MCG launches AFL tinnie trial - Adelaide Oval says hold my beer

The MCG’s return of tinnies for footy fans shows dumping Adelaide Oval’s can ban is also the right thing to do, the SA opposition leader says. Agree? Vote in the poll.

SA’s opposition leader has backed calls to over-turn the Adelaide Oval’s ban on canned drinks after the MCG announced it would trial a return to tinnies.

Opposition leader David Speirs said beer cans were better for the environment than plastic cups, after the Adelaide Oval and state government said they would consider the switch.

“Adelaide Oval generates huge single use plastic waste during matches and other events, and I’d urge Oval management to tackle their environmental footprint in any way they can,” Mr Speirs said.

“As the former Environment Minister my record on banning single use plastics speaks for itself.

“It may also be worthwhile re-examining penalties for irresponsible drinkers who throw cans to protect players and other patrons.”

It comes as footy fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground can crack open a cold can of beer for the first time since the early 1990s, in a new trial by the AFL.

The organisation began testing at the start of this year’s football season in selected sections of the MCG, allowing surprised fans to knock back full-strength beers in cold cans.

Environment Minister Susan Close said the “positive initiative” in Victoria would be raised with Oval management.

“It’s great to see positive initiatives such as this being explored and I know Adelaide Oval has been looking at ways to reduce the waste produced on match days,” Ms Close said.

“I’ll be raising the possibility of a trial such as this one with the Stadium Management Authority to see if that’s something that can be looked into here in SA.”

Port fan Alice McKeough and Crows supporter Lachlan McLeod pictured with some of the Oval’s current food offerings. Picture: Supplied

SMA chief operating officer Adam Vonthethoff said the trial would be closely monitored, and pending its success, a similar program would be considered for Adelaide Oval.

“We are always interested in measures that increase efficiency and improve the patron experience, while potentially further lowering our environmental footprint. As such, we will monitor the MCG trial with interest,” he said.

Currently, Lion have an exclusive contract to supply beer to Adelaide Oval until next year.

The Advertiser understands that if Adelaide Oval were to bring back cans, Lion would be supportive.

Cans could be a potential at the footy for SA. Picture: Sarah Reed

Every footy fan knows that squeezing through your row with a full tray of beers in plastic cups can be a perilous journey. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Adelaide Crows cheer squad president Peter Kauschke said cans would be easier to consume than plastic cups.

“I think it would be better and would be easier if they were able to have the cans, to be perfectly honest,” he said.

“Whilst it doesn’t affect the cheer squad areas because they’re alcohol free zones, my perspective is that I think the cans would be more environmentally friendly.”

Crows cheer club president Peter Kauschke supports bringing back cans. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Mr Kauschke said plastic cups are prone to breaking and spilling.

“The plastic cups, people put them down, they kick them over quite easily and you lose the whole lot fairly quickly,” he said.

“A can would stand up to being walked down to wherever someone’s sitting.”

He said time at the bar would be saved with a move to cans.

Port Adelaide cheer squad president, Ian Wilson, was contacted for comment.