Socceroos Captain calls for an MCG 'Sea of Gold'

Australian Socceroos captain and Melbourne native Mark Viduka has called upon Australian fans to wear gold this Thursday night at the MCG when his side play Greece in the Powerade Cup.

“Everywhere you looked on the night we qualified against Uruguay in Sydney, it was covered in Gold jerseys, scarves and caps”, Viduka said. “It gives the squad a huge boost to see that support and helps creates a strong home ground advantage.”

“Knowing how passionate Melbourne is about sport, it would be great if all the Australian supporters coming to the game against Greece can wear gold and show they’re behind us on the road to Germany.”

With a potential record crowd for the new MCG likely, patrons attending the Powerade Cup are encouraged to arrive early. The action starts at 4:30pm when the Matildas play Mexico, giving ticket holders great value with the opportunity to see two internationals on the one day.

Arriving early will give fans the chance to see the Socceroos warm-up on the ground from after 6:00pm.

Public transport is recommended to ensure all fans are at the MCG well before the 7:30pm kick-off of the Socceroos-Greece encounter. Best public transport options for patrons attending the match are:

Trains

- to MCG/Jolimont or Richmond Station.

Tram

- No. 75 (City-Vermont South), No. 48 (City-North Balwyn) and No. 70 (City-Wattle Park)

Bus

- Route 246 (operated by National Bus Company), which links La Trobe University with Elsternwick Station. Bus stop is located on Punt Road adjacent to the MCG.

Extra public transport will also be provided as follows:

TRAIN

Before the match: Extra trains will run from Epping, Glen Waverley, Frankston, Sandringham and Sydenham.

After the match: Extra trains will operate from Richmond station to: Ringwood, Glen Waverley, Frankston, Sandringham and Sydenham, Upper Ferntree Gully, Lilydale, Pakenham, Cranbourne and Dandenong.

Extra trains will also run from Jolimont to: Epping and Greensborough.

SHUTTLE TRAM

From 4:30pm Yarra Trams will operate shuttle trams along Flinders Street to the MCG every few minutes.

Fans can catch a route 48, 70, 75 or soccer shuttle tram from Flinders Street to the MCG via Wellington Parade (Clarendon Street, East Melbourne) or Melbourne Park (Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena tram stops).

Soccer shuttle trams will also run between the MCG and the City after the match until the crowd has cleared.

BUS

Bus route 246 will operate to a normal weekday timetable between Clifton Hill and Elsternwick via Hoddle Street, Punt Road and St Kilda. Buses will operate approximately every 10 minutes until 6:00pm and then every 15-20 minutes until around 9.30pm, then every half hour until last service.

The last service from the MCG to Clifton Hill leaves around 12.36am, and the last service from the MCG to Elsternwick leaves around 11.42pm.

For more information on public transport contact Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Ticket holders are reminded that their attendance, for the comfort, safety and enjoyment of all patrons, staff and event participants, is conditional to adhering to the:

- MCC Regulations and Conditions of Entry

- Major Events (Crowd Management) Act 2003 (Vic), and

- Football Federation Australia’s National Team Spectator Code of Behaviour.