Buying a pie and chips at the MCG will soon be a lot cheaper for fans.
Under a new deal with its catering contractor, the Melbourne Cricket Club – who are responsible for running all sports events at the iconic ground – has slashed the price of a range of products on sale at the stadium in a bid to make going to the football and cricket more family-friendly.
In all, eight items have been reduced with bottled water undergoing the biggest price drop from $5 to $3 – a 40 per cent discount.
MCC chief executive Stephen Gough estimated the price restructure will cost the MCC around $14 million in lost revenue over the course of the seven-year contract.
“We’ve listened to the fans,” Gough said on Monday.
“We understand their affordability concerns and we are very confident that this initiative will be extremely well received.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan called on venues around the country to follow the MCG’s lead.
“They’ve made a big statement,” McLachlan said.
“They’re leading the agenda now on this issue. Hopefully it’s a great outcome for all of our fans across Australia because I think they’ve put a position out there that people are going to have to respond to.”
A spokesman for Etihad Stadium said that negotiations with the AFL are ongoing, but added that the venue’s management hopes to make an announcement on food pricing before the start of the season.
Martin
Guest
Today I bought some chips and the shop assistant assured me that his chips were healthy because they were baked rather than fried. So perhaps the MCG could consider the baked chip?
Penster
Guest
If Meatloaf is playing, it's not water you'll be needing.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Yes, but it is worth it, especially if Meat Loaf is playing. As you can tell...I'm still getting over this very traumatic experience.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
That depends. If MeatLoaf is playing, all water must be brought in small paper cups to avoid 100000 missiles being launched...
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
^^ Great stuff Gill - keep up the good work.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
The MCC "largess" of a $14 million cut is drawing a long bow if the result of a price drop is more product being sold and more people coming through the gates. It is a decision that is holistically sensible rather than a concession.
Franko
Guest
You can byo water also, no?
Dean
Guest
This is great news for families and the future of the AFL in a market with increasing competition over the train line.
AR
Guest
"Surely there are far more important issues that AFL fans could be getting proactive about?" umm...ok...and surely there are far more important issues that non-AFL fans could be commenting on..? I mean, if you really don't care about the MCG food and drink prices, then why bother? But for the record...a bottle of water (for eg) has been reduced from $5 to $3. That is a massive and unprecedented reduction in price. The AFL and MCC are to be commended - lower food/drink prices (check), lower ticket prices (check), free entry for kids on Sundays (check), no more Sunday night games (check), kids playing kick-to-kick on ground post-game (check). Gil has already made good on a number of promises, so good on him. Only the wowsiest of wowsers try and paint these things as a negative.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Etihad take note. Actually at the 'G 2 weeks back for the ICC WC match and 2 beers was something like $15. But at least the bar was a nice big air conditioned area (in the Olympic stand) and you were happy to pay a premium just to relax in their out of the heat/humidity for 10 minutes. My wife noted at Etihad on Sat that for the Foo Fighters the prices seemed ramped up - and there, a beer was $9. She had 2 people in front of her who, with their 4 cup carrier each - 4 times during the night went for 4 beers each. That was 16 each at $9 a pop. $144 each in beers for the night!!! If people weren't willing to pay these crazy prices then the business model would have to change.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Wow, A great bit of news for the affordability of taking a family to the football comes out and the first three comments are negative. Yes you can eat before the game if you like but kids will always want a pie and chips as part of their day at the football. Gill McLachlan said he would make football more affordable and family friendly and he is delivering exactly that. Well done Gill.
Tim
Guest
Yet a mid strength beer still cost $7.10!
Wayne
Roar Guru
Um, they are proud that a bottle of water now only costs $3?
Melbourneterrace
Guest
Geez there are that many good eating options around Melbourne and Richmond and yet the AFL crowd are up in arms about not being able to stuff their fat faces with junk food for two hours. It doesn't matter how cheap the food is, stadium food in Australia is always disgusting. Go get a feed down Richmond before the match if you can't sit on an empty stomach Surely there are far more important issues that AFL fans could be getting proactive about?