Parking at the MCG will be banned for all blockbuster events this year after an increase in vehicle related terror attacks.
Security at the MCG has intensified over the last few years due to the rise in terrorism across the world and as a precaution, the MCC has restricted all car access to the ground for the public for certain events.
Marquee games such as the AFL season opener between Richmond and Carlton, the rugby league State of Origin clash in June and the Anzac Day blockbuster between Essendon and Collingwood will be no-parking events.
Stuart Fox, chief executive of the MCC said that while this will become an inconvenience to fans, the safety of MCG attendees is the most important thing.
“Ongoing events around the world and closer to home clearly demonstrate that we need to minimise the risk of interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, especially in crowded places such as outside the MCG,’’ Fox said.
“The safety of all MCG visitors is our number one priority. This is a natural progression of the measures implemented at the MCG and at other venues in recent years.”
A number of other events will have restricted parking where cars will only be allowed more than 80 metres from the stadium.
This will reduce parking space by two-thirds of capacity or 2000 cars.
Parking will still be available to disability permit holders, emergency service workers and authorised pass holders on parking-free days but will be subject to capacity.
All fans are encouraged to travel to and from the MCG via public transport.
