Full week of function festivities with the MCC

As all eyes turned to the MCG pitch for the 2023 Boxing Day Test, our Club Functions Team were busy working behind the scenes to provide a number memorable moments for members around the Reserve during one of their busiest weeks of the year.

Christmas day is always a special day on the calendar, but did you know you could make the day extra special by spending it at the MCG enjoying delicious food with views looking out over the MCG?

Three of the MCC’s most iconic dining spaces; the Members’ Dining Room, Long Room and Committee Room by Grossi; were open for members to share a special lunch with families and friends.

In the Members’ Dining Room and Long Room, attendees were treated to a delicious buffet lunch featuring Australia’s best seafood, Victorian charcuterie bar, Christmas feast of porchetta, turkey, ham and baked salmon and a dessert table fitting of a classic Christmas movie.

In the Committee Room by Grossi, members were treated to an exclusive culinary experience as Guy Grossi brought his famed Italian-inspired menu to Christmas Day.

And of course, no Christmas lunch would be complete without a visit from Santa and his elves, who stopped by deliver some very special presents and prizes.

The following day, as the clouds loomed on the morning of Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, spirits were high in the Members’ Dining Room, where members and guests were treated to a breakfast with a view to celebrate one of the best days in world cricket.

With views on one side of the Melbourne city skyline, and the other overlooking the Ground as the Arenas Team worked on final preparations, members enjoyed a delicious breakfast with insights from some of the greats of international cricket.

Hosted by Australian fast-bowling favourite Damien Fleming, the breakfast saw Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Simon Katich and Alison Mitchell speak to their memories of playing and the importance of Test cricket, whilst MCG Head Curator, Matt Page, stopped by to provide an update on the pitch conditions ahead of the opening day’s play.

Day 2 began in similar fashion, with members able to enjoy yet another breakfast in the Members’ Dining Room alongside cricketing royalty – the Women in Cricket Test Breakfast.

Former England cricketer turned cricket commentator, Isa Guha, and ICC Hall of Famers Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Karen Rolton took the stage to discuss their careers at the professional level and the state of the game today.

The function also celebrated local talent within the MCC, with Erika Quinn and Hasrat Gill from the MCC Women’s Cricket team also speaking to provide an insight on their own individual achievements and an update on the 2023/24 Premier Cricket season to date, with their First XI currently sitting first on the One-Day ladder for the season.

At a club level, Women of the MCC Chair Caroline Darcy also provided an overview of the Special Interest Group’s activity over 2023 – including function highlights, charity support and accomplishments.

The Boxing Day Test also saw the launch of a new food offering exclusive to members and their guests – Missymu by Shirley, which offers a contemporary twist on traditional Pan-Asian flavours.

Missymu – an affectionate name for daughter – showcases chef Shirley Summakwan’s connection to family, culture and heritage through combining the best parts of Asian cooking with signature dishes to provide a delectable dining experience.

Located on Level 3 of the Ponsford Stand, Missymu by Shirley will be available for members to book into during the 2024 AFL Premiership Season.

Leading into 2024, the Club has a number of exciting functions now open for booking, including the Young Members’ Yoga on the MCG, and Tower 6 Pizza Night.

To find out more about upcoming Club functions and key dates for upcoming events, keep an eye on the MCC website.