Victorian Government Stadium Funding Agreement details

Jul 2, 2010
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On Thursday evening, the AFL advised the clubs of an impending deal with the Victorian Government which would included funding for its Etihad Stadium proposal, and funding for a number of facilities across the state for Womens football.

In a $225 million deal with the AFL, the grand final will stay at the MCG until at least 2057, while Etihad Stadium and its surrounding precinct will be upgraded for rectangular sports like soccer and rugby, its women’s change facilities will be improved and there will be guaranteed access for other codes and major events.

Etihad Stadium

Etihad Stadium and its surrounding precinct will undergo a $225 million revamp under a landmark deal between the AFL and the Andrews government announced on Thursday night.

In return for the Etihad upgrade money, the AFL will frequently have to open the ground to other major events and sporting codes, including rugby and soccer.

Footy clubs hosting games at Etihad will get “fairer” deals. And women’s change rooms will be upgraded.

Etihad’s revamp will focus on improving fans’ viewing, with better seating for the footy and other major events on the bottom level.

A hotel tower on the current site of AFL House isn't believed to be part of the government funding, but could be funded by the AFL itself. It's been speculated the new luxury hotel which will help link Etihad Stadium to the Victoria Harbour waterfront will have a ballroom big enough to host the Brownlow Medal and other functions.



The MCG

The agreement between the AFL and Andrews Government will pave the way for Melbourne Cricket Club to embark on a $1 billion redevelopment of the MCG’s Great Southern Stand in about a decade, increasing the capacity above its current 100,024.

The MCC is expected to be ready to start the Great Southern Stand redevelopment in 10 years, with the project spanning three years. It is anticipated the capacity will increase by at least a few thousand and as much as 10,000.

The current deal for the MCG to host the AFl Grand Final was due to expire in 20137, but will now be extended to 2057.

The government said the deal to lock in the MCG as the home of the AFL grand final for the next 40 years would give the Melbourne Cricket Club Trust the financial security to undertake a major redevelopment of the MCG.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire unveiled details of the precinct redevelopment on the AFL Footy Show on Thursday night.

“A concourse will be built and a redevelopment of Richmond station ... so that you’ll never have to put your foot on the road again at Brunton Avenue or Punt Road,” he said."There’ll be cafes, there’ll be food trucks, there’ll be all sorts of areas. You know what we saw on grand final night in Swan Street, that’s what it’ll be like at the MCG and Etihad (Stadium).”

Ikon Park and other stadiums

Ikon Park in Carlton’s Princes Park is one of the big winners from the funding announcement after being allocated $20 million.

The package includes $242 million to upgrade facilities at suburban grounds and local clubs — including making Ikon Park in Carlton the home of women’s football.

The budget also provides $60 million for community sporting grants and $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans.

The Andrews government cash splash also includes a $15 million Female Friendly Facilities Fund, $13 million for stage two of the Moorabbin Oval redevelopment and $10 million to improve playing conditions at Casey Fields in Cranbourne and the Whitten Oval for AFLW competition.

Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium is expected to be another beneficiary. The small venue hosted its first official AFL match last year when more than 10,000 fans watched a game between the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide.

Now the boutique location is set to host two AFL matches per year for the next decade.

Local Sport

In a push to get more community sports facilities without hurting the Budget bottom line, the government will also open up a $100 million infrastructure loan facility.

Under the scheme, which will cost taxpayers $5 million in fees to operate, local sporting clubs from across Victoria will be able to apply for interest-free loans to repair grounds or build facilities.

The reforms have been decided on because sports ovals and pitches are at capacity in many areas of the state, and some of them are in disrepair.

References

 
Jul 2, 2010
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The Western Bulldogs Football Club welcomes the Andrews’ Government’s intent to assign the land at the southern (Geelong Road) end of the VU Whitten Oval, the existing Cross Street and adjoining land, to the Club for VU Whitten Oval football and for community development purposes.

We express our gratitude to Dan Andrews and his team for their co-operation and work with us over many months on this important work for the Club and Melbourne’s west.

We also acknowledge a $5,000,000 grant the Victorian Government has recently made to the Club to improve our football facilities with an emphasis on women’s change rooms, toilets, a scoreboard and TV quality lighting for our future AFLW home games.

The Club has been working on a master plan for the redevelopment of the precinct for some time and has engaged with a number of consultants for this purpose.

The re-alignment of Cross Street and the assignment of freehold title over the southern end of the Whitten Oval and the existing Cross Street land south of the oval as far as West Footscray station are the foundation of this master plan, and the Club will continue to work closely with Maribyrnong City Council on the re-alignment of Cross Street.

The Club plans to develop the southern end of VUWO both with match-day viewing, seating, and hospitality offerings but to also develop the expanded site with complementary uses which may include car parking, commercial, residential, entertainment and retail opportunities. We will achieve this historic re-design of our home ground in consultation with our members, the local community and the City of Maribyrnong.

Our plan is that the non match-day uses on the site (commercial and residential) capture financial value which will form the major part of a capital raising project, which will transform the oval into a unique community hub, the centerpiece of which will be the opportunity for families and people of the west to watch the men's and women's teams of the Western Bulldogs play football at a state-of-the-art 21st century community facility.

In consultation with the State Government, we have developed other elements to our long-term plans as the AFL team of Melbourne’s west. These discussions have included an extension of the crown lease held by the Bulldogs over the balance of the Whitten Oval, and plans to further develop Mars Stadium and extend the length of the Club’s home game commitments in Ballarat.

The Club also plans that the sale of our remaining licensed premises, joint ventures with prospective long-term tenants and other fundraising initiatives will help fund our long-term development plans. The arrangement recognizes that only the Western Bulldogs can optimize the real potential of this unique site.

It will be a vibrant and entertaining football venue on weekends and a busy and attractive place to live, work, dine and play sport during the week. It will also house the Club’s growing community services arm.

While its principal football use will be for women’s and VFL games, we do anticipate that its expanded capacity and quality will make the occasional fixturing of a heritage game in the men’s AFL premiership season an option. By the end of the 2018 season, we hope to be in a position to provide our members with visual and explanatory graphics of the principal re-design options for the precinct.

Obviously the acquisition of freehold title over such a large tract of premium land has a transformative effect on the Club’s future. Our commitment is to use this unprecedented opportunity to future-proof the Club and to provide a modern and exciting home ground venue which still honours our Western Oval and West Footscray heritage, while simultaneously providing a state-of-the-art destination for the people of the west.
 
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St Kilda Football Club has secured a $13 million State Government grant to commence an exciting second stage of the redevelopment of RSEA Park.

The funding commitment was officially announced today by the Andrews Labor Government as part of the 2018 State Budget.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said the announcement was an historic one for the Saints.

“The funding commitment will allow us to take a giant step towards what we hope will eventually be a $50 million facility at RSEA Park,” he said.

“Stage 2 will unlock the full potential of our new training and administrative base and allow us to bring top-level football back to our spiritual home.

It will see RSEA Park become a broadcast quality venue and ready to host AFLW matches when St Kilda enters the competition in 2020 and also host pre-season AFL matches.”

“I want to thank the local member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos who championed this project and worked with us to create a proposal that truly benefits the local community.”

The next stage of the redevelopment will see the addition of AFL standard female specific change facilities, a grandstand, a second indoor sports court and aquatic facilities, including lap pool and hydrotherapy pool.

Finnis said it was a win for St Kilda and the local community.

“This funding will provide an opportunity to open up RSEA Park to the local community beyond what Stage 1 will achieve, through the additions of a hydrotherapy pool and second indoor netball/basketball court.

“It will also allow us greater capacity to engage local schools and groups with our award-winning community programs.”

“Importantly it also provides St Kilda with extra indoor training spaces, elite rehab facilities and the opportunity for a St Kilda side to once again run out on the hallowed turf at Moorabbin.

“A St Kilda AFLW side will change our club forever when it is introduced in 2020 and it’s incredibly pleasing to know they will have access to change and training facilities that are equal to the men’s team, and that St Kilda fans can gather at our spiritual home once again to watch the Saints take the field.

“With the Sandringham Dragons, South Metro Junior Football League and Southern Football League already set to call RSEA Park home once Stage 1 is completed in November, this funding commitment will enable this iconic venue to become the centrepiece for women’s football in south-east and bayside Melbourne.”

Finnis also welcome the news that the Saints’ home ground Etihad Stadium would be refurbished thanks to a $225 budget commitment from the Andrews Government.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the AFL for securing funding to upgrade Etihad Stadium and the broader precinct,” he said

“Having recently agreed to a game-changing new stadium deal with the AFL, Etihad’s refurbishment will be a huge win for St Kilda fans.”

“The promise of easier access, better seating, and better stadium facilities will allow us to work with the AFL to create an even better game-day experience for our supporters.”

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I really dislike that local sport one.

You can apply for interest free loans to help repair facilities, oh, but you have to pay it back.

That's an absolute joke and a half.
 
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CARLTON Football Club is delighted to confirm the Victorian State Government will be committing $20 million to the redevelopment of Ikon Park.

As part of the Budget package that allows the upgrade of facilities at suburban grounds and local clubs, the Carlton Football Club welcomes the Andrews Government’s commitment to cementing Ikon Park as the home of women’s football and the long-term base of the Carlton Football Club.

Carlton President Mark LoGiudice said the Club was incredibly appreciative of the investment that will see a state-of-the-art facility developed at the iconic ground.

“We are extremely thankful to the Premier Daniel Andrews and his government for their investment in our football club," LoGiudice said.

“The Ikon Park Masterplan consolidates our position as the home of AFLW and the expansion of our elite training facilities, which will support the increase in demand to service our combined football programs and the wider community.”

IkonViewApr13.jpg

The Victorian State Government will be committing $20M to the redevelopment of Ikon Park. (Photo: AFL Media)

As part of the Masterplan, the Club intends to demolish facilities in the south-west corner of Ikon Park to make way for additional elite facilities, including an education hub and administration area to cater for the expansion and growth of female football and the broader Carlton Football Club.

“Our 50,000 members should wake up this morning very proud to be a Carlton member,” said Carlton Chief Executive Cain Liddle.

“Our AFLW players will now have access to facilities that are equitable with the facilities that our AFL players have access to, and that is something we are very proud of.

“In addition, the state government support ensures that the premium AFLW games held each season, whether that be the season opener or grand finals, will be played at a facility that will help us take the women’s game to a whole new level for our players, coaches and fans”.

With a major state government grant approved for the redevelopment of Etihad Stadium and MCG, the Club will also be provided with a further benefit via a greater return when playing games at both venues.
 
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Local clubs across Victoria will benefit from the biggest boost to community sport in the state’s history, in new investments that will also see the MCG, the Etihad Stadium Precinct and the State Netball and Hockey Centre redeveloped, and the AFL Grand Final stay in Victoria for the next 40 years.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Sport John Eren today announced almost half a billion-dollars for the future of sport in Melbourne and across regional Victoria – from grassroots clubs to the state’s biggest venues.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will provide $241.6 million to upgrade facilities at suburban grounds, local clubs and high-performance centres across the state.

It includes $64.6 million for a major upgrade to the State Netball and Hockey Centre, and tens of millions of dollars in better infrastructure for women’s sport – from local changerooms to elite facilities – including:

  • $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football
  • $15 million for the Female Friendly Facilities Fund to boost access for women and girls across Victoria
  • $13 million for Stage 2 of the Moorabbin Oval redevelopment, to enable the Saints AFLW team to play there from 2020
  • $10 million to improve playing conditions at Casey Fields and Whitten Oval for AFLW competition
  • $2 million for infrastructure upgrades for AFLW clubs at Victoria Park
The Budget also provides $60 million for community sporting grants and $5 million for Community Sports Infrastructure Loans, which will unlock up to $100 million to upgrade local facilities.

It also provides $15.4 million to go towards upgrades at Albert Park, Yarra Bend and other key suburban sporting precincts, as well as $17.7 million for the Significant Sporting Events Program, which will fund more than 75 national and international sporting events every year – more than half of them in regional Victoria.

The Labor Government has also signed a $225 million deal with the AFL that will deliver a major redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium Sporting and Entertainment Precinct and guarantee the AFL Grand Final will stay at the MCG until at least 2057.

The long-term security of keeping the Grand Final at the MCG will enable a major redevelopment of the stadium.

The deal will keep the Brownlow Medal ceremony in Victoria for the next decade, and fund and deliver a better deal for clubs and fans.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Whether you’re a fan, a player or both – this is for you.”

“It’s the biggest investment in community sport in Victoria’s history – upgrading local grounds, change rooms and pavilions so everyone has the facilities they need to play and watch the sport they love.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“Victoria is the sporting capital of Australia – this investment will make sure it stays that way.”

“We’re redeveloping our biggest sporting precincts in Melbourne and across regional Victoria to keep the best events right here where they belong.”
 

NoobPie

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I really dislike that local sport one.

You can apply for interest free loans to help repair facilities, oh, but you have to pay it back.

That's an absolute joke and a half.

That's in addition to over a hundred million in grants and community funds
 
That's in addition to over a hundred million in grants and community funds

Hang on....local clubs cannot afford to pay back loans as much.

I think it's bloody ludicrous to expect a local club to take out a loan to repair/rebuild facilities, oh, but they have to pay it back while a big corporation such as the AFL, get $225m to revamp Etihad and don't have to pay it back.

There's no logic there in my eyes.
 

NoobPie

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Hang on....local clubs cannot afford to pay back loans as much.

I think it's bloody ludicrous to expect a local club to take out a loan to repair/rebuild facilities, oh, but they have to pay it back while a big corporation such as the AFL, get $225m to revamp Etihad and don't have to pay it back.

There's no logic there in my eyes.

The $225M revamp of etihad includes renewal of the area around etihad, much of it not AFL assets presumably, and improving the convertability for rectangular sports and contractual requirement to "open it up" for those sports. It also appears to have come with a further agreement with the MCC which has locked the GF there for a further 20 years

The AFL is apparently worth $3B a year to Victoria and immeasurable social and cultural value. It is root and branch a no for profit as are its clubs of which there are 10 Victorian ones ranging from 115 to 160 years old. The AFL contributes tens of millions annually to grass roots, pathways and community facilities each year in Victoria

The Grand Prix, alternatively, apparently costs the Vic government net $50M a year as a point of comparison. A three day event once a year that is owned by a foreign private entity that we have to rebid for periodically. Major events Victoria has handed 10s of millions to private foreign soccer clubs and promoters over the last few years to play at the MCG which was largely built off the AFL's back

Presumably the loan offer is available to community clubs that otherwise don't successfully qualify for grants. In effect, these would in effect be like lease increases where the interest costs and most of the risk will be born by the government

Anyway, I suspect you are committed to your misinformed hand wringing so I'll leave you too
 

BringBackTorps

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One of the great things about going to the Western Oval is that there is plenty of good, tiered standing room -excellent sight lines (In addition to the big grandstand & other seating for about 4000+). I hope the new plans do NOT replace this standing room for more seats. I went to AFLW games which attracted c.8,000 there -easily another 5,000 could attend.

Seats always reduce capacity. There are already plenty of seats at WO for those who are infirm/elderly/small kids etc.
Also, replacing the standing area detracts from the "ol' time" footy experience. A packed standing area has far more animated/noisy/passionate fans (Or am I just imagining it! I don't think so). In my group, this "ol' time" footy experience/going to old VFL (hell, even VFA would be good!) grounds is one of the great charms of the AFLW!

WO doesn't need more seats. Don't sanitise football! Going to a packed, standing room ground should be a permanent part of our AF culture, and an important part of our history. It should be preserved & cherished for future generations.

Also, I was amazed that the new land to be developed near Geelong Rd (which will become a new & intrinsic part of the WO precinct) "may include car parking". Haven't we moved on from building carparks on inner suburban, public land? Is that the best way to monetise this new, expanded area?

MCG CHANGES
I have been to GF's. The standing room area, on the lower concourse, could easily be enlarged & extended backwards, although it would probably cause some loss of oval visibility for fans in this new area.
IIRC, it has been suggested, in previous years, approx. another 6-8,000 fans could be jammed in. This would be the simplest, & certainly the cheapest way, to increase capacity to c.108,000.

What precisely is wrong with the Southern Stand? Most would say it is a superb area to watch the AFL, is very comfortable, & modern. Spend the hundreds of millions $ on GR AF facilities in Vic. -don't waste it on a new $1 billion Southern Stand!

We are being flooded with female players -great "problem" to have. We desperately need new GR grounds & facilities from c.2020.
The mooted $242,000,000 to be spent by the Govt. on Western Oval, Princes Park, Moorabbin, Ballarat & GR AF facilities will NOT be enough -if the AFL's prediction of close to 50% female GR participation eventuates.
(The new Ivanhoe, Melb. clubrooms are believed to have cost $1,000,000+).

And why no mention of Victoria Park -if Collingwood is really serious about promoting the AFLW?
Did Collingwood even seek Council or Govt. funding? Vic. Park, however, is still excellent, & could easily accomodate AFLW matches now, with a capacity of c.14,000 -& still has a big grandstand.
 
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NoobPie

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One of the great things about going to the Western Oval is that there is plenty of good, tiered standing room -excellent sight lines (In addition to the big grandstand & other seating for about 4000+). I hope the new plans do NOT replace this standing room for more seats. I went to AFLW games which attracted c.8,000 there -easily another 5,000 could attend.

Seats always reduce capacity. There are already plenty of seats at WO for those who are infirm/elderly/small kids etc.
Also, replacing the standing area detracts from the "ol' time" footy experience. A packed standing area has far more animated/noisy/passionate fans (Or am I just imagining it! I don't think so). In my group, this "ol' time" footy experience/going to old VFL (hell, even VFA would be good!) grounds is one of the great charms of the AFLW!

WO doesn't need more seats. Don't sanitise football! Going to a packed, standing room ground should be a permanent part of our AF culture, and an important part of our history. It should be preserved & cherished for future generations.

Also, I was amazed that the new land to be developed near Geelong Rd (which will become a new & intrinsic part of the WO precinct) "may include car parking". Haven't we moved on from building carparks on inner suburban, public land? Is that the best way to monetise this new, expanded area?

MCG CHANGES
I have been to GF's. The standing room area, on the lower concourse, could easily be enlarged & extended backwards, although it would probably cause some loss of oval visibility for fans in this new area.
IIRC, it has been suggested, in previous years, approx. another 6-8,000 fans could be jammed in. This would be the simplest, & certainly the cheapest way, to increase capacity to c.108,000.

What precisely is wrong with the Southern Stand? Most would say it is a superb area to watch the AFL, is very comfortable, & modern. Spend the hundreds of millions $ on GR AF facilities in Vic. -don't waste it on a new $1 billion Southern Stand!

We are being flooded with female players -great "problem" to have. We desperately need new GR grounds & facilities from c.2020.
The mooted $242,000,000 to be spent by the Govt. on Western Oval, Princes Park, Moorabbin, Ballarat & GR AF facilities will NOT be enough -if the AFL's prediction of close to 50% female GR participation eventuates.
(The new Ivanhoe, Melb. clubrooms are believed to have cost $1,000,000+).

And why no mention of Victoria Park -if Collingwood is really serious about promoting the AFLW?
Did Collingwood even seek Council or Govt. funding? Vic. Park, however, is still excellent, & could easily accomodate AFLW matches now, with a capacity of c.14,000 -& still has a big grandstand.

Vic park is getting $2M, BBT
 
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What precisely is wrong with the Southern Stand? Most would say it is a superb area to watch the AFL, is very comfortable, & modern. Spend the hundreds of millions $ on GR AF facilities in Vic. -don't waste it on a new $1 billion Southern Stand!

You are aware that no Government money is proposed for the Southern Stand rebuild - its not money available to spend anywhere else. It will almost certainly be entirely funded by the MCC and its financiers/members whenever it finally occurs, not likely for a decade or so.
 

NoobPie

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Another thing to note is that the Eddie Maguire suggested that Victorian clubs would be $2M better off each annually (perhaps he meant on average) from this deal

I do wonder what this is based on given the MCG redevelopment is at some undisclosed point in the future. I suspect there is a hidden element in the deal that effectively sees a revenue transfer from the MCC to the tenant clubs....I am hoping that this is the case and it involves a step change in the membership fee at the MCC. The MCC membership is way too low for what it offers
 
I could've sworn Ikon Park was getting $50mil. I remember reading on the Herald Sun website the headline but the article was paywalled and the next day I couldn't find the article again. Anyone know what exactly they'll be doing at Ikon Pak? It says they'll be demolishing facilities in the south-west corner of the stadium, but that is between the Pratt Stand and Training Area.
Re: Vic Park, it already is at a great standard for AFLW and certainly an upgrade on Olympic Park where the Magpies Women play. Really all it needs is possibly fencing around for an AFLW game, the food stalls to be opened under the Sherrin Stand (the big stand) and a few food trucks around. And probably a broadcast facility. I can't imagine them putting their cameras on top of the Ryder Stand as it is now. I reckon Collingwood would be rueing the decision to knock down the Rush Stand now.
 

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So what's going on with the final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment funding? Have they secured any funding for that?
 
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PREMIER Richmond admits it is a "little surprised" its headquarters at Punt Road was overlooked in the Victorian government's plans to upgrade key facilities across the state.

Among the big winners from the sports package announced by Victorian premier Daniel Andrews were Carlton through the investment of Ikon Park, the Western Bulldogs (Whitten Oval), St Kilda (RSEA Park) and Melbourne (Casey Fields).

Tigers CEO Brendon Gale said the Tigers had pitched extensively to the government to be included in the facility revamp project.

The news came as Richmond became the first AFL club to surpass 90,000 members.

"None (no benefits) forthcoming, so far which we're a little surprised with to be honest," Gale said at Punt Road on Friday.

"I think 90,000 members might be a little surprised as well given that what a genuine community hub this is.

"I don't want to rain on the parade of the announcement, I think the government have made a significant investment in our code and it gives us great confidence and the AFL have done a great job.

"But, from our point of view, we're a little surprised."

Clubs that missed out still have a chance to lobby the state's politicians though, with the Victorian state election slated for later this year it’s expected political parties will have more cash to splash to win over votes.

Gale said the Tigers, who will be granted an AFLW licence in two seasons time, would continue to put their case forward to the government that the Swinburne Centre deserves funding.

"If we want to continue to be an elite sporting environment for men and women and keep pace with our competitors all over the country we need to invest in this facility," Gale said.
 
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THE magic number for the MCG’s dazzling new revamp is 105,000.

The home of football is set to receive a $1 billion makeover thanks to a landmark deal between the Andrews Government and the AFL to keep the Grand Final at the MCG until at least 2057.

The agreement, revealed exclusively by Herald Sun on Friday, guarantees the MCG’s financial future to pave the way for the refurbishment of the Great Southern Stand.

The overhaul is expected to increase capacity by 5000 — likely making it one of the five biggest stadiums in the world.

The stand, built in the early 1990s, is in need of a renovation to deliver sports fans new seating and dining areas, open-air bars and upgraded bathroom facilities.

The roof line could also be raised a level with the Northern Stand, boosting the current capacity to help more regularly draw crowds in excess of 100,000.

The stadium reached the six-figure mark only once last year when 100,021 attended Richmond’s drought-breaking Grand Final win over Adelaide.

Work is not expected to be completed for at least another decade and will most likely be carried out in stages to minimise in-season disruption.

The state government is expected to zero in on the need to create more pedestrian walkways to Richmond station and nearby sporting complexes.

It is understood venue administrators the Melbourne Cricket Club expects the government to wear the cost of a pedestrian walkway linking the station to the MCG.

There are also expected to be major technological upgrades, offering patrons stadium-only experiences, while open-air bars will help fans mingle amid the action.

The MCG precinct master plan will also take in important security measures inside and outside the stadium.

It comes as the government inked a $225 million deal to makeover Etihad and the surrounding precinct as part of a half-a-billion-dollar state budget cash splash.

The massive overhaul would see improved seating, outdoor bars and entertainment as well as opening of the stadium to the Docklands waterfront.

The state Opposition has slammed the deal, saying “every dollar” should go to grassroots sports clubs.

However it may be too late for the Coalition to claw back the cash, as the AFL could take hold of money as early as July.

Opposition treasury spokesman Michael O’Brien urged the Andrews Government to take the multimillion-dollar deal to voters before signing contracts with Etihad.

“We don’t believe the money should go to the AFL,” he said. “It would be quite cowardly of him to send money to the AFL prior to the election given he has no mandate on the deal. He should have the courage to let Victorians decide.”

4634fe266b2cd3d936eeb04868297045

web MCG revamp 650 850
It is believed that no taxpayer funds will be used for planned renovations of AFL House, which will include a luxurious ballroom set to host Brownlow events.
 

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Gees only in Australia does something built in 1985 get ‘heritage listed’ .......
 
Another thing to note is that the Eddie Maguire suggested that Victorian clubs would be $2M better off each annually (perhaps he meant on average) from this deal

I do wonder what this is based on given the MCG redevelopment is at some undisclosed point in the future. I suspect there is a hidden element in the deal that effectively sees a revenue transfer from the MCC to the tenant clubs....I am hoping that this is the case and it involves a step change in the membership fee at the MCC. The MCC membership is way too low for what it offers
Steven Smith said on radio that the MCC was dipping into their pockets more for tenant clubs under the new deal.
 
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Melbourne Cricket Club, the venue manager of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is pleased to confirm a variation to the AFL’s user agreement at the MCG that will underpin the future of Australia’s most iconic stadium.

MCC president Steven Smith said the new agreement, which comes into effect from the start of the 2019 AFL season, would provide benefits to all parties, including MCG tenant clubs - namely Melbourne, Richmond, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon and Carlton.

“Today’s agreement is good for the AFL, its clubs and the MCC,” Mr Smith said. “It heralds a new partnership with the AFL, and includes a significant amount of additional money that we have committed to distribute to the MCG tenant clubs.

“We want to see the Victorian clubs – particularly those based at the MCG – thrive and enjoy success. Their ongoing viability and success is good for the AFL, the MCG and the people of Victoria.

“The agreement is also a great result for MCC members and for the future of our club, as we further lock in content at the MCG for the next generation and we keep the AFL Grand Final in Victoria, and at the MCG, until at least 2057.

“Extending the AFL content agreement for an additional 20 years will provide us with certainty that allows us to plan for future stadium upgrades, and strengthens our ability to ensure the MCG remains the premier stadium in the country, if not the world.

“While there is no firm timeline or plan surrounding a redevelopment of the Great Southern Stand, we expect that such a project would be delivered in the next 10-15 years.

“I thank the Victorian Government, the AFL and MCG Trust for their involvement in securing this exciting outcome for all involved,” he said.

KEY POINTS
• The existing agreement between MCC and AFL will be extended for an additional 20 years to 2057.
• The AFL Grand Final will remain at the MCG until at least 2057.
• MCG tenant clubs will receive greater financial returns from their home games at the MCG.
• AFL will continue to schedule 10 of the 12 best attended home and away matches at the MCG.
 
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