Games take over Tigerland, put Pies in a flutter
By Peter Ker
The Age
January 18, 2006
The Collingwood and Richmond football clubs are making plans to ensure their preparations for this year's AFL season are not disrupted by the Commonwealth Games.
Collingwood's Lexus Centre base and the Tigers' Punt Road Oval are in the middle of the Richmond-East Melbourne area, which will be swarming with activity, traffic restrictions and Games competition this March.
Collingwood's access to car parks in the Lexus Centre precinct has been halved by the Games.
Club chief executive Greg Swann said the situation was not ideal just a fortnight before the beginning of the season.
"Our issue is getting the players to park. We are trying to implement a car-pooling system where those who live near each other come in one car," he said.
"It's difficult . . . we will move a few training sessions out of the precinct just because it will be easier. We will probably train at Victoria Park or other places."
But Victoria Park, the Magpies' former home, has been taken over as an official Games training and acclimatisation venue for overseas teams.
The Richmond Social Club at Punt Road Oval has been hired to provide Games workers with a base and refreshments.
The Tigers' annual family day, which attracts thousands of loyal members, will have to be moved from the traditional Punt Road venue.All operations in the area will be influenced by major traffic restrictions.
Lane closures will affect Punt Road, Alexandra Avenue, Wellington Parade and Swan Street and Brunton Avenue will be closed from March 10 to April 2.
A section of Wellington Parade west of Clarendon Street will be used as a taxi rank.
Reduced speed limits will be enforced on Batman Avenue near the Rod Laver Arena.
A large security fence will be built around the MCG concourse and there will be no public parking on the parklands around the stadium.
The State Government is expected to issue permits to residents whose homes will be inside a security barrier in a small pocket of Jolimont from March 13 to 27.
The City of Yarra has warned residents to expect parking shortages, extra traffic and greater stress on public transport as people travel to and from venues such as the MCG and the Rod Laver Arena.
More parking inspectors will be on the beat and the council is considering a change to parking regulations during the Commonwealth Games.
Mayor Jackie Fristacky said cleaning and rubbish-collection services would be increased to ensure Richmond was presentable to overseas visitors.
The Richmond Recreation Centre pool will be closed to the public as athletes move in but a bus will take swimmers to the Collingwood Leisure Centre. The gym will remain open.
http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/01/17/1137466990185.html
