There are some changes to arrangements for car parking in Yarra Park at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday September 30, due to a combination of safety, logistical and security reasons.
Assuming dry conditions, a maximum of 800 spaces will be available in Yarra Park for vehicles – around 25 per cent of the usual car parking capacity at MCG events.
Due to the limited number of spaces, car parking will be restricted to the following groups on a first-in, first-served basis on the day:
• Disability permit holders
• Emergency services personnel
• Accredited media
• Competing club passholders and AFL officials
• MCG event staff passholders
Entry will be via Gate 5 on Punt Road from 4.00am. Spaces are expected to fill very early in the morning.
Public patrons, MCC members, AFL members and contractors (such as catering, cleaning and security staff) will need to use public transport or other methods to get to the MCG.
MCC general manager facilities, Peter Wearne, said there were a number of factors that led to the decision to tighten parking availability on the AFL’s biggest day.
“Yarra Park is heavily used on grand final day for activities other than car parking,” said Mr Wearne.
“Up to 13 paddocks will be used by the AFL’s Footy Festival and September Club.
Our learning from previous years is that we need to do more to improve pedestrian safety around those areas.”
Mr Wearne also said that the current security environment called for a greater distance between vehicles and the MCG concourse. This has contributed to fewer parking spaces being available in the parkland.
“As recent events around the world demonstrate, we need to be mindful of minimising the risk of interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, especially in crowded places such as the MCG concourse on grand final day,” he said.
“While traditionally we have a very low number of vehicles in Yarra Park on grand final day, we do understand that some patrons and members will be impacted by this decision. We have made arrangements to cater for as many vehicles as possible, in particular for the mobility impaired.”
The unavailability of public parking also means that fans will not be able to drive into Yarra Park and setup a portable barbecue as a social activity before the game.
However, the fixed public barbecues in the park near Jolimont Station and Punt Road Oval will still be operational.
To help alleviate the inconvenience, the MCC has partnered with CBD car park operator Le Garage (114 Flinders Street) to offer fans $8 parking on grand final day if they scan their event ticket or membership card at the pay station.
Fans can also book parking at Melbourne and Olympic Park.
Assuming dry conditions, a maximum of 800 spaces will be available in Yarra Park for vehicles – around 25 per cent of the usual car parking capacity at MCG events.
Due to the limited number of spaces, car parking will be restricted to the following groups on a first-in, first-served basis on the day:
• Disability permit holders
• Emergency services personnel
• Accredited media
• Competing club passholders and AFL officials
• MCG event staff passholders
Entry will be via Gate 5 on Punt Road from 4.00am. Spaces are expected to fill very early in the morning.
Public patrons, MCC members, AFL members and contractors (such as catering, cleaning and security staff) will need to use public transport or other methods to get to the MCG.
MCC general manager facilities, Peter Wearne, said there were a number of factors that led to the decision to tighten parking availability on the AFL’s biggest day.
“Yarra Park is heavily used on grand final day for activities other than car parking,” said Mr Wearne.
“Up to 13 paddocks will be used by the AFL’s Footy Festival and September Club.
Our learning from previous years is that we need to do more to improve pedestrian safety around those areas.”
Mr Wearne also said that the current security environment called for a greater distance between vehicles and the MCG concourse. This has contributed to fewer parking spaces being available in the parkland.
“As recent events around the world demonstrate, we need to be mindful of minimising the risk of interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, especially in crowded places such as the MCG concourse on grand final day,” he said.
“While traditionally we have a very low number of vehicles in Yarra Park on grand final day, we do understand that some patrons and members will be impacted by this decision. We have made arrangements to cater for as many vehicles as possible, in particular for the mobility impaired.”
The unavailability of public parking also means that fans will not be able to drive into Yarra Park and setup a portable barbecue as a social activity before the game.
However, the fixed public barbecues in the park near Jolimont Station and Punt Road Oval will still be operational.
To help alleviate the inconvenience, the MCC has partnered with CBD car park operator Le Garage (114 Flinders Street) to offer fans $8 parking on grand final day if they scan their event ticket or membership card at the pay station.
Fans can also book parking at Melbourne and Olympic Park.
