MCG's Great Southern Stand upgrade to begin after AFL Grand Final

Work on a $55 million upgrade of the MCG's Great Southern Stand will start shortly after the 2011 AFL Grand Final following the appointment of Construction Engineering as the project builder.

The upgrade, funded by a $30 million contribution from the Victorian Government and $25 million from the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), will improve the patron experience across all four levels of the Great Southern Stand.

In making the announcement, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty also released plans for the upgrade and confirmed that the project would be completed prior to the start of the 2013 AFL season.

Plans for refurbishment of the stand, which was completed in 1992 in time for the World Cup cricket final, involve improved entry points at gates 4, 5, 6 and 7, with an emphasis on open, light spaces similar to the northern side of the stadium.

There will also be kitchen upgrades, improved food and beverage outlets (including food courts), new toilet facilities and upgrades to infrastructure services, audio-visual systems and signage.

The AFL Members Reserve will also be improved, with upgrades to several existing areas such as the Bunton, Wills and Legends rooms, as well as creation of a 500-seat function room on Level 2 which replaces nine corporate suites.

Construction Engineering, one of the largest and privately-owned building companies operating out of Victoria and Queensland, was awarded the contract after an extensive tender process.

Their most prominent large-scale projects include reconstruction of the VRC Birdcage Precinct, refurbishment of Melbourne Central and renovation of the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club clubhouse.

The 2011 AFL Grand Final will also be followed by sections of the MCG's famous turf being made available for public sale.

The MCC announced that 200 pieces of turf, each one 20cm x 20cm in size and weighing approximately seven kilograms, will be available for $250 to fans keen on an MCG souvenir.

Speaking of the sale, MCC Chief Executive Stephen Gough stated "this is a fantastic opportunity for Victorians to have a small piece of the hallowed MCG turf in their backyard.

"We expect demand to be strong, adding to the atmosphere of what will be an exciting MCG Community Day, with thousands of people enjoying rare access to the playing surface."