Step into history at the SCG
The world famous Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo: Marc Dalmulder/Wikimedia Commons, published under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Features editor Makayla Muscat takes the guided walking tour of the legendary Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), exploring the hallowed venue’s fascinating history and facilities.
Locals, international visitors and sports fans are set for an unforgettable experience as they venture behind the scenes at Sydney’s home of sport.
The $33, 90-minute SCG Tour is a popular Sydney attraction – and for a limited time, visitors can redeem their $25 NSW Government Dine & Discover vouchers at the SCG and enjoy a carefully curated 60-minute tour of the great stadium.
Regarded as Australia’s most historically significant sporting precinct, the SCG is famous around the world. From the moment visitors walk through the Alan Davidson Gates, they are surrounded by more than 160 years of history.
The historic Alan Davidson Gates (far left). Photo: Makayla Muscat.
From the 1938 British Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games) to the 2022 Ashes Test, the SCG attracts visitors from around the globe.
But the SCG is not only a sporting cathedral. Over the years it has played host to some of the most elaborate entertainment events Sydney has ever seen, including concerts by Michael Jackson, Elton John, Madonna, Billy Joel, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Coldplay – and in recent years, the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
The tour begins at the Walk of Honour, where visitors are acquainted with bronze sculptures of sporting champions honoured for their prowess on the field.
Among those is Steve Waugh celebrating his famous last-ball century at the ground in 2003. It shows him with bat raised, lucky handkerchief hanging from pocket and beloved baggy green in hand.
Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh immortalised at the SCG. Photo: Makayla Muscat.
Paul Kelly, who joined the Swans in 1990 and kicked 200 goals in 234 games, is another icon who has been immortalised in bronze.
After hearing some entertaining stories about the athletes and spectators, the behind-the-scenes venture continues as visitors head into the media centre to watch a short video explaining the history of events that have taken place.
From Bradman to Buddy, this is an opportunity for guests to relive some of the finest moments in cricket, rugby league, rugby union, baseball, soccer and AFL.
After leaving the press conference room, visitors head out to see the hallowed turf where Michael Clarke brought up his triple century to claim the highest SCG Test score, the St George Dragons won 11 consecutive NRL Premierships and many other legends took their place in sporting history.
Inside the dressing rooms at the SCG. Photo: Makayla Muscat.
Then guests are invited to sit in the players’ dressing rooms where Australian and international sporting heroes prepare to take to the field.
Thanks to a cheeky tradition that began after former English cricketer Graeme Swann signed “Swanny. Ashes 2010/11. Three One to England” on the dressing room wall, the inside is now adorned with graffiti of visiting players who have become a part of living history at the SCG.
The tour concludes at the SCG Museum, where visitors can get up close to new and frequently changing exhibits including the history of Woman’s Cricket in Australia, the Arthur Morris Collection and for a limited time, a display of items worn by late Shane Warne during his playing career.
The 60-minute SCG Tour, redeemable with $25 NSW Dine & Discover vouchers, is available until Tuesday, 31 May 2022. For tickets and further information, visit https://sydneycricketgroundtours.rezdy.com/.
This article was previously published in the Sydney Sentinel.