Farewell clash set for sell-out
Herald-Sun
Sam Edmund, sports affairs reporter
August 24, 2007 04:40pm
IT WILL be standing room only for Sunday's Essendon-Richmond MCG blockbuster and the Melbourne farewell of Kevin Sheedy and James Hird.
The Bomber greats will be given an emotional send-off by more than 90,000 fans as they enter their 1136th match together –– their last at the home of football.
A handful of restricted view seats are expected to be snapped up in the next few hours.
About 2500 standing room tickets will then go on sale.
Melbourne Cricket Club officials today warned no tickets would be available on match day.
Fans are being encouraged to take public transport amid fears of a car park nightmare. A Jehovah's Witness convention is being held at nearby Rod Laver Arena.
The monster crowd is likely to break the all-time record attendance for an Essendon-Richmond game, set at 90,564 in 1982.
The MCC members stand is also expected to be at full capacity, with the last visitor tickets snapped up on Wednesday.
Perfect weather is forecast for the clash, with clear skies and a top of 19C expected to bake the MCG in sunshine.
A special 100-page AFL Record will be on sale outside the ground, offering a pictorial history of Sheedy's and Hird's careers, premiership victories and milestones.
A guard of honour will be formed by various Essendon members, volunteers, life-members and staff to welcome the two legends as they enter the field before the first bounce.
The final siren will be followed by a highlights package showcasing each man's journey at Windy Hill, along with a fireworks display.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22300857-661,00.html