The Boxing Day Test match is a hugely popular fixture on the Australian cricket calendar. Played annually from December 26-30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), it draws crowds of 80,000+ fans each day. Demand for tickets is extremely high, with most days selling out completely. So if you want to experience the famous Boxing Day Test atmosphere, you need to plan ahead and be prepared. Here is a comprehensive guide to buying tickets, including key dates, prices, seating options and insider tips to secure the seats you want.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the next Boxing Day Test go on sale many months in advance, usually around March-April each year. The exact on sale date is announced by Cricket Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club (who operate the MCG). Dates will be published on the official cricket.com.au website and promoted across social media.
Mark your calendars and be ready to hop online right away when tickets are released. The first batch normally sells out very quickly, within hours or days. If you miss out on the initial release, more are dripped out periodically in the lead up to the Test. But there is no guarantee and availability becomes more limited closer to the date.
How much do tickets cost?
Boxing Day Test tickets are categorized into different price bands, ranging from affordable entry level seats to top-tier premium experiences. In 2022, standard adult tickets started from $60 for a basic grass hill pass. Grandstand seating ran from $99 – $185 for an adult. More luxurious options like theindow where he likes to sit! I recommend booking early to maximize your chances of securing good seats together.
Should I buy tickets from a reseller?
You can find Boxing Day Test passes on sale at various reseller sites online. However, prices are often inflated and you need to be wary of scams or fake tickets. Whenever possible, try to buy directly from the official channel instead. At least then if any issues arise, you can work with Cricket Australia’s customer service for a resolution. Of course, sometimes resellers are the only way to get last minute tickets if the Tests sells out. Just use trusted platforms when going this route.
What’s the best way to buy tickets?
For most fans, the online booking process will be the easiest and most convenient way to purchase. Cricket Australia utilizes a digital queuing system on their website, designed to stagger traffic and prevent the servers from crashing due to overwhelming demand.
When tickets go on sale, you simply:
1. Join the virtual queue which provides an estimated wait time
2. Once through, you can browse available seats and choose your tickets
3. Enter your details and checkout with payment. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and PayPal are accepted.
It’s important to be patient, keep trying if you initially receive error messages or get kicked out of the queue. Persistence pays off to secure your spots.
Of course, you can also call up or visit the MCG box office to buy in person. This may work well if you want specialized advice from a customer service rep about the best seats. There are no booking fees purchasing direct via phone or in person.
Booking tips & tricks
To boost your chances of getting the Boxing Day Test tickets you want, keep these handy tips in mind:
– Logon right on the stroke of the advertised on-sale time and jump in the virtual queue. Don’t hesitate!
– Have your membership details handy if you’re a Cricket Australia member. You get priority access to tickets before the general public.
– Be flexible about which days you can attend. Opening day tickets sell out fastest. Opting for later dates increases availability.
– Consider purchasing single tickets instead of forcing a group booking. Again you can expand your options. Singles sell quicker.
-Aim for lower tier seats. The most expensive Platinum premium tickets actually have slower sales.
-Don’t panic if you miss out initially. More releases will happen, so check back later.
-Follow the MCG on social channels for pre-sale announcements or ticket giveaways to fans.
Buy early for best value & availability
There’s no question that purchasing your Boxing Day Test match tickets early is the best approach. Here are some key advantages to booking as soon as sales open:
– Availability is highest, giving you the widest selection of seat locations to choose from
– Early bird prices offer big discounts compared to last minute rates. Over 20% savings are common if you buy months ahead.
– Popular zones like the lower deck grandstands are likely to sell out quickly. They go fast.
– Opportunity to purchase 5-game memberships covering all days of play. Excellent value.
– Securing tickets early provides peace of mind that you have locked in seats at the MCG over the Christmas period
– Avoid the stress of scrambling for tickets last minute when pickings are slim
So for the easiest, most affordable way to experience the Boxing Day Test, mark your calendar for ticket on-sale and grab them as soon as you can. The early bird definitely gets the best seats at the cricket!
What are the seating options?
The enormous Melbourne Cricket Ground has a seating capacity of over 100,000 people. Tickets are spread across multiple grandstands, general admission grassy hills and exclusive lounges/boxes.
Here is an overview of the main Boxing Day Test seating choices:
Lower Grandstands
Positioned closest to the action, these highly sought after seats run along the wicket from behind the bowler’s arm to square leg. Lower grandstand ticket holders are undercover, have cushioned chairs and access to amenities. Prices range from $99 – $185 per day.
Upper Grandstands
In the upper levels of the stands surrounding the ground, these elevated seats are more affordable at $60 – $105. You get great elevated views from up high.
The Mound
The grassy open space of the Mound at the city end of the ground offers basic entry level seating from $30 for adults. Bring your own chair or rug. No shade, so lather up with sunscreen!
Members Dining & Reserved Seats
MCG Members get access to exclusive dining, bar and lounge spaces like the Members Dining Room. Waiter service, gourmet menus and comfortable reserved seating.
Corporate Boxes
Impress clients or friends in a fully catered corporate box with leather lounges, private bars and flat screen TVs. Boxes hold between 10 and 40 guests. Minimum stays apply.
What are the best seats at the Boxing Day Test?
With 100,000+ capacity, the MCG is such a vast arena you can get a great view from multiple vantage points. But if the best seats are what you’re after, here are some options:
Members Reserve
At the city end directly behind the wicket, the Members Reserve has premium padded seating right in the heart of the action. Sensational views and atmosphere. Access is for MCG Members only though.
Olympic & Locker Room Stands
In the lower deck concourse, sections AA – EE of the Olympic and Locker Room Stands keep you close while still elevated above pitch level.
Square Leg
Around the WK-SL region (square leg) you’ll be next to the action for pace bowling and can view the scoreboards easily.
Behind The Bowler’s Arm
For a behind the scenes glimpse of Australia’s bowlers steaming in, try for seats from sections A – F directly behind their approach.
Corporate Boxes
If price is no concern, having your own plush corporate box is the ultimate way to experience the Boxing Day Test in style. Sensational catering and service.
When should I buy tickets?
To recap, the key dates for purchasing 2023 Boxing Day Test match tickets are:
– Early March 2023: Initial ticket release. Expected to sell out very quickly.
– April – August 2023: Ongoing additional ticket releases. Last chance for 5-game memberships.
– September – November 2023: Only single day passes remaining. Limited availability.
– December 2023: Final release of any tickets returned from other allocations. Sold on a first come, first served basis.
So aim to buy early as possible, especially if you want 5-day memberships or popular lower deck seating options. Last minute single tickets can still be purchased in December if you just want to get your foot in the door. But choices will be extremely limited by then.
Can I get a refund or exchange?
In most cases, all ticket sales for the Boxing Day Test are final. However, in limited circumstances refunds or exchanges can be requested:
– If the match is cancelled completely and deemed a ‘complete washout’
– When tickets are reallocated due to restricted capacity limits
– Change of date for the Test match
– Relocation of seats in the event of restricted viewing
– Medical emergency preventing your attendance
Refund/exchange requests must be made in writing to Cricket Australia outlining your circumstances. A 10% cancellation fee applies.
Otherwise reselling your tickets via Cricket Australia’s official resale platform is the only way to recover the cost.
So think carefully before purchasing tickets to ensure you can definitely attend.
Insider tips for buying tickets
Use these sneaky hacks to gain a tactical edge when purchasing your Boxing Day Test tickets:
– Leverage pre-sales for Australian Cricket Family members 2 days ahead of the public on-sale. Just $75 to join.
– Purchase a Cricket Australia Tour Pass which grants early ticket access. Only $45 for adults.
– Sign up to the Australian Cricket Family e-newsletter for pre-sale code announcements.
– If you get stuck in an online queue, try accessing via a different web browser or device.
– Have all your payment details saved to enable the fastest checkout possible.
– Phone or email the box office directly to ask about seat availability – get the insider info!
– Follow @MCG on social media for special offers like ticket giveaways.
Key dates for 2023 Boxing Day Test
Here are the key dates to note if you plan on attending the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne for 2023:
– Early March 2023: Tickets on sale to general public
– December 20-24, 2023: Possible warm up matches at MCG
– December 26-30, 2023: Boxing Day Test match days
– December 26, 2023: Day 1 of Boxing Day Test
So diary March 2023 to grab those tickets. And clear your schedule for December 26 onwards to experience one of Australia’s greatest sporting events live at the MCG!
Conclusion
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne is a must-see event for any cricket fan. With over 100,000 fans packing the MCG each day, the atmosphere is electric. To secure your place at Australia’s biggest annual cricket event, be sure to act swiftly when tickets go on sale. Sign up for pre-sales, pick your desired seating zone and purchase early to beat the rush. This guarantees you the best chance to get tickets at the right price before they sell out. With smart planning and preparation, you’ll be there cheering on your team this Boxing Day at the ‘G!