A ground older than the format

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been in continuous use since the 1850s, predating Test cricket itself. Its stands have been rebuilt many times over; the oval and its place in the city have not moved.

Home of the first Test

The 1877 match between Australia and England is the reason Melbourne, rather than Lord's, is where Test cricket's clock starts.

The Centenary stage

In 1977 the ground hosted the Centenary Test, gathering surviving Test cricketers from both nations in one place for the first time.

The Boxing Day tradition

The Boxing Day Test has made the MCG a fixed point in the Australian summer, regularly drawing some of the largest crowds in world cricket.

Getting to the MCG

• Walk: roughly 20 minutes from Flinders Street Station through Birrarung Marr and Yarra Park.
• Train: Richmond and Jolimont stations both sit a short walk from the gates.
• Tram: routes along Wellington Parade and Swan Street stop close to the ground.
• Rideshare and taxi: drop-off points move on event days — follow venue signage.

Stadium entry

• Gates typically open well before the first session; arrive early on day one.
• Bag size limits and prohibited items are set by the venue and change between events.
• Digital tickets are the norm — download before you arrive, phone reception is patchy in crowds.

Seating information

• Shade is the key variable in March — upper decks and covered rows are prized in the afternoon.
• Behind-the-arm seating gives the best read of swing and seam.
• Members' areas have their own access rules independent of general admission.

Food, drink and accessibility

• Concourse food halls run the length of each level; queues thin out mid-session.
• Free drinking water points are available throughout the venue.
• Accessible seating, companion cards and mobility services are handled by the venue — book directly and early.