MCG on track for Games
In 85 days since the AFL Grand Final, the arena has been scalped, excavated, levelled, and had irrigation drainage and cable channels laid.
The gravel base for an athletics track needed for the Commonwealth Games in 15 months lies beneath the new grass.
The Boxing Day Test is now assured to be played at its traditional home after heavy rain had threatened to force a move to Telstra Dome.
Minister for Sport and the Commonwealth Games Justin Madden yesterday declared confidence that future MCG targets -- in the stands and on the ground -- would be met.
"We're very pleased to see this completed and this, again, complements the exceptional work that's being done here at the MCG as we proceed to the Commonwealth Games," Mr Madden said.
After the 2005 Grand Final, the track base will be exposed, two layers of asphalt laid and then the rubber track will go down.
All this will then be covered up for the cricket.
Final work, including marking the track, continues after next year's Boxing Day Test.
Mr Madden said he was comfortable with the timetable for the $19 million track project.
The stadium can be handed over to Melbourne 2006 organisers as late as February 14, 2006 -- one month from the opening ceremony.
Managing director of Grocon, Daniel Grollo, said his company had met all targets in the $430 million northern stands redevelopment.
"Next year's our big milestone, when we've got to finish," Mr Grollo said.
"We're not underestimating the task we've got. There are big stakes."
Tensions between Grocon and unions have been constant over the 27month project.
Only two weeks ago workers walked off for 24 hours over complaints.
Yesterday, Mr Grollo would not comment.
MCG events general manager Trevor Dohnt said about 25,000 tickets had been sold for Sunday.
"That's in line with a crowd of 65,000 given decent weather," Mr Dohnt said. Long-range forecasters are tipping some rain.
The Olympic stand is scheduled to be built for the 2005 Grand Final, allowing capacity of 95,000.
