MCG named Melbourne’s favourite icon

Apr 24, 2012

Sports-mad Melbournians have reaffirmed the MCG’s place as the city’s most popular icon, according to new research released by community television station C31. 

The only sporting icon to make the top 10, the MCG was closely followed in the ranking by historic commuter hot-spot Flinders St Station, with Federation Square coming in at third place.

The independent survey commissioned by C31 revealed a strong local passion exists within the city for its icons, hidden gems and local communities.

Nearly two-thirds of Melbournians also said they are proud of their local community, with more than 60 per cent eager to show off their neighbourhood and their favourite icons to visitors.

Participants said the city’s action and pace, fine dining scene and nightlife, world-class sporting facilities, and its diverse nature were top reasons to live in Melbourne.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the survey reflects the passion Melburnians have for their city.

“Melbourne was recently ranked the world’s most liveable city and so it comes as no surprise to see the results of this survey," the Lord Mayor said. "As a great sporting city, it’s also no surprise to see the MCG has come out on top.”

C31 conducted the research to investigate Melbourne and Geelong residents’ perspective on their local community as well as places that epitomised what their city was all about.

Melbourne’s top ten greatest icons

1. MCG
2. Flinders St Station
3. Federation Square
4. Eureka Tower
5. Arts Centre
6. The Yarra
7. Botanical Gardens
8. Crown Casino
9. Melbourne Zoo
10. Shrine of Remembrance

“The MCG has been the spiritual heartbeat of Melbourne and a much-loved icon for more than 150 years,” said Melbourne Cricket Club spokesperson Shane Brown. “Millions of people experience the magic of the ‘G every year and we are pleased that this latest survey reinforces that popularity.”

C31 broadcasts more than 120 new locally-made programs each week to an audience of more than 1.4 million viewers each month serving Melbourne and Geelong’s diverse range of communities and ensuring there is something for everyone to watch on the community station.

The station switched off its analog signal in March and will continue to broadcast on Digital 44. Melbourne and Geelong residents will need a digital television or a digital set top box to use with your analogue television in order to watch C31.