ABOUT THE VENUE

But it is much more than a mere sporting arena; the MCG has been described as the beating heart of Melbourne.

A local sports journalist described it eloquently: “The MCG is a shrine…It is to this city what the Opera House is to Sydney, the Eiffel Tower to Paris and the Statue of Liberty is to New York; it symbolises Melbourne to the world. It inspires reverence.”

Graced by the Queen to celebrate 100 years of England v Australia cricket rivalry, blessed by the Pope, host to Australia’s first Olympics in 1956 and centre stage to rock royalty like The Stones, Madonna, U2, Michael Jackson, McCartney and the Gunners, the ‘G is known affectionately to locals as The People’s Ground.

Situated a few hundred metres from the city centre, it’s iconic light towers reflect down the Yarra River, a beacon for the tens of thousands of sports fans who make the traditional walk from the city’s centre after arriving in the city by rail or Melbourne’s ubiquitous trams.

Melbourne’s sporting culture is one of fierce competition and even fiercer local rivalries but the local fanatics are friends and families, old and young, male and female, who simply come to cheer, sometimes curse and eternally dream of the embrace of victory.

Almost 4 million Melburnians and visitors cross the turnstiles each year drawn to this epic arena from all origins; let us take you on that same journey and show you exactly what it means to us.

Sports fan or simply wanting to experience the essence of this city, a visit to the MCG is an absolute must on any Melbourne itinerary.

Sporting Capital Tour’s unique MCG Private Tour is the ultimate way to experience the arena and to get an exclusive, behind the scenes peek of one of the world’s most iconic sports stadiums but is also a chance to hear about the history and secrets of the ‘G, guided by a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

As an added bonus guests are taken on a walking tour of Melbourne’s sports precinct, led by your own personal SCT tour guide, who will accompany you throughout all your Sporting Capital Tour experience.

After a refreshment break* enjoying a coffee and something sweet – or even a cold beer – overlooking the ground in one of the MCG’s cafe culture-inspired venues you will finish off your visit with entry to the award-winning Australian Sports Museum, unique amongst sports and stadium museums around the world.

The Museum brings together the history of the Melbourne Cricket Club and the MCG itself, and is home to several national sports halls of fame as well as more than 3500 objects across 95+ sports. And with an interactive sports gallery called Game On for guests to experience the thrill of participation, there is truly something for everyone.

*Note, depending on your itinerary, we can accommodate lunch into the tour. Contact us for details, including menus and pricing.