Footy fans MCG eating habits revealed: Dees fans want coffee, Tigers fans eat the most food

Richmond supporters eat and drink more than anyone at the MCG, but Carlton’s scoff more hot dogs than any other fans at the footy. Which club’s fanbase is turning their nose up at the traditional footy pie.

Richmond supporters eat and drink more than anyone at the MCG, but Carlton’s loyal band of followers scoff more hot dogs than any other fans at the footy.

A review of food and beverage purchases at Australia’s greatest stadium, the MCG, has revealed the eating and drinking habits of fans during this year’s AFL season.

One in every 10 people attending matches at the MCG bought a pie this year and more than one in five purchased hot chips.

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The analysis found Richmond fans did not eat all the pies but they did down 140,000 of them — more than supporters of any other side.

Essendon fans drank the most spirits, with Canadian Club their tipple of choice.

Geelong fans sipped the most red wine (more than 40,000) and Richmond fans licked more ice cream than their rivals (more than 17,000).

Collingwood and Tigers tragics slurped down 100,000 more soft drinks than their closest rivals, more than 270,000 in total.

AFL fans Tim Hill and Luke Draffen with their favourite footy food at the MCG. Picture: Jay Town

More than 12,000 pies were sold at the AFL season opener between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG alone.

Epicure spokeswoman Rachel Dolan said the MCG’s catering service noticed differences in the tastebuds of rival fans.

“No two games are the same when it comes to food and beverage trends,’’ she said.

“The team playing, the time of day and the weather all contribute to overall sales.’’

The audit found a rise in consumption of premium burgers, pies, hot chips and water at AFL matches this season compared to last year.

Hot chip sales rose by five per cent and there was a movement among fans buying larger, premium burgers than standards fare.

The analysis revealed:

* One in 10 Melbourne fans bought coffee during a match — more than 80,000 in total;

* Richmond fans ate the most ice cream and Pies supporters bought the most lollies;

* Geelong fans ate the least pies;

* Blues supporters ate more than 38,000 hotdogs;

* Melbourne fans consumed the most “healthy’’ food options such as salad, sushi and sandwiches.

Carlton fans Jacob Sossi (left) and Taylen Wulf (right) enjoy a pie and chips

“Over time we have identified clear trends among the different AFL teams and we order and staff accordingly,’’ she said.

“We embrace all teams but Richmond produce our best customers eating and drinking the most”.

Overall, water sales increased 10 percent at the MCG this season compared to last year.

The biggest increase in food sales were kids meals which were up 30 percent, probably due to discounted “Sunday Funday’’ offerings.

The MCC reported “no real change in the sale of “healthy items”.

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