Boxing Day Test at the MCG set to experience high temperatures and rising F&B prices

Described by Cricket Australia as “the biggest sports event of the summer”, this week’s Boxing Day Test at the MCG is expected to be a milestone event.

With general admission seats to the opening day of the Test having, as of a fortnight ago, sold out for the first time since the Ashes in 2017, the MCG is anticipating the prospect of a new record Test match attendance being set - potentially surpassing the biggest Test match crowd of 91,092 people packing the MCG for the opening day of the Ashes clash between Australia and England on Boxing Day in 2013.

In a statement, Cricket Australia confirmed “enormous fan interest”, noting “this year’s Boxing Day Test is the most anticipated MCG Test in recent memory (and is set to be) the biggest sports event of the summer.”

Fans attending the MCG have been warned about temperatures at the venue, with Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines saying that Melbourne could reach a new weather record during the Test.

Hines advised that it will be “a very hot Boxing Day for large parts of the country.

“Melbourne could be the warmest day for the first day of the Boxing Day test that we’ve seen on record.”

Hines advised that Melbourne is currently tipped to hit 39C on Boxing Day, amid high temperatures across all capital cities.

Rise in F&B prices
Media have also advised that the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has raised prices on food and drink products in advance of the Boxing Day Test

As reported by 7NEWS, drink prices at the MCG are going up between 20 and 50 cents each.

As a result, a standard 425mL beer goes from $11.50 to $12, a bottle of water is up 20 cents to $4.90 while a box of fish and chips will cost $15.50, up 60 cents from $14.90.

In the members’ section, a 560mL cup of Carlton Draught goes from $14.50 to $15.

MCC General Manager of Commercial Operations and Partnerships Tanya Gilling said the rising cost of potatoes, chocolate and alcohol is biting.

Gilling told 7NEWS “I think as we talk about the cost of living, we’re not immune to it at the ‘G, we want to subsidise it as much as we can.”

Somewhat offsetting the increased costs, the MCG’s five most popular F&B items are staying the same price with hot dogs, jam donuts, meat pies, coffee and chips costing the same for another 12 months.

Chips are by far the biggest seller at the famous stadium, with around 800,000 boxes being consumed across the year.

The MCG hosted 3.9 million people in 2024, including Taylor Swift’s three biggest-ever shows during her Eras Tour, and the 2024 AFL grand final in which the Brisbane Lions thrashed the Sydney Swans in front of 100,013 people.

Image: The 2023 MCG Boxing Day Test. Credit: Colin 'Bomber' Dale.