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.