tim,
The reason Australians say that is because they don't get out much. Unfortunately, there is a tendency in this country for our media to declare any new building, tunnel, freeway, stadium or outdoor toilet as "One of the best in the world", when you don't have to travel far to see better.
There is no doubt the MCG is the best in Australia, and the atmosphere is wonderful when a good crowd is in, but there are many stadiums in your great country which would rival it in many ways.
Wrigley Field, Shea Stadium, Comiskey Park et,etc. A stadium is only as good as it's events, and in some part, it's history.
Having said all that, I love it.

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Trample the Weak,
Hurdle the Dead.

 

[Port Adelaide 1870]

Just left Malburn yesterday and did the usual MCG tour, sad the AFL exhibit was closed for renovations.

The MCG houses arguably the best cricket museum in the world, The yanks probably wouldnt find interest in it . with memorabilia and historical items dating back over 150 years.

it also houses the museum to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics that was held there.
stunning display that one. and some beautiful old stands as well as the great southern stand that holds as they told us 48,000 people

They are about to pull down the 1956 olympic stand, the 1928 members stand and the 1967 Ponsford stand.
to build a new stand along the same lines as the Great Southern stand, only larger in capacity.....so effectively the MCG will only have two stands seating approx 110,000 people.

no history, no tradition, no nostalgia.....only a site where once a great precedent took place......

PA1870

 

[Same Old's]

Originally posted by Port Adelaide 1870:
They are about to pull down the 1956 olympic stand, the 1928 members stand and the 1967 Ponsford stand.
to build a new stand along the same lines as the Great Southern stand, only larger in capacity.....so effectively the MCG will only have two stands seating approx 110,000 people.

Are you sure about that proposed capacity figure, PA1870. From what I've read the capacity is basically going to stay the same at approximately 98,000 seats.

 

[AlfAndrews]

I think you're right, Same Old's.

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**floreat pica**

 

[Tim_in_Philly]

Oops - just because I'm in Philadelphia at the moment doesn't mean I'm a Yank!!

I've been to the MCG for a couple of grand finals, several blockbuster roster matches plus a Boxing Day test opener against England.

Clearly the tradition of the MCG is a factor in it being a very important stadium - Olympics, a century of cricket and football, etc.

There has been a variety of different sports played there but it is still really a cricket and Aussie Rules ground so it is no less specialised than many grounds in the US which host baseball and American Football for example.

It is big but no bigger than several other stadia in the world and a minnow when compared with some (eg Maracana).

The facilities and amenities aren't particularly good - even in the GSS. When I first saw the GSS I was impressed by the sheer scale of it but disappointed with the amenities, eg really limited legroom. When I first ventured to Stadium Australia I consequently had low expectations but was pleasantly surprised by the roominess, the number and extent of facilities such as food and drink outlets and the "user-friendliness" of the place. Let's hope the new stand at the MCG follows the same pattern.

In terms of atmosphere the MCG, like any big stadium, generates a great feeling when full and loud. However, the intimacy of the SCG means the atmosphere there is just as good despite being smaller (and I suspect, never having been there, Subiaco is similar) and the "wall of noise" impact of Stadium Australia has to be experienced to be believed.

I guess, to answer my own question:
1) It has the tradition and the size together which Sydney has in two stadia - the SCG for tradition and Stadium Australia for size - thus making it the best in Australia.
2) It isn't THE best - just a good example of the Australian media proclaiming everything local to be the Best or the Worst In The World (compare the Australian media on the fall in the dollar versus the European media on the fall of the Euro, or the lead up to and aftermath of the Olympics).

 

[lioness]

Who cares what the rest of the world thinks?? We all KNOW the MCG is the best staduim in the world, and all of us who go there are part of making it that way.

The atmosphere is amazingly unique.

Stealth - being a Bombers fan, you will eventually attend one of their 'blockbuster' games, being that my family are all mad Bomber fans, I have attended a few Ess/Carl and Ess/Coll matches, and it's just incredible!!!!!!!!!!! On days like that, you'll see just how magical the MCG can really be.

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*the one and only lioness*

 

[magpie_joffa]

Originally posted by Carey_is_King:

A stadium is only as good as it's events, and in some part, it's history.
Having said all that, I love it.

[/B]

Thanking you very muchly!!!

 

[Same Old's]

Originally posted by lioness22:
Who cares what the rest of the world thinks?? We all KNOW the MCG is the best staduim in the world, and all of us who go there are part of making it that way.

The atmosphere is amazingly unique.

How's it "amazingly unique" compared with other stadia. From what I know, one of the unique part's of the stadium is from the MCC members, which try to make as little "noise" as possible.

 

[XNICK]

Originally posted by Stealth bomber:

I personally don't think it is *the* greatest stadium in the world, though it is *one of* the greatest.

I'm naturally biased because of my nationality as well being a frequent visitor to arguably the best pro and college football stadium atmospheres in the US (Lambeau Field and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium/Osborne Field).

For what the MCG is though, I don't think anything can beat it as an all-purpose venue. My two favourite American stadiums are both very specialized.

I have been to the G once and was impressed but not totally blown away. Admittedly I think the atmosphere didn't really do it justice though, becuase it was a low-profile contest (Essendon-Fremantle) with little suspense at all (final tally was something like 23.11 to 12.14).

I am certain that if I ever saw an Essendon-Carlton finals match that was hanging in the balance, things would have been a lot more electric.

Any game with Freemantle in it is a non event

 

[Darky]

What about the Whitten Oval as a truly great sporting stadium?

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Other bands play, Manowar KILL !!!!!!!!!

[This message has been edited by Darky (edited 06 January 2001).]

 

[lioness]

Originally posted by Same Old's:
How's it "amazingly unique" compared with other stadia. From what I know, one of the unique part's of the stadium is from the MCC members, which try to make as little "noise" as possible.

SO, if you don't know the answer to that, then I'll never be able to explain it to you.

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*the one and only lioness*

 

[Michele]

Tim_in_Philly,

The MCG atmosphere and tradition
A great stadium needs people to create atmosphere and tradition.
The MCG has this in abundance.
Footy's Big Clashes throughout the year (tribal),
cricket - the Boxing Day test (festive,fun), soccer - the World Cup Qualifying final (very sad but patriotic)
Rugby - Bledisloe Cup (curiousity 80,000+).
Nothing beats the roar of the crowd at the "G" on the 'last day in September', Grand Final Day.

Sure Sydney Stadium is shiny and new and may have some better amenitities, food outlets and leg room, but I don't go to the footy for the food outlets, I go to watch a great team play - North.
(It will also be interesting to see how the staduim will be utilisied and patronised without the Olympics.)

In response to your reply to your own question (2), I find it a liitle ironic you stating that "..it isn't the BEST. Just a good example of the Australian media proclaiming everything local to be the BEST...".
That is exactly what the USA say - they believe the world revolves around them. I am NOT sticking-up for the media, but the USA are #1 at saying anything in US is the best or biggest.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, just for a laugh, I watched NBC Today Show. Viewers were asked to email Q. Guess - what language do we speak, do kangaroos hop down the st, etc., etc. NBC had an Aussie language quiz - I didn't know a couple of Q.
As the days wore on, it was not that funny!

From an unbiased view -the MCG is the best.

Regards
Michele

So you see -

 

[Frodo]

The MCG is special but only for AFL.
It should be renamed the Victorian Footy Ground (VFG). It is the icon od Aussie Rules. There are at least 500 stadiums in the world better than the MCG for viewing, ammenities and admission. Don't get carried away with bullcrap. We have awonderful game but our stadia don't make second grade.

 

[Mags]

NO NO NO!

Y should they rename the Mcg the Victorian Footy Ground? It has had cricket there 1st.

The G is own by those arseh*le called the MCC not the Afl. Afl are renting the G.

The Afl should have never ever wasted money on an Oversized Basketball Stadium (Colonial).

They should have spent the money Upgrading Waverley Park and so that afl could break that god dam contract that they have with the Melbourne Cricket Club too play the Grand Final at the Mcg for another 25 years i think it is! (Correct Me If Im Wrong)

Can someone tell me y the Mcc members are allowed the same access rights into colonial stadium too?

They didnt pay any money too get the ground up and running! So y should they have access too it?

There is only one problem i find with the Mcg and that is that it is turning into bloody colonial stadium with all this reserve seat crap.

Mags

 

[Mr Ripper]

Michele reckons:
Nothing beats the roar of the crowd at the "G" on the 'last day in September', Grand Final Day.

Is that the roar when the 30,000 odd who actually have an interest in one of the competing teams start their barracking; or the roar when the other 70,000 realise they're running out of chardonnay?

 

[Mags]

Rip that sounds about right too me mate!

30,000 thats all ppl there who really care about the game. The rest are Bandwagoners like Easty who really dont deserve a grand final ticket!

Mags