MCC preparing to open gates to restricted members ahead of AFL Grand Final 2018

THE MCC is desperate to avoid a repeat of the empty seats in its reserve for Saturday’s Grand Final and is preparing to break with its rules.

THE MCC is desperate to avoid a repeat of the empty seats in its reserve for Saturday’s Grand Final and is preparing to break with its rules and open its gates to restricted members.

The club came under fire after about 2500 seats were left vacant for Friday night’s supposedly sold out Preliminary Final between Richmond and Collingwood.

Only 94,595 attended and the club said it would review its ticketing system.

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MCC Members queuing for the First Preliminary Final between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies during the AFL Finals Series. AAP Image/Julian Smith

Usually only full members are given access on Grand Final day.

“The club is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the capacity of the reserve is maximised,” the MCC website says.

“In analysing attendance trends from previous grand finals, if the club believes the members reserves will not reach capacity, it may consider allowing restricted members access to purchase an entry ticket to the game.

“The club will monitor walk-up attendance of full members in the initial queue ... before making a decision on allowing restricted members access to purchase an entry ticket.”

The MCC said it allowed restricted members into the Grand Final in 2015 and in 2012 and the move was not a response to last Friday night’s attendance.

Restricted members are encouraged to check the MCC website and its Twitter and Facebook on Saturday to see if they have been granted entry.

Tickets will then be on sale for $160 through Ticketek and at the ground.

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@ElizaJSewell