It is one of Sydney’s most prized clubs and institutions, which people wait up to 13 years to enter. But for the latest intake of Sydney Cricket Ground members – the first since 2020 – admission has come with a sting in the tail.
Newcomers have been told they will no longer receive “club cards”, a bonus transferable token granting entry to friends or family for most fixtures throughout the year. But continuing SCG members can still use their old cards, even though both new and old pay the same annual fees.
A packed SCG members’ stand during Australia’s Test against Pakistan in January.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
One newly elected member, who didn’t want to be identified for fear of jeopardising the prize they waited years to gain, said the change looked like a “cash grab” and would “create a class system within an existing elite members’ class system”.
But Venues NSW, the government-run agency responsible for the SCG and other major sporting venues, argued the new system gave priority to members and enabled more people to become members, cutting down the notoriously long waitlist.
“The current program allows us to better forecast attendances in member areas, ensuring the best experience for members and guests in regards to the food and beverage offering, staffing and so forth,” Venues NSW said. “New members also have the opportunity to join in less wait time.”
SCG members don’t just get to attend the Sydney Cricket Ground for all regular fixtures; they get access to the hallowed heritage-listed members’ pavilion, first erected in 1878.
Queues to enter the Sydney Cricket Ground members’ pavilion in 2022.Credit: Brook Mitchell
For the basic level of membership, 2024 annual fees were $692 for a single and $1316 for a double. That is on top of the one-off joining fee, which is now $1500. Annual fees for 2025 will be set later this year.
But the double membership previously came with the two club cards for guests. Those cards are not golden tickets for every match – they are not activated for the opening days of the Sydney Test or an AFL final, for example – but they are popular and well-used.
New members have been told that while they won’t get the club cards, they can purchase up to 10 day passes for a match, which are $60 a pop for adults.
The disgruntled new member said this showed profit was driving the move. “If there’s a problem with capacity and they want to let more members in, why are they allowing people to still buy 10 match passes?” they said. “They have chosen to prioritise profits over existing long-standing member benefits.”
The members’ and ladies’ pavilions at the Sydney Cricket Ground.Credit: Getty Images
There are typically about 18,000 SCG members at any one time. Venues NSW could not confirm current numbers, but in 2019 it was reported there were 27,000 people on the waiting list, and it commonly takes 13 years to get the call-up.
City of Sydney councillor Lyndon Gannon, who has paid to be on the SCG membership waiting list for several years, said Venues NSW should reconsider the policy. “To now hear that it’s a second tier – almost a second-class tier – of membership is really disappointing,” he said. “What’s next, they’re going to give you mid-strength beer?”
Venues NSW was forced to consult lawyers on Wednesday after questions were raised about whether the removal of club cards was legal. The Sporting Venues Authorities Regulation 2019 stipulates that regular SCG members are entitled to one member’s guest card, and two club cards.
But it also says Venues NSW “may vary or waive the membership requirements or fees payable for membership generally, or for a particular class of membership, if the variation or waiver appears to Venues NSW to be appropriate in the circumstances”.
The agency said it was within its rights and that the Melbourne Cricket Ground did not offer guest passes or club cards.
“Venues NSW makes changes from time to time to our membership programs, as permitted by our legislation,” it said. “The SCG membership program has continued to evolve since it first launched in 1878.”
The famous sporting ground used to be governed by the SCG Trust, once known as the state’s most prestigious board. It was a magnet for movers and shakers from Sydney politics, business and media.
But in 2020, the government merged the SCG Trust with Venues NSW, which also looks after Accor Stadium at Olympic Park, and several other sports grounds.
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