With capacity crowds allowed for the Australia-England showdown, MCG chiefs have decided to remove the five strict zones previously operating at the stadium.It will be the first time in a year fans have been to allow fans to move freely around the venue at a major event, with the zones introduced for last year’s Test to aid contact tracing.MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said a new Covid-safe plan submitted to the state government last week would allow a capacity crowd for the first time since the pandemic began.“It’s an exciting time as many of the Covid safe measures that have been in place for fans since the last Boxing Day Test will subside, including the removal of zones,’’ he said.“We’re ecstatic to reunite fans once again.”The government’s shock decision to allow full crowds at sporting events was the driving force behind the decision to dump the MCG fan zones, which would have continued at 80 per cent capacity.Mr Fox said every fan entering the stadium would need to be double vaxxed and show proof of vaccination before they were allowed entry.The MCG will continue to operate as a cashless venue and tickets must be purchased before arriving at the ground.“Fans will need to secure tickets in advance and while masks aren’t mandatory anymore, we’re still encouraging them to be worn in congested areas as an additional measure of protection,’’ he said.“Each fan will need to check into the ‘G and also show proof of their fully vaccinated status to our event staff to gain entry.”In another win for sports fans, zones will also be scrapped at the Open so fans can wander around the entire Melbourne Park precinct, instead of being restricted to a single area as they were in January.Australian Open director Craig Tiley said the event would “truly return in all its glory in January” and anyone with a ticket accessing sport, food and entertainment in any precinct outside the main arenas.“It’s very exciting to have the hugely popular Ground Pass back in play for 2022, providing access across the site, and without the zoning divisions we had in place this year,’’ he said.“And we also look forward to welcoming back capacity crowds in the stadiums.’’The MCG is expected to revert to a no zone policy in time for Big Bash matches on December 10 and 15.Sports Minister Martin Pakula said the MCG Test would help Melbourne announce to the world it was back.“It’s not just a Boxing Day Test it’s a Boxing Day Ashes test and we would hope and expect to see 80,000 plus at the G,’’ he said.“It is still in many respects the signature cricketing clash around the world, the oldest rivals in the business.’’
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