Quote Originally Posted by U.S. Swan View Post
Thank for the info...so, as much as I dislike the GF at the MCG every year, it seems they have a compelling argument that it accommodates the most fans attending the game...
Yes, it is a compelling argument- definitely more people can get in there (and it really is a wonderful ground). The AFL's argument of helping more fans get to the game is a little disingenuous, however, given the distribution of tickets. The forecast split for this year's GF is below- so more than half the crowd will be comprised of MCC Reserve/AFL Members and corporate commitments, it's a nice thing for MCC/AFL members, and is definitely something they would factor in to the total value of their membership, but that is really a concern for those parties managing those memberships (albeit the AFL in one instance).

1.Competing Club Members 16,000 - 40,000
2. AFL Clubs (18) 0 - 7,000
3. MCC Reserve 16,000 - 26,000
4. AFL Members 13,000 - 23,000
5. AFL/Medallion Club Members 3,000 - 5,000
6. AFL Entitlements/Contractual Obligation 5,000 - 30,000
7. Competing Clubs 0 - 5,000
Total 100,000 (approx)

Thinking of it even as just an occasionally rotating basis- WA is a very strong traditional football state and would mean 40k less attendees on straight capacity- if that 40k came from the MCC/AFL members and the corporates I wouldn't really mind. If the drop in attendance meant the AFL was, say, $10 million worse off then I imagine they can make up some, if not all, of that back by payment from the hosting State Government for the opportunity to host the GF; it's estimated to be about a $50 million tourism injection to Victoria's economy, I imagine most states would like that.