MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 20: Craig Kelly, Collingwood Magpies CEO, looks on ahead of the round eight AFLW match between Collingwood Magpies and Adelaide Crows at Victoria Park, on October 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
🔥 GOOD NEWS: Collingwood Football Club CEO Craig Kelly Announces $3.5 Billion Renovation of Melbourne Cricket Ground
In a monumental announcement that sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club CEO Craig Kelly has officially confirmed a staggering $3.5 billion renovation project for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — a transformative development set to elevate the iconic venue into one of the most advanced sports arenas in the world.
Speaking before a packed media gallery at the MCG on Thursday morning, Kelly described the project as “a once-in-a-generation investment” aimed at redefining both the fan experience and the broader landscape of Australian sport. The massive undertaking will reportedly include a multi-purpose sports complex, a state-of-the-art commercial center, a world-class international food court, and an interactive high-tech fan zone — a bold vision that promises to blend tradition with innovation at the heart of Australian football.
> “This isn’t just about bricks and steel; it’s about creating a future-ready experience that honors the past while embracing the next era of AFL entertainment,” Kelly said. “The MCG deserves to remain the beating heart of Australian sport — and this project ensures exactly that.”
According to early project details, construction will begin in mid-2026 and will be completed in several phases to minimize disruption to AFL fixtures and public access. Architects and engineers from across the globe are expected to collaborate on the design, blending modern environmental sustainability standards with Australia’s unique sporting heritage.
The sports complex will feature indoor training facilities, performance analysis labs, and dedicated spaces for youth development programs — reinforcing Collingwood’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AFL talent. The commercial hub will host retail outlets, entertainment zones, and premium lounges, while the food court will celebrate Melbourne’s rich multicultural flavor, showcasing cuisines from around the world.
Perhaps the most exciting addition is the interactive technology area, which will allow fans to engage with digital exhibits, motion-sensor games, and virtual reality experiences that recreate some of the AFL’s greatest moments. “We want every visit to the MCG to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Kelly added. “Whether you’re here for your first match or your hundredth, you’ll feel closer to the game than ever before.”
The Victorian Government and several private investors are rumored to be in talks with the Collingwood administration to co-fund the project, reflecting a shared vision for Melbourne’s continued dominance as the sporting capital of the world.
AFL executives and club officials across the league have already hailed the announcement as a “historic leap forward.” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon praised Kelly’s leadership, stating, “This project doesn’t just benefit Collingwood — it benefits every fan, player, and club that calls the MCG home.”
As excitement builds, fans are already speculating about what this new era might mean for the game-day experience. From augmented reality scoreboards to eco-friendly seating and rooftop viewing decks, the possibilities seem endless.
When completed, the renovated MCG will stand not only as a symbol of Australia’s passion for sport but as a global benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and fan engagement — all driven by Craig Kelly’s bold vision for the future.
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