MCG boss’ big AFL call as mega repair job looms after Swift-mania

MCG officials face a giant task after the wild success of Taylor Swift’s shows in Melbourne, with round one less than a month away.

The MCG is undergoing rapid repairs after Taylor Swift's concerts.

Melbourne Cricket Club boss Stuart Fox has expressed full confidence the MCG will be in good touch for round one of the AFL despite the work ahead following three Taylor Swift concerts.

Two thirds of the ground will need to be relaid after the trio of shows, which saw nearly 300,000 fans inside the arena and thousands more listening along outside.

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Last year, half of the ground’s surface was relaid just 13 days out from the season-opener due to back-to-back Ed Sheeran concerts, with stadium officials content with the result despite some players expressing concern over the new turf.

“With just under four weeks until the first AFL game of season 2024, our turf team have been preparing for the arena’s renovation for the last 18 months,” Fox told the Herald Sun.

MCG grass which is being replaced after the Taylor Swift concert. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“The team has a proven track record in managing significant and successful turf renovations which was evident after last year’s two Ed Sheeran concerts where we faced tighter deadlines to be ready for the AFL season.

“Although we need to replace two-thirds of the turf, the absence of events scheduled after the three Taylor Swift concerts provides us with a more generous window for turnaround time.

“Our turf rolls, boasting a depth of around 10cm, are practically immovable once laid down. With the combination of our skilled team, months of preparation and advanced technology, I have full confidence that the hallowed turf will be to the elite standards expected of us by mid-March.”

Swift-mania took over the MCG. (Photo by Graham Denholm/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

Channel Seven reported it would likely take 12 days to replace the 12,000 square metres of grass.

The first game at the MCG will take place on the Thursday night of round one, just over three weeks away.

Marvel Stadium will also be subject to works ahead of the season, with Pink performing at the venue on February 23 and 24 and March 12 and 13.

The first AFL game at the venue is scheduled for March 29, giving officials 16 days to replace the affected turf.

Originally published as MCG boss’ big AFL call as mega repair job looms after Swift-mania