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MCG Shatters Records with 94,199 Boxing Day Ashes Crowd

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has set a new all-time record for a cricket match with an attendance of 94,199 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. This historic figure surpasses the previous record of 93,013 set during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final. The massive crowd also establishes a new single-day record for Test cricket, putting the overall Ashes attendance record from 2013 within reach. Looking ahead, the MCG has secured its future for major cricket, including a historic day-night Ashes Test in 2027 to commemorate 150 years of Test cricket.

Key Points: MCG Sets Cricket Attendance Record at Boxing Day Ashes Test

  • Record 94,199 Boxing Day attendance
  • Surpasses 2015 World Cup final
  • New single-day Test record
  • Historic 2027 day-night Test announced
2 min read

Ashes: MCG breaks 2015 WC final record with 94199 attendance on Boxing day Test

The MCG recorded 94,199 fans on Boxing Day, setting a new all-time cricket attendance record and surpassing the 2015 World Cup final crowd.

"The historic crowd surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final."

Melbourne, Dec 26

The Melbourne Cricket Ground have recorded a massive attendance of 94,199 fans on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test, marking the highest crowd ever recorded for a cricket match at the venue.

The historic crowd surpassed the previous record of 93,013, set during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand.

It also established a new record for the highest attended single day of Test cricket, eclipsing the 91,112 spectators who attended the MCG for Day 1 of the 2013 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England.

This year's record-breaking Day 1, combined with sold-out Days 2 and 3, puts the Ashes cumulative attendance record of 271,865 (also set in 2013) within reach.

Australia currently leads the Ashes 3-0, with one Test (Sydney) remaining after the Boxing Day Test.

Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950. Since then, CA has held contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer, despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football in that month. Earlier this year, it extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 2030-31 summer.

The iconic venue will also host the historic one-off day-night Test match between arch-rivals Australia and England in March 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match, marking the first instance of Australia's men's team playing a pink-ball Test at the MCG.

Due to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG across five days between March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in March 2027, CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its history.

The ballot opened on December 23 and runs until February 6, 2026. Once closed, entries will be randomised and successful applicants will be notified by February 13.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Melbourne, it was an unforgettable experience. The energy was something else. It shows Test cricket is alive and well when the contest is big. Kudos to Cricket Australia for managing such a huge crowd smoothly.
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Vikram M
Wow, 94k+! That's almost double what some of our bigger Indian stadiums hold for a Test. The Boxing Day Test is such a great tradition. We need to build similar iconic, must-watch events in the Indian cricket calendar. The day-night Test in 2027 sounds like a fantastic idea too.
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Priya S
Amazing record, but let's be honest – a big reason is that Australia is winning 3-0. If it was a closer series, maybe even more people? Still, fantastic to see. I hope the BCCI is taking notes on how to market Test cricket. We have the fans, we just need the right experience.
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Rohit P
The numbers are mind-blowing! But I have a respectful criticism: the article focuses a lot on records and future events. What about the actual cricket played that day? How did the crowd influence the game? Sometimes we get lost in statistics and forget the sport itself. Just a thought.
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Michael C
The tradition is what sells it. Boxing Day Test is an institution. Other countries should try to create their own such fixed, marquee Test matches. Imagine a "Republic Day Test" in India with similar hype and full houses. Could be magical.

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