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The MCG’s iconic Shane Warne Stand could be set for a major revamp that would potentially add a new dining precinct complete with bars and restaurants.
A joint $15 million business case, developed by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and the state government, is under consideration, with plans expected to be finalised by 2027.
An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Shane Warne Stand. Credit: Melbourne Cricket Club
An early artist’s impression of the Shane Warne Stand’s exterior features a glass facade, which would replace the existing concrete walls and offer patrons views of the surrounding parkland.
Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said the business case will ensure the MCG stays competitive globally.
“The future of the MCG is important to our city, [and] state, as well as the sporting and live entertainment landscape in this country,” he said.
“The business case work we are about to begin, with the Victorian Government, will explore what the MCG requires to remain globally revered, attracting the best events well into the future. The work will contemplate what facilities will need to be included, how it is built, when and how much it will cost.”
The Great Southern Stand was officially renamed the Shane Warne Stand in 2022.Credit: Paul Rovere
While the full cost of the redevelopment remains unclear, the business case will assess the MCG’s current facilities, including the Shane Warne Stand, and propose options for updates.
In 2024, the MCG hosted more than four million fans at 69 major events, including the AFL Grand Final, NRL’s State of Origin, three Taylor Swift concerts, and the Boxing Day Test.
Building on this, the MCC, the Victorian Government, and other key stakeholders are investigating the future needs of the MCG.
The Shane Warne Stand, opened in 1992 for the Men’s Cricket World Cup and originally called the Great Southern Stand, was renamed to honour the cricket legend. The stand was the last major redevelopment project for the MCG. The northern side of the ground was updated in 2005 in preparation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The business case for the upgrade will be finalised by 2027.Credit: Getty Images
Premier Jacinta Allan said the government’s contribution to the redevelopment will be determined by the “detailed phase of work that is being undertaken in the business case”.
“The MCG is a fantastic venue right now, whether it’s from holding Taylor Swift’s biggest ever concert, all the way through to the big AFL finals series we have just witnessed, where 300,000 people went to just three games,” Allan told Seven on Wednesday morning.
“But we know we have to look to the future to ensure it has the most modern facilities for players and spectators, the latest technology to support that spectator experience, which is what we will be guided by [in] the work of the business case that is under way now.”
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