A continued focus on safety and security around the MCG will result in limited public parking in Yarra Park during the upcoming AFL season, and no public parking at major events such as the opening match between Richmond and Carlton on Thursday March 22.
The decision is in keeping with measures implemented during the recent cricket season, and follows consultation with stakeholders and local authorities around the need for a greater distance between vehicles and pedestrians in Yarra Park and the MCG concourse.At most events, subject to weather and the condition of the park, an 80-metre exclusion zone will operate between vehicles and the stadium, reducing car parking availability to approximately two-thirds of capacity (approximately 2000 vehicles).
This restriction is in keeping with recommendations set out in Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism.
No car parking – major MCG events
On some major event days, there will be no public parking in Yarra Park. These include:| Date |
Event |
| March 22 |
Richmond v Carlton |
| April 24 |
Melbourne v Richmond (Anzac Eve) |
| April 25 |
Collingwood v Essendon (Anzac Day) |
| June 2 |
Essendon v Richmond (Dreamtime at 'G) |
| June 6 |
State of Origin rugby league |
| September | AFL Finals Series (dates tbc) |
On these days, a limited number of spaces will be available for disability permit holders, emergency services personnel, accredited media and authorised passholders, subject to capacity.
The MCG is accessible via a number of public transport options, with Richmond and Jolimont train stations in close proximity, as well as several major tram and bus routes.
MCC CEO Stuart Fox acknowledged that while the changes will inconvenience a small number of fans, patrons should feel reassured that the club, in conjunction with the AFL and Victoria Police, is constantly reviewing security measures to ensure it provides a safe environment.
“Ongoing events both 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.”
“The safety of all MCG visitors is our number one priority, and this update to car parking availability in Yarra Park is a natural progression of the measures that have been implemented both at the MCG and other venues in recent years.”
“Finding a balance between keeping our patrons safe and providing them with a fantastic event experience is a difficult task. We understand that some patrons will be impacted by this decision and we have made arrangements to cater for as many vehicles as possible, in particular for the mobility impaired.”
“Our strong advice to footy fans is to take public transport to the MCG if possible, or find alternative parking in the CBD and surrounding areas.”