Melbourne Cricket Club removes need for cash with new card, offers discount on food and drinks

MEMBERS of the MCC already get to drink full strength beer and the best seats in the house at the MCG. Now they will get to eat and drink cheaper than fans in the outer as well.

MEMBERS of the MCC already get to drink full strength beer and the best seats in the house at the MCG.

Now they will get to eat and drink cheaper than fans in the outer as well.

A new MCC card available only to members will offer 5 per cent discounts on food and drinks.

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The “MCC Plus’’ card will allow members to load funds onto a debit card to spend at the MCG, removing the need for cash at the footy.

MCC members who use the card at bars, dining rooms and food outlets inside the exclusive reserve will earn a rebate on purchases by tapping the card at the point of sale.

MCC members waiting to get in on Grand Final day. Picture: Sarah Matray

They have also been promised “special offers, competitions and more’’ for using the cards.

But general admission ticket holders at the MCG will still need to pay full price.

MCC spokesman Shane Brown said the cards would be ready for use by the start of the AFL season and the rebate would apply to all food and drink purchases.

“At the moment, the MCC Plus card and rebate program applies only to MCC members,’’ he said.

Father and son MCC members, John and David Jackson enjoy a beer.

MCC members will now get cheaper food and drinks.

“It is possible for the technology at the MCG to be applied to other membership cards in the public areas of the stadium and we will continue to discuss this with AFL clubs in the near future.’’

Mr Brown confirmed the MCC would also use the cards to measure the spending habits of members

“The ability to gather data on the spending patterns of members will allow us to more accurately forecast demand in certain outlets and improve the service offering on match day,’’ he said.

While the general public will not be eligible for the 5 per cent rebate, they still enjoy some of the best value food prices in Australian sport.

A popular decision by MCC management to wind back the clock on food and beverage prices in 2015 means fans pay less than they did 10 years ago for some popular items such as pies and bottled water.

The MCC currently has more than 230,000 people on its waiting list with people who applied for membership in October 2000 still in queue.

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