Fans to be kept apart at the MCG to make Boxing Day Test Covid-safe

Seating zones will be enforced at the MCG to keep cricket fans apart and COVID-safe. Here’s how they’ll work.

Fans will be allocated a dedicated zone for the Boxing Day Test. Picture: David Crosling

The MCG will be divided into five strict zones for the Boxing Day Test, with fans forced to stay in specific areas to ensure this month’s Victorian major event comeback is COVID-safe.

Fans will be allocated a dedicated zone and will need to remain in that space for the day to aid social distancing and contact tracing.

Crossing between zones — numbered one to five — by groups or individuals will be banned, with partition fencing installed to help police the area.

Rows will not be sold at full capacity and fans will be urged to keep a seat or two between groups to maintain social distancing.

Each zone will have designated gates and fans will be free to move between their seat, toilets, food and beverage outlets or seek first aid treatment in their area.

This year’s Boxing Day Test will be unlike any before it.

In a further bid to enhance safety of up to 30,000 people allowed at each five days of the event, cash won’t be accepted at eateries and food and drinks must be consumed at your seat.

The MCG will be a cashless venue with all transactions by debit or credit card.

Only bags A4 in size or smaller, clear or baby pouches small enough to fit under a seat, will be allowed into the ground and no cloaking facilities will be available in or outside the venue.

No paper tickets will be sold for the Test and beyond.

And more than 275 hand sanitising stations will be installed around the stadium, with the MCG signing a two year deal with Dettol to become the official hygiene partner of the venue.

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said MCG staff had worked closely with Cricket Australia and the Victorian government to plan the long awaited return of crowds.

“The health and safety of members, officials, players and fans remains our number one priority,’’ he said.

“We encourage all attendees to follow the COVID-safe measures and instructions from staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable Boxing Day Test for themselves and their fellow patrons.’’

“Controlled queuing’’ will take place outside MCG gates and at food and drink stands inside the ground, with bollards and fencing installed to keep fans distanced.

MCG staff and security will patrol queue areas and direct spectators to maintain space.

Attendees will have to pre-purchase tickets and scan them at entrance turnstiles, with no sales booths operating during the event.

The Test will be the first major sporting event with crowds at the MCC since the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final on March 8.

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