The MCG’s exterior lighting was installed earlier this year, primarily to theme the stadium in the colours of the home team on match days.   However, global events in recent weeks have shown how the technology can have a wider-reaching impact.

On October 24, the MCG joined other landmarks around the world in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).

To mark UN Day, the MCG was illuminated blue – the official colour of the UN – as part of a “Turn the World Blue” campaign, which aims to unite global citizens by promoting the UN’s message of peace, development and human rights.

New York’s Empire State Building, Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Tokyo’s SkyTree Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Athen’s Temple of Zeus and Central Hall Westminster in the United Kingdom were just some of the other buildings to turn blue.

On a sadder note, a decision was made on November 14 and 15 to light the MCG’s exterior in the colours of France as a show of support following the terrorist attack in Paris. 

While we would much prefer to be using the technology in happier times, the sentiment was appreciated by many both at home and abroad.