MCG hosts practice event to get Covid-ready
The MCG on Tuesday hosted a test event featuring some of Victoria’s biggest venues, events and sporting codes, preparing for the safe return of live events.
Fifteen organisations have united to form the Victoria Sports, Events and Venues Assembly (VSEVA), which aims to enhance the operational excellence and resilience of Victorian events, and support best practice event delivery in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Established in August, the Assembly is focused on more than just the discussion and exchange of ideas - but rather delivering tangible and relevant outcomes across the industry.
Key areas of focus include COVIDSafe plans, customer experience, hospitality services, workforce planning and security operations.
Months of collaboration and consultation between the VSEVA members culminated on Tuesday 17 November, with a practice event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
More than two hundred staff from VSEVA organisations attended the venue in order to stress test event operations and COVIDSafe measures.
The practice event allowed the MCG and other VSEVA organisations to trial and ultimately refine initiatives designed to provide a COVIDSafe experience for fans, players and officials – from social distancing at entry and egress and enhanced cleaning services, to food and beverage operations.
Cricket Australia and the MCC will host the Vodafone Boxing Day Test in late December, which will be the first major Victorian event with crowds since March this year.
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox said that the health and wellbeing of all MCG visitors was the Club’s number one priority.
“With the Boxing Day Test set to be the first major event to return to Victoria, the MCC has been putting all elements of the MCG’s operations under the microscope – from cleaning and catering to tickets and transport – to ensure the health and safety of all visitors,” he said.
“Being a part of the Victoria Sports, Events and Venues Assembly has provided the Club with a valuable opportunity to share insights and test out COVIDSafe initiatives with support from other industry leaders.”
“We are confident in our preparations and planning, and are looking forward to delivering a safe and memorable Boxing Day Test for fans, players and officials this December.”
VSEVA is an industry led initiative, formed by and for organisations and individuals responsible for the operational delivery of Victoria’s annual calendar of major sporting and other significant cultural events. Given the common goals and challenges across the industry, the Assembly provides a forum and framework for knowledge sharing, consultation, and collaboration in response to COVID-19, and beyond.
Full list of members of the Victoria Sports, Events and Venues Assembly:
AFL, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Cricket Australia, Crown Melbourne, Fed Square, Kardinia Park, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne Cricket Club, Melbourne Racing Club, Melbourne Sports Centres (State Sports Centres Trust), Moonee Valley Racing Club, Tennis Australia, Victoria Racing Club.
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