MCG’s $2 billion upgrade could see every seat at stadium replaced

The Herald Sun can reveal the benefits from the $2 billion upgrade could be felt around the whole stadium with completely new seating part of the considerations.

A new Shane Warne Stand would deliver state-of-the-art public amenities and dining hubs as well as much-needed wheelchair access on level four in the southern side of the ground.

But the northern side is also in-line for potential upgrades as part of the construction work in a bid to improve the seating in all parts of the venue.

It comes as Victorian premier Jacinta Allan said on Wednesday it was time to preserve the iconic stadium’s future.

The State Government has partnered with the Melbourne Cricket Club to fund the $15 million business case which will propose a final design for construction from 2030.

“To keep that competitive edge, we’ve got to look to the future,” Ms Allan said.

“We expect it (business case) to take more than two years, perhaps up to three years because this is … a complex piece of infrastructure.

“You’ve got to start with that planning and design work.

“We did that with the Metro Tunnel. We’re doing it right now with the MCG as well.“

MCG Trust chair and former Victorian premier Steve Bracks said investment in the iconic venue was money well spent.

A hotel is also being investigated as an option behind the stadium as well as a new major tourism offering on level four to maximise the views over the city.

“The MCG is crucial to the future success of Victoria and the visitor economy,” Bracks told the Herald Sun.

“It is to Victoria what the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is to Sydney.

“This is the people’s ground and the Shane Warne Stand is the people’s section.

“This is the where AFL members and regular footy fan goes to watch games in that part of the stadium, and we need to upgrade it so it remains world-class.

“Whilst it will be about 40 years old by the time we get to looking at doing it up, a lot has changed in that 40 years.

“It’s the technology required in the stadiums, the access and egress, and the services you need to provide now like the restaurants and cafes.”

As the Herald Sun revealed on Wednesday, construction would be completed in stages to ensure the MCG would maintain a 70,000-seat minimum capacity and keep AFL grand finals in Melbourne.

Football greats including Melbourne’s Garry Lyon, Essendon champion Tim Watson and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire all strongly backed the Shane Warne Stand rebuild on Wednesday.

Lyon said the MCG was the “heart of the city”.

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“That can’t come quick enough because it (Shane Warne Stand) is a little bit tired now,” Lyon said on SEN.

“Do it. Don’t hold back. Don’t skimp on this.

“It is so important to the city. Go big.”