Cricket fans despair as the MCG reveals it is hiking up its beer prices again ahead of the Boxing Day Test

The Melbourne Cricket Club is reportedly set to increase the price fans will pay for a beer and several other food and beverage items, ahead of this summer’s Boxing Day Test.

According to 7News Melbourne, the changes are set to come into effect on Wednesday, in time for the Melbourne Stars’ first home Big Bash League clash against the Brisbane Heat.

Victorian footy fans experienced similar changes to the MCG’s food and beverage prices at the beginning of the 2024 season. The price of a 425ml draught beer had risen to $11.50, with the MCG now set to put that fee up by another 50 cents, to $12.

A 560ml Carlton Draught has also risen from $12.50 to $13.50. Pre-mixed spirits in a can are set to cost $15.

The price changes are expected to remain in place for the next 12 months.

Other items, including bottles of water and Coca-Cola, have risen by 20 cents, while if you’re feeling peckish, a box of fish and chips will now set you back $15.50, having previously been priced at $14.90.

Cricket fans can expect to pay $12 for a 425ml draught lager or $13.50 for a pint of Carlton Draught

It came after the MCG announced price rises for footy fans at the beginning of the AFL season  

The changes come as MCG bosses explain that the iconic Melbourne arena is also looking to keep up with the cost of living crisis.

‘I think as we talk about the cost of living, we’re not immune to it at the ‘G, we want to subsidise it as much as we can,’ commercial operations and partnerships manager Tanya Gilling told 7News.

Despite the rise in costs, several fan favourites are staying the same.

Hot dogs, jam doughnuts, meat pies and chips will all remain the same price for 2025.

The MCG is also set to add chicken tikka burgers, ‘naanchos’, tandoori chicken with rice and samosas to their menu for this summer’s Test.

But some fans were critical of the price changes, with Fox Sports having noted that the price of a 425ml beer cost $8 back in 2017.

Some took to X to question the rising prices, with one writing: ‘Getting money hungry these mobs.’

Another added: ‘How can they justify the price of alcohol increase.’

Some fans criticised the price changes, with one writing: ‘How can they justify the price of alcohol increase’ 

A spokesperson said that the MCG wanted to ‘subsidise prices as much as possible’ but added the cost of living crisis was a factor

‘Wow! $12 for watered-down beer!!! Rip off…’ another wrote.

Conversely, one fan wrote: ‘That’s not unreasonable considering.’

In March, MCC chief executive Stuart Fox told Channel 9 that the organisation had worked hard to balance the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis with ensuring fans were not priced out of buying food and drink in the ground.

‘We worked hard to find the right balance between covering necessary operational costs, food inflation and wages while maintaining an accessible price point for fans,’ Fox said.