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Two guests in suits looking out as drop-in wicket work takes place on the MCG arena
Function

The Drop-In Dinner

Wednesday September 30, 2026
5:45PM
Witness the MCG transform for the summer of cricket
Fully booked

Details

Date: Wednesday September 30, 2026

Time: 5:45pm to 10:15pm

Locations: Committee Room & Ron Casey Media Lounge

Dress: Lounge suit or tailored jacket, shirt, tie, slacks (tailored chinos are acceptable) and dress shoes, or attire of a similar high standard

Access: Open to Full, Restricted and Provisional members and up to 3 guests

About

Celebrate the beginning of the 2026/27 summer of cricket at The Drop-In Dinner, a unique dining experience for MCC members and guests.

Renowned commentator and broadcaster Tim Lane will host the evening and members and guests will be given insights on transforming the arena from AFL to cricket and the process the Turf team go through to drop in the MCG's wickets.

Enjoy a two course sit-down meal in the Committee Room, followed by dessert in the Ron Casey Media Lounge while you watch the MCG Arenas Team drop the wickets in live. A four-hour beverage package will also be available.

Former Australian cricketer and commentator Simon O'Donnell will also join in the proceedings with stories from a remarkable career.

There are limited spots available so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Pricing

Early bird pricing will be available for one week only – until 9:00am AEST Thursday August 27.

Early Bird

  • Member Adult 18+

    $170

  • Guest Adult 18+

    $180

Standard

  • Member Adult 18+

    $180

  • Guest Adult 18+

    $190

Booking Process

Bookings open: 9:00am AEST Thursday August 20

Early bird offer concludes: 9:00am AEST Thursday August 27

Bookings close: 5:00pm AEST Wednesday September 23, unless sold out sooner

Cancellation cut-off: 5:00pm AEST Wednesday September 23

If you are unable to book online, please call our Membership Services Team on (03) 9657 8888 or email mccfunctions@mcc.org.au.

More Info

A trusted voice of Australian cricket and a familiar presence at Melbourne Cricket Club events, Tim Lane is back to steer The Drop-In Dinner. One of the country's most respected commentators and broadcasters, Tim will guide the evening with the insight, warmth, and professionalism that have become his hallmark.

As the wickets are dropped in for another summer, few are better placed to reflect on the game than a World Cup winner. A member of Australia's triumphant 1987 side and once the holder of the record for the fastest half-century in one-day cricket, Simon O'Donnell pairs the perspective of an all-rounder who thrived under pressure with the easy-going charm that has made him one of the nation's most enjoyable cricket voices. He'll share stories from a remarkable career and reflect on what the MCG means to those who've walked out onto it.

While some menu items may not include specific allergens as ingredients, all our food is made in a facility that contains allergens. Therefore, we are unable to guarantee there are no allergens in the food and beverages served from this menu.

Images and video footage captured at the event may be used for promotional purposes. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy

Watching the pitch drop-in for the Ashes

Close view of the drop-in wicket block set into the MCG arena at night