AHEAD of Melbourne’s long-awaited AFL Premiership Celebration on Sunday, the club is encouraging all fans to allow extra time and arrive early to the MCG.

With a crowd of up to 40,000 expected, Gates 1, 2 (MCC) and 3 will open at 10am, before the event officially gets underway at 11am.

Fans may experience delays in arriving to the MCG, due to transport disruptions, while entry into the stadium may take longer than previously experienced.  

Those travelling in on the Monash Freeway should note that the freeway will be reduced to one lane in both directions at Forster Road on Sunday, as part of the ongoing upgrade.

Forster Road will also be closed in both directions underneath the freeway, with access to the Monash Freeway via Blackburn Road. It is expected that this will result in major delays.

In addition, a number of public transport services will be impacted, including the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Frankston lines.

Replacement buses will be in operation between Flinders Street, Caulfield and Westall stations. Users should check PTV for further information.

In line with the Victorian Government health directives, the event will only be accessible for fully vaccinated patrons (over the age of 12 years and two months).

Upon arrival to the MCG, attendees must first scan the QR code outside their entrance gate on a smart device to check in using the Services Victoria App. They will then need to show their COVID-19 digital certificate in the same smart wallet on their device, that houses their digital ticket from Ticketek.

Those without a smart device will be required to provide a printed version of their COVID-19 digital certificate or Immunisation History statement, in order to gain entry into the stadium.

Unvaccinated patrons will not be permitted to enter, unless they are able to display a valid exemption.

Car parking is available in Yarra Park, subject to capacity, with multiple entry points on the day. Gate 3 will open from 8.30am, Gate 5 from 9am and Gate 7 (for accredited and disability permits holders) from 7am.

The celebration is promising to be a special one for the Melbourne faithful.

Members and supporters can firstly come and take photographs of the Demons’ 13 VFL/AFL Premiership Cups from 8am – the cups will be displayed near gate 3. Fans are reminded that photos with the cups on the day will not be facilitated, due to capacity reasons.

The club has then organised a full day of Demon activities and entertainment, with a replay of the 2021 AFL Grand Final to commence proceedings inside the stadium at 11am.

Past players will participate in a ‘Kicking for Cash’ competition at quarter time, Russell Robertson and Bigfoot will provide half-time entertainment and the 2021 Grand Final team will be presented with their premiership medallions after the final siren.

As previously announced, club legends in Neale Daniher and David Neitz will have the honour of presenting Simon Goodwin and Christian Petracca the Jock McHale and Norm Smith Medals, for what will make a special moment.

Tickets are still available for the event and are FREE via Ticketek – a reserved-seat ticket must be redeemed for COVID-compliance and contract tracing purposes.  

The event won’t be live-streamed or televised, however, all speeches and presentations will be shared on the club’s website and social media channels following the event.

Those wanting to keep up with the action on the day should keep an eye on Melbourne’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok accounts.