GEELONG CATS V HAWTHORN
Friday 9 September  |  7.50pm  |  MCG

Gates Open

Public – 5.30pm
AFL Reserve – 5.30pm
MCC Reserve - 5.00pm

Train
There are two train stations which are close to the MCG - Jolimont and Richmond stations. Jolimont is a short five-minute walk to the ground and can be accessed by any train on the Hurstbridge or South Morang train lines.

Richmond station is serviced by quite a few train lines, as well as several of the V/Line footy specials. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground but you can walk past the Punt Road Oval to the Great Southern Stand side.

Changes to train lines and timetables

For all up to date information on V/Line regional rail timetables and line service updates, please visit the V/Line website.  For V/Line Footy specials/timetables, please visit www.vline.com.au/footy 

V/Line services from Ballarat to Melbourne

V/Line has confirmed there will be no dedicated football train service from Ballarat to Melbourne for Friday’s qualifying final blockbuster.

Instead, additional carriages will be placed on the 3.52pm service between Ballarat Station and Southern Cross, while football fans will have to wait until the 5.15pm bus service to get to Melbourne. Additional football service will depart Southern Cross from 11.20pm and is scheduled to arrive in Wendouree at 12.38am.

Alternatively, two Night Network bus services will depart at 2.10am and arrive at Wendouree Station at 4.05am and 4.15am respectively.

For more information of services changes, click here. For more information on dedicated Footy timetables, click here.

Source: The Courier

Belgrave/Lilydale train line

While the Blackburn and Heatherdale Level Crossing Removal Project works take place, buses will replace trains between Box Hill and Ringwood from 8.45pm Friday 9 until Sunday 11 September.

Please note that this may increase your journey by up to 30 minutes. For journey planning and service information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007

Tram
Three tram routes provide access to the MCG. No. 75 (City-Vermont South) travels along Flinders St and connects with the eastern suburbs via Wellington Parade. No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels along Collins Street and connects with the eastern suburbs via Wellington Parade. Both these routes stop just outside the MCG. No. 70 (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) travels along Flinders Street then detours via Melbourne Park and the tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.

Buses and Taxis
Click here for more information.

Changes to MCG Car Parking

Car parking at the MCG in Yarra Park on Friday night will be at reduced capacity due to expected heavy rainfall. We encourange members and fans to get to the game as early as possible and/or catch public transport where you can. the carpark will potentially be full before the game commences. 

This land is controlled by the Melbourne Cricket Club and managed on event days by Care Park. Parking currently costs $10 (cash only) per vehicle.

Yarra Park gate opening times are as follows:
Gate 3 - 3.00pm
Gate 5 - 4.00pm
Gate 6 - 4.00pm
Gate 7 – 7.00am (Gate 7 is only for those with media passes, corporate passes or accessible parking permits)

Street parking is very limited. Parking in high-rise parking buildings in the CBD is another option for MCG visitors.

For updates on parking, follow the MCG on twitter twitter.com/MCG

Click here for more information on parking the the MCG.

Click here for Yarra Park map

Motorbike Parking

Please note that there are changed arrangements for motorbikes parking near the stadium concourse.

Pedestrian bridges

Click here for more information on pedestrian bridge access points.

Security measures

Get to the game as early as possible to avoid missing the bounce. Bag checks, wadning and boot checks for underground parking will be in place. 

To purchase your tickets for the blockbuster click here.

Cheer Squad Allocation: Geelong Cats – M33, Hawthorn - M3

Yarra Park Map: Click here

MCG Seating Map: Click here

Footy fans attending Friday night’s AFL qualifying final between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn at the MCG can connect to the stadium’s WiFi at half-time for the chance to win a special Guns N’ Roses experience, including four tickets to the upcoming MCG concert and access to an exclusive cocktail function. 

MCC CEO Stephen Gough said the finals series provided a perfect opportunity to put the WiFi network through its paces and test its full capacity.

More than 150,000 people have connected to the MCG free WiFi network during this AFL season, allowing them to access real-time and interactive content, post and check in on social networks, use apps to check fantasy team scores and stream video – all without tapping into their own mobile data plans.

The WiFi network was installed prior to Christmas last year, part of a $40 million technology investment in the MCG that included new scoreboards, hundreds of networked television screens, exterior lighting and LED signage inside the stadium.

WHAT TO DO ON FRIDAY NIGHT

Connect to the MCG WiFi Network (MCG FREE WIFI) on your phone or WiFi-enabled device during the half-time break of the Geelong Cats v Hawthorn match. 

How do I ensure that I’m connected during half-time?

1. If you’ve already registered for MCG WiFi, make sure you check that your WIFI is turned on and MCG FREE WIFI is selected.
2. If you haven’t registered for MCG WiFi, turn on WiFi in settings, select MCG FREE WIFI, and enter your details to connect.

The lucky prize winner will be announced at three quarter time on Friday night.