MUMBAI: Up to 30,000 spectators will be permitted to attend the Melbourne Cricket Ground for each day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India, Victoria’s minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, announced Thursday, December 10.
The match capacity was to be capped at 25,000 fans per day but Pakula confirmed the increase on social media after the southern Australian state confirmed it had notched its 41st consecutive day without a new case of COVID-19.
The increase comes after a COVIDSafe Event Plan submitted by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Cricket Australia was endorsed by Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton, and is based off the latest public health advice, Reuters reports.
Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said he was pleased to be able to welcome more spectators to the MCG for the annual Test. “We’re pleased to work with the Victorian Government and Cricket Australia to maximise the attendance of members and fans able to witness another iconic Boxing Day Test in just over two weeks’ time.”
Reuters quotes Pakula as having said said the attendance is a testament to the hard work of Victorians during the COVID-19 restrictions.
“Melbourne is the home of Australia’s biggest and most-loved sporting events and it’s fantastic that we will be able to welcome 30,000 fans to the MCG on each day of the Boxing Day Test.
“It’s testament to the hard work of all Victorians in fighting the virus that Cricket Australia and the MCC have been able to put together a plan that allows for more supporters than had been originally planned.”
General public tickets for the 2020 Boxing Day Test are on sale from 3pm local time on Friday, December 11.
