173-Year-Old MCG Under Fire Ahead of $1.4B Makeover, Some Fans Say “Tear It Down!”

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Australia’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is suddenly at the center of American football drama. Why? Because the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to clash there. The only catch—this massive oval stadium was built for cricket, not the NFL.

Opened in 1853, the MCG is so historic that it predates Soldier Field by 71 years. With a capacity of over 100,000, it’s a giant by any standard. Only AT&T Stadium has topped it in recent memory, hosting 105,121 fans in 2009.

But bigger doesn’t always mean better. Since the MCG is designed primarily for cricket, the NFL field will sit awkwardly in the middle of the enormous oval. Translation: some fans may need binoculars just to spot the action. One concerned supporter summed it up perfectly:

I'm still hoping to go but noone should be fooling themselves that this is going to be a good viewing experience for most people in attendance pic.twitter.com/mtXMN5Gbho
— Emlyn Breese (@EmlynBreese) February 6, 2026

Others echoed the skepticism, joking about bringing binoculars, while one critic went even further, calling it “a terrible arena” that should be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art facility. Ouch.

Still, defenders of the venue argue that rugby and soccer matches regularly draw huge crowds there without disaster. Plus, the stadium has already undergone major renovations in 1992 and 2006. Another massive $1.4 billion upgrade is in the works. The Shane Warne Stand is set for a revamp, featuring restaurant-style dining for 2,000 guests, open-air decks, glass facades, improved seating, better lighting, and even a hotel. Plans would boost capacity to 105,000. Construction could begin as early as 2030 and take up to three years.

The NFL claims there are 7.5 million fans in Australia, so a sellout crowd seems inevitable. The Rams hold international marketing rights in the country and are clearly investing in long-term growth. Meanwhile, the 49ers will also travel to Mexico City for a game at Estadio Banorte.

So the big question remains: can tradition and modern upgrades coexist, or will critics keep shouting “demolish it” from the upper deck?

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