Great Southern Stand set for $55m upgradeBy Steve Lavell
Wed 15 Sep, 2010THE VICTORIAN government and Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) will fund a $55 million upgrade of the MCG's iconic Great Southern Stand.
Food and beverage areas, concourses, toilets, entry points, AV equipment, and the refurbishment of function rooms and sports bars - to match the viewing areas of the Northern Stand - will be the focus of the project.
Construction is expected to begin in June 2011 and finish in time for the 2013 season.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the upgrade would be a boost for patrons.
"The MCG is the great sporting ground and this year more than 2.7 million football supporters have been to AFL games at the ground," he said.
"We greatly appreciate the support of the Victorian Government and the MCC and in partnership we will continue to work to deliver the best possible facilities for sports fans.
"September is the month when the MCG really shines and to see a full MCG as we will this week reinforces the importance of the ground to our game and to supporters across the country."
The Victorian government will contribute $30 million to the upgrade, while the MCC will fund the remaining $25 million.
Premier John Brumby said the project would strengthen the MCG's position as Australia's premier sporting venue.
"It's now been 20 years since the Great Southern Stand was built, and it is now the right time to make the necessary improvements to ensure the MCG continues to deliver the world-class sporting experience that it is famous for," he said.
"We're investing in our key sporting infrastructure to ensure Melbourne continues to attract the big events that give us the edge and boost tourism and investment."
MCC president David Meiklejohn said the funding reflected his organisation's commitment to the ongoing development of the venue.
The announcement of the Great Southern Stand investment comes four years after the completion of the $465 million Northern Stand project, and complements the $22 million commitment to water recycling and other improvements in Yarra Park.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/102636/default.aspx
