MCG attracts world’s biggest crowd since the beginning of pandemic
A crowd of 78,113 attended Sunday's ANZAC Day blockbuster at the MCG, marking the biggest sports attendance in the world since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Victorian Government had boosted the capacity for the MCG, AAMI Park and John Cain Arena from 75% to 85% from Saturday, allowing another 10,000 fans to attend the game. Prior to the announcement, all available tickets had been sold.
While the crowd fell short of a sell-out of the restricted capacity, it still marked the biggest AFL crowd since the 2019 Grand Final, and surpassed the 67,200 fans who attended a T20 International against England at the 110,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium in March.
The big crowd is despite both traditional rivals in the ANZAC Day clash both struggling this year. Essendon proved too strong, winning by 24 points, although its Collingwood who remain more of a chance to win the premiership according to the bookies, and you can use this bet365 code to see the odds for yourself.
The previous highest AFL crowd was set at Perth's Optus Stadium when 54,159 fans attended West Coast Eagles’ win over Collingwood last week. WA went into a snap lock-down for the weekend following one community case, meaning Fremantle's home game against North Melbourne was played behind closed doors.
On Saturday night, 56,418 spectators attended the ANZAC Day Eve match between Melbourne and Richmond, with the Demons recording a big victory.
On Sunday evening, Melbourne Storm hosted the NZ Warriors in their traditional NRL ANZAC Day match at AAMI Park, with 20,320 fans in the stands - marking AAMI Park's largest attendance this year.
View highest crowds since Covid >
The current restricted capacity of 75% at Marvel Stadium, GMHBA Stadium and Mars Stadium will remain in place for the time being, with the state government saying “further work” on contact tracing was needed before those venues could secure an increased number.
South Australia announced last week they’ll move to 100% capacity for its stadiums from May 8, meaning around 50,000 spectators can attend the next Showdown between the Crows and Port. They join Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and ACT also allowing 100%.
Melbourne Cricket Club boss Stuart Fox said it was a “wonderful” sight to see footy fans descend on the home of football in such big numbers.
“While it was the largest sporting crowd since the pandemic began, it was only possible because of footy fans who have continually adhered to the COVID-safe measures over the first six weeks of the season,” Mr Fox said.
Meanwhile, the AFL has released match dates and times for rounds 9 and 10 – view the full AFL fixture here >
