MCG, Marvel Stadium transformed for British and Irish Lions clash
Melbourne’s two major AFL stadiums are set to be transformed into rugby strongholds as the British and Irish Lions return to Australia for the first time in 12 years.
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Melbourne’s two major AFL stadiums are set to be transformed into rugby strongholds as the British and Irish Lions return to Australia for the first time in 12 years.
Australia’s sporting capital will be the only city in the nation to host two blockbuster matches featuring the Lions next month – against Australia at the MCG on July 26 and First Nations and Pasifika at Marvel on July 22.
A group of about 40,000 Lions fans is expected to descend upon Melbourne for the matches, with the MCG Test against the Wallabies tipped to break the all-time crowd attendance record for the team.
The tour is expected to pour $200m into the Australian economy, as fans pack pubs, hotels and restaurants as well as stadiums.
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said it was shaping up as the “biggest
ever” Lions tour.
“We couldn’t be more excited for a huge week in Melbourne in July,’’ he said
“The Wallabies love playing in Melbourne, as their recent record of success against the Lions demonstrates, and the second Test at the MCG will be a highlight of the tour.”
A Lions Series Fan Zone will be set up at Federation Square from July 23-25, with roaming entertainment, face painting, skills challenges and signing sessions with star players.
A free, outdoor fan site will also be staged in Yarra Park for the MCG Test game day, with “Wallabies Paddock’’ offering pre-game entertainment, food and drink vans and question and answer sessions with past and present players.
Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the tour would provide a boost for Victorian businesses.
“Melbourne is the only city with two consecutive Lions games, so we will be a home away from home for tens-of- thousands of fans who stay here for a week of excitement and fill our pubs, restaurants and cafes,’’ he said.
“Events like this create jobs for Victorians – from hotel staff and tour operators to baristas, bartenders, event crews and more – and deliver real benefits to local businesses across the state.”
The total economic impact the last time the Lions visited Victoria in 2013 was $90m, with almost 25,000 interstate and international visitors.
But the result is expected to be bigger this year, given two matches are being played and a huge crowd is tipped for the MCG Test.
Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said: “Melbourne is the ultimate sporting city, where world-class events unfold just minutes from the CBD in a precinct
surrounded by top-tier dining and cultural experiences.”
The Lions team brings together the best players from the UK and Ireland.
They last toured Australia in 2013.
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Originally published as MCG, Marvel Stadium transformed for British and Irish Lions clash
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