Cricket fans up in arms over drastic changes to Bay 13 seating at MCG Boxing Day Test
Fans have been ejected from the MCG for making snakes out of plastic beer cups as the iconic Bay 13 received a radical makeover for the Boxing Day Test.
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Bay 13 is dead and fan antics that were once an integral part of the Boxing Day Test have been outlawed.
A group of fans was escorted out of the MCG after they made a tower out of plastic beer cups during today’s first day of play against New Zealand.
The fans, who were near the MCC Reserve were removed by security guards who were met with a chorus of boos.
An unnamed fan described it as only a bit of harmless fun among spectators.
“They were getting so high, over six foot tall,” the fan said.
“The second level were cheering loud and then security came and ushered them out which was met with a whole lot of boos.
“No one likes a nanny state and no one wants to see people over-policing when there’s just a bit of fun.”
The crackdown came on the same day the bay that was once an Australian sporting institution was taken over by an exclusive premium seating area.
Labelled “unAustralian”, “yuppified” and a “monstrosity”, the iconic bay at the MCG has been replaced by a hospitality area named “Boundary Social” that is decked out with umbrellas and comfortable seating to watch the Aussies bat on cricket’s most famous day.
Tickets, which are priced at $195 a head, allow for access to the deck area, a private bar that includes “premium beverages and gourmet grazing menu to purchase”.
“The Boundary Social is the new place to be this summer,” the Cricket Australia package reads.
“It’s classy, fun and the perfect spot to spend time with friends and watch Test match cricket.”
It is only open to those over the age of 18 with a “smart casual” dress code.
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But it’s drawn the ire of many, who are desperate to see the Bay 13 of old return.
“I wonder what Warnie thinks of the Bay 13 monstrosity,” one Twitter user wrote.
While another called for “whoever installed a corporate area in Bay 13 of the MCG” to be sacked.
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@MCG The nation formally requests a please explain on behalf of Bay 13 ghosts of the past. @7Cricket #AUSvNZ
— Dave Lloyd (@AlbertonPower) December 26, 2019
Look at this corporate spivvery in what was Bay 13. Country has gone to the dogs. pic.twitter.com/5KSdubhcrn
— Tim Lyons (@Picketer) December 26, 2019
Big call to shun Bay 13 at the #BoxingDayTest opting for some corporate tickets over the only bay to single-handedly add atmosphere to every cricket match without fail ... watch this space! #mcg #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/GKKor5f0Fu
— Joseph Mascaro (@jmascaro9306) December 25, 2019
The wannabe Portsea Polo crowd does not belong in Bay 13. #BoxingDayTest #AUSvNZ
— Dylan Leach (@leachitup) December 25, 2019
@ShaneWarne mate your there today.Marquees where Bay 13 should be-more history https://t.co/N5eQiyICKW a kid it was a right of passage to spend a day in Bay 13 at the cricket with ya mates.Many memories I have,as no doubt yourself too...for now removed for this generation.
— Chris Bartlett (@fossil39) December 25, 2019
So Bay 13 was toxic in many ways but the *Birdcage at the cricket* on this real estate is an example of how neo-liberalism destroys working class institutions (good and bad.) From blokes miming Merv Hughes to spivs paying $300 for bottomless Aperol Spritzes.
— Tim Lyons (@Picketer) December 26, 2019
