MCC considers membership refund debateScott Spits
The Age
2 April 2020 4:25pmThe Melbourne Cricket Club faces a looming dilemma about possible membership refunds should the coronavirus crisis wipe out hope of AFL fans attending MCG matches before the end of August.
As debate heats up about whether supporters can and should be able to request a partial or whole refund from their club for the 2020 season, MCC members are in a different position given their annual membership dues were paid for a 12-month period that began at the start of last September.
In that time, MCC members have had access to AFL finals, Big Bash League matches and international cricket including the first Boxing Day cricket Test between Australia and New Zealand at the MCG in more than 30 years.
In a message to MCC members after the AFL announced the 2020 season was suspended, president Michael Happell said the MCC was unable to give clarity about potential refunds or returns to members if additional events and games scheduled for the event are cancelled.
"The global COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving and until the club can understand the full impact it will have on the 2020 AFL premiership season, we're not in a position to give an answer at this time," Happell wrote.
"We will keep members updated as the situation continues to unfold."
An MCC spokesperson said the club was getting a lot of queries from members via social media but due to the overall uncertainty of coronavirus no further decisions had been reached.
"People have gotten value out of their memberships so far," the spokesperson said.
The club also has to factor into their considerations that even if the AFL is able to resume at some point, matches might again be played in crowd-less stadiums with only key personnel – players, club officials, ground staff and media – able to attend.
The MCC said members who had purchased daily reserved seats or visitor tickets for AFL matches originally scheduled between rounds two and 11 would be contacted by Ticketek.
"Whilst the AFL has suspended the AFL premiership season until at least May 31, the situation regarding the impact of COVID-19 is still evolving. As such we will continue to keep members informed regarding future games as details emerge," Happell said.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/mcc-considers-membership-refund-debate-20200402-p54ghs.html