MCG kick-to-kick: Fans allowed back on ground after insurance breakthrough Jon Ralph Herald Sun Kick-to-kick comes back to the ‘G THE MCG will allow spectators to return to its hallowed turf next year for kick-to-kick after games. Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stephen Gough confirmed a breakthrough on insurance meant a ban on the traditional practice had been overcome. The AFL plans to allow fans onto the surface after as many as half of the MCG’s games. Talks are also under way to allow clubs to deck out stadiums in their own colours to turn the MCG and Etihad into more fearsome home venues. But Gough said a reduction in food costs at the MCG was problematic given existing contracts that were difficult to negotiate. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan made reducing the cost of items, including hot chips, one of his first agenda items as the new league boss. Yet while that issue is yet to be solved, the league has found an insurer willing to take on the risk of damages claims that come with kick-to-kick. Venues around Australia had shied away from the tradition to preserve their turf but also after a number of costly law suits when spectators were hit with footballs and injured. Gough said the details of the AFL’s new fan engagement policy were being worked through but said the spectator experience would be improved. “We have had discussions about a whole range of things with the AFL that they want to look at as part of fan engagement,’’ he told the Herald Sun. “The AFL would cover the cost of insurance but as to the details of what matches and what games would have curtain-raisers that is still a work in progress,’’ he said. “We want to have a home game feel for home teams and we will work through whatever we can to make it more so.” Port Adelaide and Adelaide have made Adelaide Oval an intimidating venue with a rock concert feel, leaving rival venues behind. A number of curtain-raisers will be introduced at venues next year - albeit hours before AFL games - with around three post-match kick-to-kicks for each MCG tenant. Evan #letsbackbucks #gopies
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:15:04 +0000
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