Car parking arrangements in Yarra Park for the Boxing Day Test between Australia and England have been confirmed, with an increased focus on safety and security resulting in no public parking on the first three days of play.
A limited number of spaces will be available for disability permit holders, emergency services personnel, accredited media and authorised Cricket Australia and MCG event staff passholders.The decision comes after lengthy consultation with stakeholders and advice from local authorities, including Victoria Police, about the current threat environment and the need for a greater distance between vehicles and pedestrians in Yarra Park and the MCG concourse.
Public patrons, MCC members and contractors will need to use public transport or other methods to get to the MCG for the first three days of the Test (December 26, 27 and 28).
The MCG is accessible via a number of public transport options, with Richmond and Jolimont railway stations in close proximity, as well as several major tram and bus routes.
"As recent events around the world demonstrate and the advice from Victoria Police and other authorities clearly tells us, we need to minimise the risk of interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, especially in crowded places such as outside the MCG,” said MCC CEO Stuart Fox.
"The safety of all MCG visitors is our number one priority. We understand that some patrons and members will be impacted by this decision and we have made arrangements to cater for as many vehicles as possible, in particular for the mobility impaired.
"Our strong advice to cricket fans is to take public transport to the MCG if possible, or find alternative parking in the CBD and surrounding areas.”
Security advice for fans
Mr Fox also took the opportunity to remind fans attending the Boxing Day Test that stringent security procedures would again be in place at the MCG stadium gates.All patrons will have their bags checked and be subject to hand-held wanding before entry, as has been the case at all MCG events for the past two years.
With large crowds expected at the Test match, fans are being asked to arrive earlier than usual and to minimise the number of bags, or bring clear bags, in order to reduce the wait time in gate queues.
"The Boxing Day Test is a great tradition, and we are looking forward to welcoming record crowds to this marquee event on our sporting calendar,” said Mr Fox.
"Please plan your visit in advance, and leave plenty of time to get to the game to ensure you don’t miss any of the action."
