MCG receives $1 billion makeover as part of government, AFL deal

THE HOME of football is set to receive a $1 billion makeover thanks to a landmark deal between the Andrews Government and the AFL to keep the Grand Final at the MCG until at least 2057.

The home of football is set to receive a $1 billion makeover thanks to a landmark deal between the Andrews Government and the AFL to keep the Grand Final at the MCG until at least 2057. Pictures: Tim Carrafa

THE magic number for the MCG’s dazzling new revamp is 105,000.

The home of football is set to receive a $1 billion makeover thanks to a landmark deal between the Andrews Government and the AFL to keep the Grand Final at the MCG until at least 2057.

The agreement, revealed exclusively by Herald Sun on Friday, guarantees the MCG’s financial future to pave the way for the refurbishment of the Great Southern Stand.

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The agreement guarantees the MCG’s financial future to pave the way for the refurbishment of the Great Southern Stand. Picture: Tim Carrafa

The overhaul is expected to increase capacity by 5000 — likely making it one of the five biggest stadiums in the world.

The stand, built in the early 1990s, is in need of a renovation to deliver sports fans new seating and dining areas, open-air bars and upgraded bathroom facilities.

The roof line could also be raised a level with the Northern Stand, boosting the current capacity to help more regularly draw crowds in excess of 100,000.

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The stadium reached the six-figure mark only once last year when 100,021 attended Richmond’s drought-breaking Grand Final win over Adelaide.

Work is not expected to be completed for at least another decade and will most likely be carried out in stages to minimise in-season disruption.

The state government is expected to zero in on the need to create more pedestrian walkways to Richmond station and nearby sporting complexes.

It is understood venue administrators the Melbourne Cricket Club expects the government to wear the cost of a pedestrian walkway linking the station to the MCG.

There are also expected to be major technological upgrades, offering patrons stadium-only experiences, while open-air bars will help fans mingle amid the action.

The MCG precinct master plan will also take in important security measures inside and outside the stadium.

ETIHAD STADIUM TO UNDERGO MASSIVE $225 MILLION MAKEOVER IN GRAND FOOTY DEAL

It comes as the government inked a $225 million deal to makeover Etihad and the surrounding precinct as part of a half-a-billion-dollar state budget cash splash.

The massive overhaul would see improved seating, outdoor bars and entertainment as well as opening of the stadium to the Docklands waterfront.

The state Opposition has slammed the deal, saying “every dollar” should go to grassroots sports clubs.

However it may be too late for the Coalition to claw back the cash, as the AFL could take hold of money as early as July.

Opposition treasury spokesman Michael O’Brien urged the Andrews Government to take the multimillion-dollar deal to voters before signing contracts with Etihad.

“We don’t believe the money should go to the AFL,” he said. “It would be quite cowardly of him to send money to the AFL prior to the election given he has no mandate on the deal. He should have the courage to let Victorians decide.”

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It is believed that no taxpayer funds will be used for planned renovations of AFL House, which will include a luxurious ballroom set to host Brownlow events.