MCG shocks fans with high food and drink prices at Boxing Day Test!
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As the excitement builds for the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), fans are bracing themselves for more than just the on-field action.
The MCG has announced a price hike for its food and drink offerings, leaving many supporters feeling the pinch as they plan their day at the cricket.
With the rising costs, attendees will have to dig deeper into their pockets for basic refreshments, adding an unexpected financial burden to their matchday experience.
The price of a standard 425mL beer, a staple at any sporting event, has jumped from $11.50 to a steep $12.00.
Even staying hydrated will cost you more, with a bottle of water seeing a 20-cent increase to $4.90.
For those in the members' section, a 560mL cup of Carlton Draught has risen from $14.50 to $15.00.
You'll pay more for your refreshments no matter where you're seated.
But not just the drinks will have fans digging deeper into their pockets.
Popular among spectators, a box of fish and chips has increased by 60 cents to $15.50.
These price changes are set to take effect just in time for a summer packed with cricket, including what's expected to be record-breaking crowds for the match against India.
While some may find solace in the fact that fan favourites like chips, hot dogs, jam doughnuts, meat pies, and coffee will retain their current prices for another year, the overall cost increase reflects the broader economic pressures affecting Australia.
Tanya Gilling, MCC general manager of commercial operations and partnerships, acknowledged the impact of rising costs on the MCG, stating:
'We’re not immune to it at the ‘G. We want to subsidise it as much as we can.'
The MCG is a venue that saw a staggering 3.9 million visitors in 2024, hosting events such as Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour concerts and the AFL grand final.
With such a high volume of visitors, it's no surprise that the MCG's food and drink sales are significant, with around 800,000 boxes of chips sold annually.
In a nod to the diverse crowd expected for the Boxing Day Test, the MCG has also introduced a range of tailored menu options to cater to the Indian fans.
MCG executive chef Dylan Sanding has temporarily shifted from beef, introducing items like chicken tikka burgers, nachos, tandoori chicken with rice, and samosas with mint chutney.
While the culinary experience at the MCG may be evolving, the price increases are a reminder of the cost of enjoying a day out at one of Australia's most beloved sporting venues.
As fans prepare to support their teams, they must also prepare for the financial hit of indulging in the full stadium experience.
In other news, ticket sales for Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG have tripled compared to the 2018-19 figures.
The previous Melbourne Boxing Day Test was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, leading to limited attendance, but sales for Days 2 to 4 have now surged by more than five times. You can read more about it here.
How do you feel about the rising costs of food and drinks at sporting events? Are the prices at the MCG justified, or will you be packing your snacks for the day? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below.
The MCG has announced a price hike for its food and drink offerings, leaving many supporters feeling the pinch as they plan their day at the cricket.
With the rising costs, attendees will have to dig deeper into their pockets for basic refreshments, adding an unexpected financial burden to their matchday experience.
The price of a standard 425mL beer, a staple at any sporting event, has jumped from $11.50 to a steep $12.00.
Even staying hydrated will cost you more, with a bottle of water seeing a 20-cent increase to $4.90.
For those in the members' section, a 560mL cup of Carlton Draught has risen from $14.50 to $15.00.
Drink prices at the MCG have been increased, including standard beer and bottled water. Credit: RapidEye / iStock
You'll pay more for your refreshments no matter where you're seated.
But not just the drinks will have fans digging deeper into their pockets.
Popular among spectators, a box of fish and chips has increased by 60 cents to $15.50.
These price changes are set to take effect just in time for a summer packed with cricket, including what's expected to be record-breaking crowds for the match against India.
While some may find solace in the fact that fan favourites like chips, hot dogs, jam doughnuts, meat pies, and coffee will retain their current prices for another year, the overall cost increase reflects the broader economic pressures affecting Australia.
Tanya Gilling, MCC general manager of commercial operations and partnerships, acknowledged the impact of rising costs on the MCG, stating:
'We’re not immune to it at the ‘G. We want to subsidise it as much as we can.'
The MCG is a venue that saw a staggering 3.9 million visitors in 2024, hosting events such as Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour concerts and the AFL grand final.
With such a high volume of visitors, it's no surprise that the MCG's food and drink sales are significant, with around 800,000 boxes of chips sold annually.
In a nod to the diverse crowd expected for the Boxing Day Test, the MCG has also introduced a range of tailored menu options to cater to the Indian fans.
MCG executive chef Dylan Sanding has temporarily shifted from beef, introducing items like chicken tikka burgers, nachos, tandoori chicken with rice, and samosas with mint chutney.
While the culinary experience at the MCG may be evolving, the price increases are a reminder of the cost of enjoying a day out at one of Australia's most beloved sporting venues.
As fans prepare to support their teams, they must also prepare for the financial hit of indulging in the full stadium experience.
In other news, ticket sales for Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the MCG have tripled compared to the 2018-19 figures.
The previous Melbourne Boxing Day Test was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, leading to limited attendance, but sales for Days 2 to 4 have now surged by more than five times. You can read more about it here.
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