From Ashes to AC/DC: Melbourne’s MCG legacy built on enduring architectural innovation

As the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) gears up for a packed schedule of AFL clashes, the 2025 Ashes Boxing Day Test, and even a highly anticipated AC/DC concert, the enduring success of its 2006 Northern Stand redevelopment continues to shine.

Designed in a joint venture including Hassell, the Northern Stand, which replaced earlier structures and expanded the MCG’s capacity to 100,000, including 55,000 new seats made closer to the action, remains a benchmark for modern stadium architecture. 

Its transparent façade, a key design element by the Hassell-involved project team, was groundbreaking in 2006 for enhancing visual connections with Yarra Park and the city beyond. This forward-thinking approach to integrating the stadium with its natural surroundings continues to elevate the fan experience, making the ​‘G’ feel more connected and accessible than ever.

The Northern Stand’s distinctive roof is as renowned as the stadium itself. A masterclass in tensioned design, the canopy marries aesthetic grace with engineering ingenuity. The roof’s visual lightness stems from its sophisticated cable-stay system. Rafters are suspended from an intricate web of cables that stretch over a series of masts. This design cleverly employs counterweights, allowing for the use of thinner cables and creating a remarkably transparent façade. The result is a structure that feels both elegant and airy.

In an era where stadium experiences are increasingly scrutinised for both functionality and environmental integration, the Northern Stand’s thoughtful design, completed nearly two decades ago, proves its timeless relevance, ensuring the MCG remains the ​‘people’s ground’ for generations to come.

The MCG Northern Stand is part of a Joint Venture between Cox Architects, Daryl Jackson Architects, HOK Sports Architects and Tompkins Shaw & Evans.