Fans fear a lockout
By SHAUN PHILLIPS, sports affairs reporter
21mar03
FOOTBALL fans are flocking to book tickets to avoid being locked out of big matches at the MCG.
Next Friday's AFL season-opener between Richmond and Collingwood could be the first of a number of sold-out matches as the home of football undergoes a massive redevelopment.
Capacity will be about 70,000 for much of the season - down from 96,300 - as a new stand is built to replace the Ponsford Stand.
About 6700 tickets have already been sold for Richmond v Collingwood, and 11,500 for the Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and the Magpies.
MCC general manager Stephen Gough said supporters ran the risk of disappointment if they did not book for big matches during the three-season construction period.
"You would think that matches between Richmond, Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon are going to be up around the 70,000 mark, or higher," Mr Gough said.
"Carlton crowds will depend a bit on how they're going, but it will be tight for quite a few games.
"Part of the beauty of a stadium like the MCG is that people have traditionally been able to decide on the day if they'll go to the football.
"You don't want to lose that, but we might for a few matches this season."
Mr Gough said the general public would have access to 40,000 seats, AFL members, 15,000 and MCC members, 14,500.
Last year's Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day clash (84,894) was the only MCG home-and-away match to break the 70,000 barrier.
But that was a season when poor performances by Carlton and Richmond contributed to an overall decline in Victorian attendances of 9 per cent.
In 2001 there were nine MCG home-and-away matches that attracted 70,000, and three finals, not including the Grand Final.
By SHAUN PHILLIPS, sports affairs reporter
21mar03
FOOTBALL fans are flocking to book tickets to avoid being locked out of big matches at the MCG.
Next Friday's AFL season-opener between Richmond and Collingwood could be the first of a number of sold-out matches as the home of football undergoes a massive redevelopment.
Capacity will be about 70,000 for much of the season - down from 96,300 - as a new stand is built to replace the Ponsford Stand.
About 6700 tickets have already been sold for Richmond v Collingwood, and 11,500 for the Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and the Magpies.
MCC general manager Stephen Gough said supporters ran the risk of disappointment if they did not book for big matches during the three-season construction period.
"You would think that matches between Richmond, Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon are going to be up around the 70,000 mark, or higher," Mr Gough said.
"Carlton crowds will depend a bit on how they're going, but it will be tight for quite a few games.
"Part of the beauty of a stadium like the MCG is that people have traditionally been able to decide on the day if they'll go to the football.
"You don't want to lose that, but we might for a few matches this season."
Mr Gough said the general public would have access to 40,000 seats, AFL members, 15,000 and MCC members, 14,500.
Last year's Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day clash (84,894) was the only MCG home-and-away match to break the 70,000 barrier.
But that was a season when poor performances by Carlton and Richmond contributed to an overall decline in Victorian attendances of 9 per cent.
In 2001 there were nine MCG home-and-away matches that attracted 70,000, and three finals, not including the Grand Final.
