Magazine: MCG celebrates 150th birthday.
By Editor in A.F.L on 27th Sep 2007 10:05
On the 23 of September the MCG celebrated its 150th birthday!
The MCG has celebrated its 150th birthday with a ceremonial handover of the ground’s original occupancy certificate and the unveiling of a stunning tapestry work.
Governor John Landy presented Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) president David Jones with the original permissive occupancy
certificate that was issued on September 23, 1853 when Lieutenant-Governor LaTrobe granted the present site of the MCG to the club.
The Governor agreed to the enclosure of 10 acres in the Government Paddock under permissive occupancy for five years. He also sanctioned the erection of such buildings as may be absolutely necessary. The exact area enclosed (9 acres, 1 rood, 37 perches) was to be used for ‘cricket and no other purpose.’ How times have changed.
Following the certificate handover, Governor Landy, Mr Jones and Premier Steve Bracks unveiled a stunning seven metre wide by two metre high tapestry depicting the people and events that have featured prominently over the MCG’s 150-year history.
The tapestry is the MCC’s contribution to the ground’s 150th anniversary celebrations and will be formally unveiled at a black-tie dinner in the Long Room later this evening.
”Along with the Tattersall’s Parade of the Champions, the MCG Tapestry is a stunning addition to the cultural and sporting heritage of this wonderful institution,” said Mr Jones.
"The 150th birthday of the MCG is a celebration for Melburnians and Victorians, indeed for all Australians," Mr Jones said. "This is an opportunity to come together to celebrate and relive the history and memories of some of the greatest sporting and entertainment events of our time.
From Boxing Day Tests, AFL Grand Finals and the Olympic Games to The Three Tenors and Warney's hat-trick; these people and events are the fabric of ‘The People’s Ground’ and we invite all Australians to mark this special occasion by participating in our celebratory activities.”
For more on the story check out http://www.mcg.org.au/default.asp?pg=150thbirthdaydisplay&articleid=1092
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On the 23 of September the MCG celebrated its 150th birthday!
certificate that was issued on September 23, 1853 when Lieutenant-Governor LaTrobe granted the present site of the MCG to the club.
The tapestry is the MCC’s contribution to the ground’s 150th anniversary celebrations and will be formally unveiled at a black-tie dinner in the Long Room later this evening.
