MCG Accommodation

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is better known amongst locals and cricket fans as the MCG and has a seating capacity of well in excess of 100,000 people during major events. The MCG is the traditional home of Australian domestic and international cricket matches as well as Australian Rules Football (AFL) matches. Today, many other sporting matches and events are held at the MCG including Rugby Union & League and both domestic and international Soccer games. The Melbourne Cricket Ground also plays host to many one off events and concerts dating back to the early 1970’s when David Cassidy performed at the MCG in 1974. Other performers and concerts at the MCG have included David Bowie in 1978, U2, Paul McCartney and Madonna in 1993, The Rolling Stones in 1995, Michael Jackson in 1996, and Billy Joel and Elton John in 1998. All massive international acts looking for a suitably sized venue.

The MCG was originally constructed in 1853 by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and has seen regular redevelopments and expansions since its early days. The latest developments to the MCG were completed in 2006. The first cricket match was held at the MCG on September 30, 1854. And since that time cricket matches have been a regular event at the MCG and are televised across Australia and throughout the world. One of the most famous of all cricketers to play at the MCG was Sir Donald Bradman, one of Australia’s great cricketers. At the MCG Don Bradman played 17 innings for an incredible average of 128 runs per innings.  

Significant redevelopments of the MCG were undertaken for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Many of the athletic and other sporting events for the 1956 Olympics were held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Some 40 years later the MCG also hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games. One the opening day of the 1956 Olympic Games crowds of 103,000 people visited the MCG arena. The MCG is the sporting centre of Victoria and has also hosted, and in some cases still hosts, events such as the 1992 Cricket World Cup Final, Annual AFL Grand Finals, Rugby Union Bledisloe Cup and the FIFA World Cup (soccer) Qualifiers. On January 30th, 2009 the Melbourne Cricket Ground was proclaimed one of the world’s seven sporting wonders. Australian Rules football games are played here during the winter months and culminate at the end of September each year with the Grand Final, a single match that all but stops the State of Victoria. 

Accommodation near the Melbourne cricket ground are generally within walking distance and include Flag Choice Hotels on the city edge and Metro Inn which are both located along Jolimont Road near the MCG. Also nearby are the 5 Star accommodation options of the Hilton Hotel on Wellington Parade, Park Hyatt Melbourne and the Royal Hotel in Punt Road. Rooms at these hotels are generally offered at premium prices and the ideal hotels near the Melbourne Cricket Ground for luxury accommodation near the MCG. For visitors on a budget but still wanting MCG accommodation there are budget hotels, backpacker lodges and hostels that can serve as suitable MCG accommodation.

The Grand Mercure, Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne, Swanston Hotel, and Mercure Melbourne all offer a selection of mid range accommodation with tariffs beginning from $135. Other mid-range and affordable accommodation near the MCG is available at Oaks on Market, Knightsbridge Apartments, Treasury City Edge Service Apartments Eastern Town House, and City Edge Serviced Apartments. Self contained apartments and serviced accommodation near the MCG with cooking facilities include Albert Heights Executive Apartments and Birches Serviced Apartments. There is plenty of accommodation and hotels available near the MCG it is recommended to book you room months beforehand if you are planning on attending a particular event as accommodation near the MCG at these times sells out quickly.