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Ok, the 4th test is only days away, and I am now confused as to what gear I can take in. I spoke to the MCG people months ago, and they said there were no restrictions. I spoke to someone today (who didn't seem to have much of an idea), and at first she said you can take anything in, just not glasses, etc. I raised the issue of cameras, and she said you can't take anything "industrial" in - whatever that means - and said you can't take any video cameras in (which is fine with me).

She was really ambiguous as to what can and can't be taken in terms of lens size, etc (she didn't even know what I was talking about).

The issue is, I don't want to get there with, say, a D200, 80-200 (maybe 2x which I can put in my pocket) and be told I can't get in (and then have all the issues about going back to the hotel room to drop everything off).

Has anyone had experience with this? I was thinking that I could go with a small bag, the D200 (without grip), and the one 80-200 lens (maybe the 50 in my pocket for wider stuff).

Any information or assistance would be great.

Cheers

P

You might have better luck with a P&S.

Some grounds are very particular when it comes to proper cameras, even if you're not media. Some will not care, some will restrict you to 200mm lenses while others will not allow you to bring your decent camera in at all.

Although i've never been to the MCG for the cricket with a camera, i did enquire about bringing one in for an AFL game or two. They did not permit me to do that. International cricket may be different though.

Are you only going for one day? If so then perhaps a very early start to check at the gate.

Good luck.

Hello,

I think you might want to change your tack. Think about what would be going through the security teams minds...

The last thing they are going to let in is a New South Welshman

So dont get out your license

On a more serious side, I have been into the AFL (telstra dome, not the MCG) with a camera bag, which was opened (checking for booze and noisey horns). In it I had (clearly visible) a D70s and a 80-200 ED with the hood on. THink I also had a kit lens in there also.

THey didnt ask any questions, I asked what he was looking for and he said "booze or air horns".

So, from that, although not the Cricket, nor the MCG, I think you would be fine with a D200 (no grip) and a 200mm (maybe even 80-400VR). But if you were planning to take in a $7000 jumbo 300 or 400mm then I dont like your chances without a media permit.

I asked the same question in here a few weeks ago regarding the Polo, as the tix stated no "Professional Cameras" and the best advise I got was to email the organisers, and if you get a supportive email response, you can expect to be more welcome at the gate.

However, if I read the regulations of the MCG, at http://www.mcg.org.au/default.asp?pg=themcgdisplay&articleid=1928 the land if for public use, under trust, so you could be fine.

Naturally the event manangement have the final say on the day, so maybe hunt through the MCC regualtions.

I think the best support you could pursue, would be that from the ICC, or MCC.

Here is the bulletin regarding the Box Day test policy... http://www.mcc.org.au/default.asp?pg=newsdisplay&articleid=2219

So long as your camera does not look like it will not be thrown in the air during a mexican wave, you should be right.

Maybe get an email from Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland??

Oz_Beachside wrote:So long as your camera does not look like it will not be thrown in the air during a mexican wave, you should be right.

Dang, that is exactly what I was going to do with it!

I have emailed the MCC and hopefully they can provide a satisfactory response.

I appreciate your feedback. I think the best thing I can do is get there early (on the first of the three days I am going and see what security say.

(Notice I am ignoring your comment regarding being a New South Welshman?)

P

UPDATE: I emailed the MCC and I immediately got this response:

"Thank you for your email.



Digital cameras are permitted into the stadium, provided they are not used to a) obstructed the view of other patrons while in use (i.e. no tripods) and b) are not used for commercial purposes."

So, given my 80-200 is not going to obstruct anyone, I should be fine.

I am going to print off the email and take it with me (the email doesn't contain large words, so security should not have a problem reading it.

P

The MCC??

Is the Boxing Day Test being moved to Lords?

Good news Patrick - all the best with it. Look forward to your images from the day matey!

Reschsmooth wrote:UPDATE: I emailed the MCC and I immediately got this response:

"Thank you for your email.



Digital cameras are permitted into the stadium, provided they are not used to a) obstructed the view of other patrons while in use (i.e. no tripods) and b) are not used for commercial purposes."

So, given my 80-200 is not going to obstruct anyone, I should be fine.

I am going to print off the email and take it with me (the email doesn't contain large words, so security should not have a problem reading it.

P

Was that an automated response? I'd love to know the email address you used, can you post it, or PM to me?

Looks like you got a good result, have fun at the G.

gstark wrote:The MCC??

Is the Boxing Day Test being moved to Lords?

Not sure about that one... however, one thing is for certain, I know its not at the SCG

The MCC is the Melbourne Cricket Club, and the trustees of the club are the operators of the MCG.

Oz_Beachside wrote:

gstark wrote:The MCC??

Is the Boxing Day Test being moved to Lords?

Not sure about that one... however, one thing is for certain, I know its not at the SCG

You're right, the SCG has the final New Years test in arguably (as in I argue the case) the best theatre for cricket!

By the way, PM sent re email.

P

gstark wrote:The MCC??

Is the Boxing Day Test being moved to Lords?

No Gary, just the same type of weather! (Unlike sunny Sydney).

I hope it poors rain in Melbourne for the next 2 days to quelch the fires and then clear for the test.

P

Reschsmooth wrote:You're right, the SCG has the final New Years test in arguably (as in I argue the case) the best theatre for cricket!

No argument from me, SCG is finest ground in the world IMHO.

Max.