Footy fans told to arrive at Anzac Day clash three hours early as security ramps up

The MCG has beefed up security measures for the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood — and fans have been warned to get to the stadium three hours before the blockbuster.

Footy fans have been warned to arrive up to three hours before Friday’s Anzac Day blockbuster with beefed-up security to blitz a huge crowd at the Collingwood-Essendon clash.

The largest MCG crowd — since two men were arrested earlier this month for allegedly carrying guns inside the venue — is expected for the 30th edition of the biggest match of the regular season

Up to 95,000 fans can expect long delays as they are scanned and searched before entering the stadium for a special day on the Aussie sporting calendar.

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said spectators should be selective about what they take to the game, suggesting entry times could be sped up if security had fewer items to search.

Security will operate AI scanners. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The combination of a near-capacity crowd, wet weather forecast and enhanced security measures at the gates means fans will need to arrive early to ensure entry into the venue is as

efficient as possible,’’ he said.

“We strongly encourage fans to plan their arrival in line with gate opening times — the Members’ Reserve will open from midday and all other gates will open from 12.30pm, with the match to start at 3.20pm.

“Fans must also be mindful of pre-match activity that will commence one hour before the first bounce with the traditional Anzac Day motorcade followed by an observance ceremony.’’

There were no major security incidents or crowd complaints as an Easter Monday record crowd of 88,746 flocked the MCG for Geelong’s seven-point win against Hawthorn.

Last year’s Anzac Day crowd set a record with 95,179 fans attending the match. Picture: Mark Stewart

But the bigger crowd and depth of pre-match activities planned for the Anzac Day showpiece meant fans could expect longer queues.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said footy fans needed to be mindful of likely delays.

“I’d encourage all fans attending matches across the weekend to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and pay their respects,’’ he said.

Friday’s crowd could challenge the record 95,179 Anzac Day crowd set in 2023 – the second-biggest attendance in history for a home and away footy game at the ‘G.

Pre-game entertainment, air force flyovers and the spine tingling Anzac ceremony including The Last Post and minute’s silence will precede the match.

Footy fans can expect long delays on Anzac Day as they are scanned and searched before entering the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said: “Anzac Day is one of the most important days on the nation’s calendar as we honour and pay our respects to all the service men and women, past and present.

“Thirty years on, there is nothing quite like being at the MCG with 90,000 plus fans all completely silent as we collectively acknowledge the sacrifice and service of so many.

“It is a privilege for football to be able to play a role on this special day.’’

It comes as fans locked out of the venue have been urged to avoid buying tickets from scalpers, with 43 dodgy passes cancelled for being illegally advertised for sale.

Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos said: “Our message to scalpers is clear – don’t jack up the ticket prices or you will be fined.”

Originally published as Footy fans told to arrive at Anzac Day clash three hours early as security ramps up