The AFL Grand Final could be moved interstate during construction of a revamped Shane Warne Stand at the MCG.
With a rebuild expected to take place in 2028, the MCG would receive a $2 billion reconstruction of the famous stand, which would improve stadium capacity to 105,000.
In 2018, a contract was made between the AFL, Melbourne Cricket Club and the government that would ensure an MCG grand final until 2057 (extended to 2059 following COVID-impacted years), however a contract clause suggests that the stadium must hold a minimum capacity of 70,000 during that time, reports SEN's Sam Edmund.
A hastened reconstruction of the 50,000-seat Shane Warne Stand would trigger that clause and potentially move the grand final interstate.
If the clause was to be triggered, interstate governments would likely compete for the AFL's biggest game.
Western Australia hosted the 2021 AFL Grand Final in front of 61,000 fans at Optus Stadium and looms as a potential destination.
The Shane Warne Stand rebuild was proposed early last year, with the AFL now undergoing a second feasibility study to evaluate if they can proceed with a gradual, three-year construction process.
With a slower construction, the 40-year-old stand could be rebuilt in sections, keeping capacity above 70,000 and avoiding the contract clause that would move the grand final elsewhere.
The AFL Grand Final has been held outside of Victoria just twice, due to Melbourne's COVID-induced lockdowns. It was held at the Gabba in 2020, and Optus Stadium in 2021 before returning to the MCG last year.
“A hastened reconstruction of the 50,000-seat Shane Warne Stand would trigger that clause and potentially move the grand final interstate.”
GOOD.
Make it fair.
The side in the grand final that finished highest after the Home-and-away season (or in the vfl called the “Fixed-ture” should have the home ground advantage…. rather than the favoured few who are gifted so much during said Fixed-ture..