AFL to announce crowd capacity will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent

An extra 25,000 people will be allowed into Thursday’s Carlton v Collingwood clash at the MCG. All the latest crowd changes here.

There’s been another boost for footy fans. Picture: Getty Images

An extra 25,000 people will be allowed into Thursday’s MCG Carlton-Collingwood blockbuster.

The AFL is set to announce crowd capacity will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity from Thursday.

The AFL is expected to announce today all stadiums will be at 75 per cent capacity for Round 2.

It’s hoped full crowds will return by Anzac Day or possibly sooner.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp welcomed the prospect of bigger crowds at the footy.

“The first round of footy was a fantastic success for our city — except the Pies losing,” she said.

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There’s been another boost for footy fans. Picture: Getty Images

“Melbourne again proved we can host major sporting events in a COVID-safe way.

“Increasing the crowd capacity to 75 per cent means tens of thousands more fans will be filling the restaurants, cafes and bars in our city streets each weekend. More people at the footy each weekend means more money going through the till of local businesses that have suffered the worst trading conditions in living memory.”

Cr Capp said pubs and restaurants had reported big increases in sales over the weekend as footy had returned.

“We’re hopeful that soon we will be in a position to have the ‘G and Marvel Stadium filled to capacity,” she said.

“The bigger the roar of the crowd at the footy, the more our city is pumping after the game.”

The MCG can now host 75,000, Marvel Stadium 43,440, GMHBA Stadium 27,819 while at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium it’s 8335.

The league said ticket allocations would increase in line with the added capacity, with club and AFL members continued to be prioritised.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Melburnians “could really feel the excitement in the air” during last weekend’s opening round.

“It felt like the rhythm of the city had returned and the announcement today should only amplify this,” he said.

“In Round One to have the biggest crowd at a sporting event in Australia since the Covid pandemic is a testament to the passion and support of footy fans and I know we will only build on that number in the coming weeks.”

AFL fixture boss Travis Auld said he welcomed the decision by the State Government to increase crowds at the MCG for this Thursday saying it was a “big, big win” for supporters.

“I think we all witnessed fans running through the city’s pre and post game on round one and that feeling that it brings back in an energy that brings back to Melbourne,” he said.

He said the prospect of bigger crowds for the Anzac Day clash was on the cards.

“Potentially, I think our focus and we’ve proven this from day one is to take the lead from state governments, listen to the experts, understand the requirements that are in place and make sure we execute those really well, that allows you to build confidence in our processes.”

Mr Auld said Thursday night’s clash between Carlton and Collingwood was a “great way” to start the 75 per cent crowd capacity directive.

The AFL has released the breakdown of how the tickets will be allocated for Round 2 matches:

MCG

Club Members/General Public – 41,300

MCC Members – 17,000

AFL Members – 15,000

Corporate – 1500

Total – 75,000

Home Club members (Carlton) tickets for Thursday night go on sale at 1pm today. Away club members (Collingwood) go on sale at 10am Wednesday, with General Public tickets on sale from 1pm Wednesday.

MARVEL STADIUM

Club Members/General Public – 33,640

AFL Members – 4500

Medallion Club – 4500

Corporate – 800

Total – 40,800

When you can buy your tickets:

MCG

Collingwood vs Carlton Thursday 25th

Hawthorn vs Richmond Sunday 28th

ROUND 2: MCC Member On-Sale

Mon 22 Mar, 9am (AEDT)

ROUND 2: AFL Gold and Silver Members

with Competing Club of Support*: Tue 23 Mar, 10am (AEDT)

ROUND 2: All remaining AFL members

Tue 23 Mar, 11am (AEDT)

ROUND 2: Club Member Pre-Sale*

Home Club Priority 1 Pre-Sale: Tue 23 Mar, 1pm (AEDT)

Home Club Priority 2 Pre-Sale: Tue 23 Mar, 3pm (AEDT)

Home Club Priority 3 Pre-Sale: Tue 23 Mar, 5pm (AEDT)

Away Club Pre-Sale: Wed 24 Mar, 10am (AEDT)

ROUND 2: General Public On-Sale (if tickets remain)

Wed 24 Mar, 1pm (AEDT)

GMHBA

Geelong vs Brisbane Friday 26th

Priority 1 Members - Mon 22 March 10am until Fri 26 March until 9.50pm

Priority 2 Members - Tues 23 March 2021 10:00 until Fri 26 March until 9.50pm

General Onsale - Thu 25 March 10pm

MARVEL STADIUM

St Kilda vs Melbourne Sat 27th

Priority 1 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 1pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Priority 2 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 3pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Priority 3 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 5pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Away member on sale - Wed 24 March 10am until Wed 24 March 12pm

General Onsale - Wed 24 March 1pm

ADELAIDE OVAL

Port Adelaide vs Essendon Saturday 27th

Port Adelaide and Adelaide Oval Football Members Presale (Western Stand)

Mon 22 Mar, 11am (ACDT)

Rounds 2, 4 & 6

PAFC GA Members

Tue 23 Mar, 11am (ACDT)

Rounds 2, 4 & 6

Port Adelaide General Public On-Sale

Wed 24 Mar, 11am (ACDT)

Rounds 2, 4 & 6

METRICON STADIUM

Gold Coast vs North Melb Saturday 27th

GC SUNS Members Pre-Sale

Wed 24 Mar, 1pm (AEST)

Rounds 4 & 6

GC SUNS General Public On-Sale

TBC (AEST) Rounds 4 & 6

MARVEL STADIUM

Bulldogs vs West Coast Sunday 28th

Priority 1 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 1pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Priority 2 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 13pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Priority 3 - Home member on sale Tue 23 March 5pm until Wed 24 March 9am

Away member on sale Wed 24 March 10am until Wed 24 March 12pm

General Onsale - Wed 24 March 1pm

Originally published as AFL to announce crowd capacity will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent