MCG footy fans will again enjoy some of the most competitive food and beverage prices in any Australian stadium during the 2016 AFL season.
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and its hospitality partner, Epicure, have completed a review of MCG food and beverage pricing, which comes on the back of last year’s hugely successful investment to significantly lower prices on high-volume items.
Hot chips ($4.10), Four’N Twenty pies ($4.10), water ($3.10), 600ml soft drink ($4.20), Food Store hot dogs ($4.20) sushi ($5.20) and chicken schnitzel burgers ($7.80) have again been competitively priced, part of a broad offering of food and beverage items for MCG sports fans.
The hugely popular kids’ meal deal prices remain unchanged in 2016, and beer carry trays will remain free of charge.
Research conducted by the AFL last season showed that the MCG’s bold move to lower prices further than any other venue was a major driver in increased satisfaction levels among footy fans, with affordability one of the key issues identified by regular attendee and families in previous years.
The cost of staple items such as bottled water and hot chips will remain significantly cheaper than they were in 2014, with some prices more consistent with what patrons paid nearly 10 years ago.
While the annual investment in lower prices was originally forecast at $2 million for 2015, the actual figure was closer to $2.5 million, as MCC and Epicure sought to avoid passing on supplier cost increases to patrons.
However with these supplier costs set to increase an average of almost seven per cent in 2016, and as much as 10 per cent for some items, prices at the MCG have changed in order to offset this and ensure that the affordable pricing strategy remains viable into the future.
The MCC is committed to maintaining affordable, family-friendly food and beverage prices for fans and therefore the increases have been kept to a minimum, with no more than four per cent (or 30 cents) across the staple items. A 425ml cup of beer has also had its price rise capped at 30 cents (from $7.30 to $7.60).
“Last year we undoubtedly led the market in terms of food and beverage affordability, and we are proud of that position,” said MCC CEO Stephen Gough. “The feedback we received during the first year of the initiative was overwhelmingly positive.
“While fans will experience a slight increase in price for items in 2016, we are confident our prices remain incredibly competitive across the venue industry.”
Epicure, a division of Spotless, welcomed the opportunity to continue with the pricing strategy adopted 12 months ago.
“The partnership we have with MCC is one that we value highly,” said Ian Delmenico, Spotless general manager leisure, sport and entertainment. “We will continue to deliver on our commitment to offer food and beverage items at prices well below that of all other major stadiums in Australia.”
The new prices apply for all MCG events, including AFL, cricket and soccer matches, starting with the AFL match between Richmond and Carlton on March 24.
MCG food prices - then and now
| Product |
2007 |
2014 | 2015 |
2016 |
| Hot chips |
$4.00 | $5.60 | $4.00 | $4.10 |
| Four 'N Twenty meat pie |
$4.00 | $4.80 | $4.00 | $4.10 |
| Hot dog from Food Store |
$5.00 | $6.50 | $4.00 | $4.20 |
| Chicken schnitzel burger |
$7.50 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $7.80 |
| Soft drink 600ml |
$4.00 | $5.00 | $4.00 | $4.20 |
| Mt Franklin water |
$4.00 | $5.00 | $3.00 | $3.10 |
| Sushi | $8.50 | $6.80 | $5.00 | $5.20 |
| Salad | N/A | $11.50 | $8.00 | $8.30 |
