Permanent Shane Warne Stand sign unveiled at the MCG
As the MCG prepares to host the Boxing Day Test, a new permanent Shane Warne Stand sign has been installed on the southern side of the ground.
In March, following Warne’s death, the MCG’s Great Southern Stand was renamed the Shane Warne Stand – unveiled in front of 50,000 fans during Warne’s State Memorial Service by his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Nine months on, in front of an empty MCG, Warne’s children witnessed the first time the lights surrounding the permanent sign were switched on, shining bright in honour of their father across the beloved ground where on many occasions he would single handedly write another piece of cricket history off a single performance.
The sign, a prominent focal point in front of the Shane Warne Stand, reflects the scale of his legacy and the impression he left on such a vast number of people, with some lucky to have witnessed his sheer talent on display on many occasions at the ‘G.
When recalling his 700th test wicket on Boxing Day 2006 in his final Test appearance at the ground fans can easily recite where they were sat on the day, who they were with, and how they felt in that moment, the rapturous applause and crowd cheering in unison – the feeling that they had just witnessed greatness.
The Shane Warne Statue unveiled 11 years ago outside of the MCG confirmed the profound impact he had on the sporting world, joining a small and elite group of cricket legends with statues around the concourse in Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Bill Ponsford and Dennis Lillee.
The Shane Warne Stand is a further nod to his legacy and deserving place in the history of the MCG - a place where he will continue to be celebrated, with his memories to forever shine brightly.
The first event played in front of the new sign was Friday’s BBL match between the Melbourne Stars and Hurricanes, which was a tribute match for Warne. Among various tributes, a standing ovation took place after the 23rd ball of the game.
Honouring the legend himself.
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) December 19, 2022
We’re encouraging everyone attending Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test to wear a wide brim floppy hat and zinc to honour the King of Spin, Shane Warne. pic.twitter.com/6aXgzRfxjN
Next up, the MCG hosts the Boxing Day Test, commencing on Monday 26 December, where further tributes will take place for Warne as Australia takes on South Africa.
