Members of Australia’s most exclusive sporting club have launched an online campaign to slam the Melbourne institution for letting its standards slip by allowing dirty glasses to stack up while cold food is served and patrons are allowed to drink out of cans.
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is an ultra-selective sports body with more than 205,000 people prepared to wait an estimated 40 years for full membership.
To join the waitlist, applicants must pay $135. Once granted membership, fees are $790 annually for those 25 and older, $635 for those under 25, and $475 for juniors aged 15-17.
The MCC offers an array of bars, cafes, and dining options at the MCG, such as the Jim Stynes Grill, Lucy Liu Lounge, Members Dining Room, and the Bullring Bar, where members can enjoy cricket, football and other events.
Established in 1838, the club provides a comprehensive 34-page handbook detailing conduct guidelines for members.
The MCC promises upmarket and clean bar experiences like this at game-day events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Visitors have access to a library, prayer room and sporting museum featuring artifacts like this model of the reversible stand – the first permanent public grandstand at the MCG, which let patrons face the inside of the MCG to watch the cricket, and the outside for footy
There are genuine experiences to be had, like viewing The Blackham Ball – the ball that won The Ashes and was used in the final overs of the Test at The Oval that saw the creation of the famous urn
The MCC enforces a strict dress code in specific areas such as the Long Room, Members’ Dining Room, Committee Room, and John Landy Room during match days, requiring elevated attire.
Acceptable dress includes a lounge suit or tailored jacket, shirt, tie, slacks (tailored chinos allowed), and dress shoes, or similar high-standard clothing. National costumes and religious attire, such as clerical collars, are also permitted.
Additional perks include access to a museum and library. According to 2022 data, the club has a total of 132,000 members, comprising 63,300 full members and 42,900 restricted members.
However, many of members have taken to social media accusing the MCC of shortchanging them with a raft of cost-cutting initiatives that have turned the once glamourous experiences into something resembling being served at a pub.
One disappointed member posted: ‘Service has diminished. Prices have risen … And we spent 30 years on a waitlist for this.’
MCC members who pay exorbitant fees to access the exclusive areas say the reality of seeing events in the club is very different, with empty and broken glasses left lying around
Glasses and cans pile up because there are not enough staff members to clean up after the thirsty members, according to accusations made online
Members claim they have even been encouraged to return empty glasses (pictured) to the bar themselves to alleviate the issues – and that has not gone down well
A social media movement has been created called ‘Save the MCC’ so members can vent their spleen about what they see as deteriorating conditions.
Some of the whinges have been laughed off, such as those complaining about the $12.50 price tag for a pint of beer.
Others are incensed that their drinks are now served in cans or plastic cups.
However, others have shared images of glasses left smashed on the floor and empties piling up because there is nobody to remove them.
Members claim they have even been urged to return glasses to the bars themselves, despite paying eyewatering fees just to be there.
It comes after catering firm Delaware North took over the MCC contract from Spotless in 2021.
‘We expect good service from the MCC and even happy to pay more to keep service levels high at the club. The contract with Delaware North needs to be reviewed,’ the Save the MCC Twitter page posted.
Delaware North promises a gourmet experience for all MCC members at the various dining establishments at the MCG
Promotional images show a clean, organised environment with happy MCC members enjoying their fare
Delaware North officials have acknowledged the complaints of members and will be looking into adding more resources
Food has become an issue as well.
Delaware North promotes gourmet dining experiences for MCC members, but some members have complained of meals being served hours late and delivered cold.
‘Ground looks beautiful, food in members dining room terrible duo of Victorian beef both pieces of beef cold one barely edible side of chips also cold,’ a fan posted on the MCC Facebook page.
‘We were sat on table which was very close to the kitchen I can’t imagine how cold the food would’ve been if we were sat on the other side of the room, we had the afternoon tea it’s now more expensive and comes with no sandwiches.
‘The scones seem a little bigger I’ve never had a pie smaller or colder I’m at home now a little poorer, but hopefully wiser. The MCC has a captive audience and no matter how bad or expensive, the food is the dining room will be full but I’ve been dining there for 35 years, and I won’t be back.’
A spokeswoman for Delaware North said the organisation ‘takes great pride in providing a high level of service to all patrons attending the MCG.
‘We were disappointed to hear some feedback from patrons about their experiences in one of the bars during Friday night’s game,’ she told News Corp.
‘We’ve taken this feedback on board and will be adding resources during peak service periods to ensure that this situation is rectified for future games.’
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