Occupancy of the MCG is shared equally between Australian football (April to September inclusive) and cricket (October to March), although by mutual agreement the sports’ controlling bodies may vary arrangements slightly from time to time.
Australian Football
The MCC has a long-term agreement with the Australian Football League that expires in 2037 to schedule a minimum of 45 home and away matches annually, plus a minimum number of finals matches, including the grand final.
Four AFL clubs – Collingwood, Hawthorn, Melbourne and Richmond – play the majority of their home matches at the MCG.
These days, more than three million fans watch football at the MCG annually. View recent attendances
The grand final usually attracts a crowd of at least 98,000 and in most seasons five or six home and away matches (including Anzac Day) draw 80,000-plus.
Cricket
Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria stage interstate and international cricket at the ground on about 30 days each summer.
The Melbourne Test, which starts on Boxing Day, draws crowds of 60-80,000 for what is always a very special day for fans of the traditional game.
Overall attendances for cricket, including the Test, one-day and Twenty20 internationals and the T20 Big Bash League, average more than 350,000 each season.
Victoria’s elite team, the Victorian Bushrangers, plays Sheffield Shield matches and Ryobi Cup 50-over matches at the MCG each season.
The Melbourne Stars, one of the eight franchises in the T20 Big Bash league, also plays its home matches at the MCG.
The tenancy of football and cricket authorities does not preclude other events such as concerts and rugby and soccer matches being staged at the ground when fixturing allows.
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