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MCG celebrates 150th birthday
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
 The MCG has celebrated its 150th birthday with a ceremonial handover of the ground’s original occupancy certificate and the unveiling of a stunning tapestry work.
Governor John Landy presented Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) president David Jones with the original permissive occupancy certificate that was issued on September 23, 1853 when Lieutenant-Governor LaTrobe granted the present site of the MCG to the club.
The Governor agreed to the enclosure of 10 acres in the Government Paddock under permissive occupancy for five years. He also sanctioned the erection of such buildings as may be absolutely necessary. The exact area enclosed (9 acres, 1 rood, 37 perches) was to be used for ‘cricket and no other purpose.’ How times have changed.
Following the certificate handover, Governor Landy, Mr Jones and Premier Steve Bracks unveiled a stunning seven metre wide by two metre high tapestry depicting the people and events that have featured prominently over the MCG’s 150-year history.
The tapestry is the MCC’s contribution to the ground’s 150th anniversary celebrations and will be formally unveiled at a black-tie dinner in the Long Room later this evening.
”Along with the Tattersall’s Parade of the Champions, the MCG Tapestry is a stunning addition to the cultural and sporting heritage of this wonderful institution,” said Mr Jones.
"The 150th birthday of the MCG is a celebration for Melburnians and Victorians, indeed for all Australians," Mr Jones said. "This is an opportunity to come together to celebrate and relive the history and memories of some of the greatest sporting and entertainment events of our time.
From Boxing Day Tests, AFL Grand Finals and the Olympic Games to The Three Tenors and Warney's hat-trick; these people and events are the fabric of ‘The People’s Ground’ and we invite all Australians to mark this special occasion by participating in our celebratory activities.”
The MCG events schedule includes:
| Certificate of Occupancy Handover Ceremony | September 23, 2003 (AM) | | Schools Tile Project | mid-November, 2003 (AM) | | Birthday Celebration Dinner | September 23, 2003 (PM) | | Tapestry of MCG unveiled | September 23, 2003 (PM) |
| 125 Years of Test Cricket at MCG publication | September 23, 2003 (PM) | | Public Open Week | September 28 to October 4, 2003 | | Photographic Exhibition | February - March, 2004 | | Commemorative MCG cricket matches | February – March, 2004 | | MCC history book launched | August, 2004 |
MCG Trust Chairman John Wylie said the MCG held a cherished place in the hearts and minds of the people of Victoria.
“The MCG truly is The People’s Ground. For 150 years this sporting and cultural mecca has stood the test of time as one of the world’s finest stadiums,” Mr Wylie said.
“We welcome the chance for all Victorians to be involved in the celebrations.”
In July 2000, over 75,000 people witnessed memorable scenes as the Olympic flame returned to the MCG as part of the Sydney Olympic Torch Relay.
The main players from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics – Ron Clarke who carried the torch into the stadium and John Landy who delivered the athletes’ oath – re-enacted their roles of 44 years earlier.
Hockeyroo star Louise Dobson was one of a number of champions of different sports who took centre stage at the MCG that day.
“I remember it as a truly amazing experience,” said Dobson, the 1996 Olympic Gold medallist who has played over 180 internationals for the Hockeyroos. “To run around the MCG on such a momentous occasion, with the crowd buzzing, was an atmosphere I’ve never felt before or since.” |
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