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Boxing Day Test at the MCG: tickets and getting there
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The Boxing Day Test at the MCG begins on Thursday 26 December 2024, when Australia plays India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Buy your ticket from Ticketek, the only authorised seller, and plan to take a train, tram or bus, because the MCG says public transport is the best way to get to the match.
This guide covers how tickets are sold, what they cost, how to enter the ground and how to reach it on the day.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Ticket information.
The match at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia v India, Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test |
| Date | Thursday 26 December 2024 |
| Gates open | 9.00am for the public |
| Entry-level tickets | Adults from A$30, concession from A$23, children from A$10 |
| Seller | Ticketek, the only authorised agency |
| Payment at the ground | Cards only, because the MCG is cashless |
Start times and break times can change, so read the first ball time on the MCG match page before you leave.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1.
How tickets are sold
The MCG says tickets to every event at the ground go through Ticketek. You can book online at ticketek.com.au or by phone on 132 849. Callers from overseas can dial +61 132 849. Buying from an unauthorised reseller risks paying too much, and the ground warns that such tickets can be cancelled.
Your ticket arrives on your phone. Download it before you leave home, because it is scanned at the turnstile. If you bought for a group, forward each person their own ticket by text, or paste the ticket link into a message. The MCG is also cashless, so food, drinks, merchandise and ticket sales are card only.
The MCG also points fans to Ticketek for the 2024/25 international season, and to cricket.com.au/tickets. Book early if you want a seat on 26 December.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Ticket information; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Visiting the MCG for the 2024/25 summer of cricket.
Where to sit and how to enter
You must enter by the gate printed on your ticket, so pick your seat with the gate in mind. The MCG publishes seating plans next to its ticket link and a stadium seating page. Accessible seating is available in all stands, depending on the event.
The MCG uses touchless security screening at all gates on event days. You can walk through without taking out keys, phones or bags. If the system flags an item, security will search your bag or use a hand wand. Arrive early and leave plenty of time for entry.
The ground is smoke, e-cigarette and vape free. The MCG says anyone found smoking or vaping inside will face immediate eviction. Pack a hat and sunscreen for a full day outdoors.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Visiting the MCG for the 2024/25 summer of cricket.
Trains, trams and buses
The MCG calls public transport the best way to get to the match. It lists these nearest options:
- Train: Jolimont Station and Richmond Station.
- Tram: Route 75 and Route 48 to Stop 11, or Route 70 to Stop 7B for Gates 1 to 3 and Stop 7C for Gates 4 to 7.
- Bus: number 246.
Richmond Station and Jolimont Station are also pickup points for the G-Train, a free buggy service for people with mobility needs that needs no booking. Plan your trip with the Public Transport Victoria journey planner, and check for train, tram and road disruptions before you set out.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1.
Driving and road closures
Do not count on parking in Yarra Park. The MCG says it opens public parking there only for selected matches, and it lists its parking page for each event. Check that page for the Day 1 Test before you decide to drive.
Roads around the ground can close at busy times. The MCG names Brunton Avenue, Jolimont Street, Jolimont Terrace and Wellington Parade as roads that may close, and lists closures on each event page. Cars may also be held in the car park for a short time after the match. If you are dropped off, expect to walk the last stretch.
Sources for this section: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Visiting the MCG for the 2024/25 summer of cricket; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1.
A short history of the Boxing Day Test
The Boxing Day start is newer than many fans think. According to Wikipedia, a match between Victoria and New South Wales was played at the MCG over the Christmas period from as early as 1865. The Melbourne Test itself usually began around New Year. The modern tradition grew from the 1974-75 Ashes series, when the third Test was scheduled to start on Boxing Day. The Australian Cricket Board formalised it in 1980.
Before you go, check the match page on mcg.org.au for updates to gates, closures and seating.
Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Boxing Day Test.
Sources
- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, Australia v India, Day 1: mcg.org.au
- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Ticket information: mcg.org.au
- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Visiting the MCG for the 2024/25 summer of cricket: mcg.org.au
- Wikipedia, Boxing Day Test: en.wikipedia.org