MCG faces $1M salvage job just EIGHT DAYS before start of AFL season as officials scramble to prepare turf after it was ruined at Ed’s concerts Sheeran
By Ollie Lewis for Daily Mail Australia
09:52 08 Mar 2023, update 10:46 08 Mar 2023
MCG officials face a mad rush to ensure the hallowed turf is ready for the start of the AFL season after footage showed it in disarray.
The famous venue recently hosted two Ed Sheeran concerts – which set concert crowd records – and as a result the turf has been badly damaged and needs salvage work worth $1million. dollars.
Heavy rain in the city has also contributed to the problem, with the first game of the season due to take place next Thursday evening between Richmond and Carlton.
The MCG are also set to host Geelong vs Collingwood the following day.
This has caused serious headaches for turf curators, with the arena currently resembling a sandpit rather than a world-class playing field.
It is common for the turf to be replaced at this time of year with the cricket season moving into the AFL season, but with 10,000 square meters it will be a serious challenge to bring the area back into shape.
On a positive note, little rain is forecast and warm weather is around the corner, with the Richmond vs Carlton game set to be played in 29C conditions, while the Friday night game will be played in the mid 20s. .
The MCG face a heavy Round 1 fixture with games on Saturday night and Sunday, but the AFL are confident the surface will be ready and told 7News they have “no worries”.
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. grass CWM form TERRIBLE before season AFL after concert dEd Sheeran
