Fans face crush for early kick-off
Mark Stevens
March 20, 2008
MCG officials face a major challenge to avoid crowd chaos before tonight's 6.10pm AFL season-opener.
Fans have been urged to arrive early by public transport to avoid missing the first bounce of the Carlton-Richmond blockbuster.
A crowd of up to 75,000 will have to contend with a combination of peak-hour traffic, holiday-makers leaving for the Easter break and restricted parking.
The early start has been largely driven by TV's desire for a "Super Thursday".
Channel 10 will screen the Carlton-Richmond match live, starting its coverage from 6pm.
Channel Seven will televise the Grand Final re-match between Port Adelaide and Geelong live from AAMI Stadium from 8.30pm.
MCC chief executive Stephen Gough said many supporters were oblivious to the change from the regular night start time of 7.40pm.
"Yes, it's going to be a complicated day," he said.
"A 6.10pm start will put some pressure on . . . it is hard enough at 7.40pm.
"It's great to have the first match of the season, but on the eve of Easter it does create issues. We expect a lot of people will be at the gates around start time and that might slow entry a little.
"If you can get public transport, use it. Then you can be much more assured of getting in rather than being stuck on Punt Rd or somewhere."
Mr Gough admitted a lack of publicity about the early start could result in confusion.
"I don't want anyone to miss it (first bounce)," he said.
"Some people think it's still a 7.40pm start so they might miss a half. It's one of those logistical issues that hasn't got the attention it deserves."
Carlton chief executive Greg Swann conceded the scenario could be "interesting".
"It's obviously been done for TV," he said.
"Hopefully, the crowd won't be affected too much."
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane denied there had been a lack of communication, saying the league highlighted the start time in advertising and media notifications.
"We urge people to turn up early," he said.
That will be possible for many city office workers who traditionally finish early on the Thursday before Easter.
But workers who knock-off at the normal time of 5-5.30pm may find it hard to get a seat for the first bounce of the season.
Mr Keane said two matches were scheduled tonight to help fit all eight matches in across the Easter weekend.
He said the league had to complete the draw for Round 1 without matches at the SCG and Gabba because of a possible clash with the Pura Cup cricket final.
Adding to the stress, parking will be restricted.
Three areas of lawn re-sown with warm-season grasses need to be protected, meaning a loss of 700 parking spots.
The areas have not been parked on since late last year.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23405716-661,00.html
