Melbourne Cricket Ground Seating Guide
Where to sit & the best seats
“The G” · “The MCG”
Melbourne Cricket Ground in photos
2 outside · 5 inside the venue
Where to sit at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Level 2 (N) centre-wing — Olympic N49–N55, Ponsford N28–N36
Halfway-line position at mid-height gives the most balanced, parallel-to-play view of the whole oval — the consensus best in house.
Level 4 (Q) upper-deck wing bays (Olympic & Ponsford)
Cheapest tier with a full panoramic view; back rows are roof-covered for weather protection.
Olympic Stand Level 1 (M) wing, and lower end bays at the Members & Shane Warne ends
Ground-level wing seats are immersive and loud; end bays concentrate the most vocal AFL fans.
Back row of any bay; front-of-Q (Level 4) bays under the roof line
Furthest from play or head-height roof beams; some Level 4 front bays miss high ball flight.
About Melbourne Cricket Ground
The MCG holds 100,024 and hosts AFL (including the Grand Final), cricket, concerts and — from 2026 — the NFL. Seating runs across four levels lettered M (Level 1) to Q (Level 4) and four stands. The consensus best general-admission view is the Level 2 (N) centre-wing, while Level 4 (Q) is the best value with full panoramic views.
The largest stadium in the southern hemisphere at just over 100,000 capacity, home of the Boxing Day Test and the AFL Grand Final. Its towering Great Southern Stand and modern Northern Stand wrap the vast oval, most seats sheltered by a cantilevered roof.
Seating map
This is the map used for ticket sales at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Exact configuration varies by event.
How the venue is set up
AFL (Australian Rules Football)
Primary winter use including the Grand Final. Full oval with all four stands open (~95,000 seats + ~5,000 standing). Centre-wing Level 2 bays in the Olympic and Ponsford stands sit at the halfway line — the most balanced AFL views. End bays behind the goals (Members and Shane Warne ends) are favoured for goal-line action and atmosphere.
Cricket / Test (incl. Boxing Day Test)
Same bowl as AFL, but play runs roughly N–S between the Members and Shane Warne ends, changing what counts as a good seat and which side is shaded. Behind-the-bowler straight-pitch Level 2 views are prized. Sun/shade is a major factor for day Tests.
Concerts
Stage at one end (typically the southern/Shane Warne end); arena floor filled with standing pit (GA) plus seated blocks. Bays directly behind the stage are sold as restricted-view or withheld. Ed Sheeran reached ~109,500 with temporary floor capacity.
NFL (2026)
Australia's first NFL regular-season game: LA Rams vs San Francisco 49ers, Fri 11 Sep 2026 (10:35am AEST). Sideline (wing) seats give the best NFL views; end-zone bays are cheaper and more angled. Standing-room from ~A$95, general seating from ~A$140, hospitality from ~A$1,600.
Seating levels explained
Level 1 (M sections)M1–M57
Ground-level tier nearest the boundary; rows run A (front) back to Z then AA, BB, CC.
Pros: Closest to the action and players; loudest, most immersive atmosphere; popular for AFL.
Cons: Low, flat sightlines make the far side and ball flight hard to follow; front rows can be partially blocked by the fence/advertising.
Level 2 (N sections)N1–N57 (e.g. N28–N36 Ponsford, N49–N55 Olympic)
Mid-tier deck, widely regarded as the 'sweet spot' for whole-field viewing.
Pros: Best balance of elevation and proximity; you can read the tactical flow of AFL and full field placings in cricket.
Cons: Most in-demand tier, so often the priciest non-corporate seats; sells out first.
Level 3 (P sections)P sections (limited)
Upper-middle tier; members-only in the Members’ Reserve, signed Level 2A in the Shane Warne Stand.
Pros: Elevated tactical overview; good-value middle ground where publicly available.
Cons: Limited public availability (much is members-only); higher than Level 2.
Level 4 (Q sections)Q1–Q57 (upper deck)
The top tier — highest and most economical seating.
Pros: Cheapest seats with a full panoramic view; back rows are most likely roof-covered.
Cons: Furthest from play; some front-of-Q bays sit just below the roof and miss high ball flight; steepest climbs.
Best seats at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Best overall (any sport)
Level 2 (N) centre-wing — Olympic N49–N55, Ponsford N28–N36
Halfway-line position at mid-height gives the most balanced, parallel-to-play view of the whole oval — the consensus best in house.
Best value
Level 4 (Q) upper-deck wing bays (Olympic & Ponsford)
Cheapest tier with a full panoramic view; back rows are roof-covered for weather protection.
Best atmosphere
Olympic Stand Level 1 (M) wing, and lower end bays at the Members & Shane Warne ends
Ground-level wing seats are immersive and loud; end bays concentrate the most vocal AFL fans.
Best for cricket / Test
Level 2 (N) behind/square of the bowler’s arm
A straight behind-the-arm view best follows line and length; square Level 2 bays are best for reading field placings.
Best for concerts
Arena floor / pit GA and front Level 1 (M) blocks facing the stage
Closest proximity to the stage; on-field seats and the pit are the most immersive.
Best for NFL (2026)
Sideline (wing) bays at Level 2 (N), Olympic & Ponsford
Sideline seats run parallel to the line of scrimmage — the premium NFL angle vs cheaper, oblique end-zone bays.
| For | Sections | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall (any sport) | Level 2 (N) centre-wing — Olympic N49–N55, Ponsford N28–N36 | Halfway-line position at mid-height gives the most balanced, parallel-to-play view of the whole oval — the consensus best in house. |
| Best value | Level 4 (Q) upper-deck wing bays (Olympic & Ponsford) | Cheapest tier with a full panoramic view; back rows are roof-covered for weather protection. |
| Best atmosphere | Olympic Stand Level 1 (M) wing, and lower end bays at the Members & Shane Warne ends | Ground-level wing seats are immersive and loud; end bays concentrate the most vocal AFL fans. |
| Best for cricket / Test | Level 2 (N) behind/square of the bowler’s arm | A straight behind-the-arm view best follows line and length; square Level 2 bays are best for reading field placings. |
| Best for concerts | Arena floor / pit GA and front Level 1 (M) blocks facing the stage | Closest proximity to the stage; on-field seats and the pit are the most immersive. |
| Best for NFL (2026) | Sideline (wing) bays at Level 2 (N), Olympic & Ponsford | Sideline seats run parallel to the line of scrimmage — the premium NFL angle vs cheaper, oblique end-zone bays. |
Seats to avoid & obstructed views
Back row of any bay; front-of-Q (Level 4) bays under the roof line: Furthest from play or head-height roof beams; some Level 4 front bays miss high ball flight.
Extreme corner and extreme-side bays in every stand: Acute viewing angles to the surface and far end; widely advised to avoid.
Front-row Level 1 (M) seats: Boundary fence, perimeter advertising and players/officials can intermittently block the lower view.
Bays directly behind a concert stage (southern/Shane Warne end): Restricted or no view; often sold as restricted-view or withheld.
End-zone bays for NFL: Oblique angle to the line of scrimmage — cheaper but a poorer view of the play.
Accessibility & companion seating
Three types of accessible seating: wheelchair bays (bring your own — no loans), companion seats (Victorian Companion Card accepted for one free companion ticket), and extra-amenities aisle seats with extra legroom and max 4 steps. Wheelchair bays exist on multiple levels of every stand (marked orange on the accessible map). Limited bariatric seats by request (03 9657 8888). Dedicated accessibility gate 3B, hidden-disabilities-trained staff and a Sensory Friendly Space. Book via Ticketek (1300 665 915). Accessible seats sell out quickly for major events.
Where: Shane Warne Stand (1–27): Levels 1–2. Ponsford Stand (28–36): Levels 1, 2 & 4. MCC Members’ Reserve (37–48): Levels 1–4 (members only). Olympic Stand (49–57): Levels 1, 2 & 4.
Food & drink at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Concessions at the MCG run across every level, anchored by The Food Store outlets selling fan staples such as Four'N Twenty pies, chips and hot dogs, with MCG Fresh adding healthier match-day options. Themed outlets range from Royal Stacks burgers and Cocina Mexicana to Gippsland Graze and Industry Beans coffee, and the checkout-free MCG Express stores use overhead cameras and sensors so fans can pick up items and walk out without queuing.
The MCG is fully cashless — all food, drink, merchandise and ticketing outlets take debit or credit card only.
Worth seeking out
- Four'N Twenty pies at The Food Store
- The Pie Co's handmade gourmet pies near Gate 3
- Checkout-free MCG Express convenience stores
- Royal Stacks burgers and Cocina Mexicana
- Hot sugared doughnuts from the Donut Cart
Book with Event Escapes
Going to Melbourne Cricket Ground? Tickets & hotels, sorted
The guide tells you where to sit — this is where you book it. Live-priced tickets and stays near the venue, all on Event Escapes.
Tickets — upcoming at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Hotels near Melbourne Cricket Ground
All hotels & live prices
5-starPullman Melbourne on the Park
Melbourne
See live prices
5-starPark Hyatt Melbourne
Melbourne
See live pricesHand-picked stays close to the venue with availability verified when we curated this guide — tap a hotel for live prices on your dates.
Getting there
Transport
In Yarra Park east of the CBD. Walk from Richmond or Jolimont/East Richmond stations (about 5–10 minutes), or take a tram along Wellington Parade; special event train services run on big match days.
The area
Set in Yarra Park within Melbourne's sports precinct, next to Melbourne Park and AAMI Park and a short walk from the city center and the Yarra River.
Melbourne Cricket Ground · Melbourne, Australia
Frequently asked questions
What are the best seats at the MCG?
Level 2 (N) centre-wing bays at the halfway line, particularly Olympic (around N49–N55) and Ponsford (around N28–N36). At mid-height and parallel to play, they give the most balanced view of the whole oval for AFL and cricket.
What is the cheapest seating at the MCG?
Level 4 (Q) on the upper deck is the most economical seating, and standing-room is cheaper still (e.g. NFL standing from ~A$95 vs A$140 for general seating). Level 4 still offers a full panoramic view.
How does the MCG’s level/section lettering work?
Seats are grouped by letter: M = Level 1 (ground), N = Level 2, P = Level 3 (signed Level 2A in the Shane Warne Stand), Q = Level 4 (upper deck). Within each bay, rows start at A nearest the fence and run back through Z, then AA, BB, CC.
Which sections are shaded for cricket / the Boxing Day Test?
For afternoon sessions the Members’ Reserve and Ponsford Stand are shaded on all levels, plus Bays 19–28 in the Shane Warne Stand. The Olympic Stand bays 49–57 stay sunny longest — avoid them if you want afternoon shade.
Which seats are covered / undercover?
A roof rings the bowl but doesn't reach every row. The back rows of Level 4 (Q) in the Olympic and Ponsford stands are the most reliably covered; front and mid rows of lower tiers are generally exposed.
How are the stands and bays numbered?
Around the bowl: Shane Warne Stand 1–27 (south), Ponsford 28–36 (west), MCC Members’ Reserve 37–48 (east, members only), Olympic 49–57 (north). The same numbers carry up through the M/N/P/Q levels.
What happened to Bay 13?
Bay 13, in the Shane Warne (formerly Great Southern) Stand, was historically the MCG's rowdiest section. In December 2019 it was replaced by the 'Boundary Social' area with higher-priced tickets, a dress code and a private bar.
Is there accessible and companion seating?
Yes — wheelchair bays, adjacent companion seats and extra-legroom seats across multiple levels of every stand (marked orange). The Victorian Companion Card gives a free companion ticket; there’s a dedicated accessibility gate (3B); book through Ticketek (1300 665 915). Demand is high, so book early.
What configurations does the MCG host?
AFL (including the Grand Final), cricket/Tests (Boxing Day Test), soccer, State of Origin, large concerts, and from 2026 the NFL (Rams vs 49ers, 11 Sep 2026). Capacity is 100,024 (~95,000 seats + 5,000 standing).
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Seating guideSources
- Seating Maps — MCG (official)
- Accessible Seating — MCG (official)
- NFL confirms date for 2026 Melbourne game — MCG
- MCG Virtual Venue (official view-from-seat)
- Melbourne Cricket Ground — Wikipedia
- Ultimate Guide to Shaded Seats at the MCG
Hero image: Flickerd, CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons