The MCG is receiving the biggest upgrade in its 150 year history for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

More than half of the stadium is being rebuilt - the Ponsford Stand, the Olympic Stand and the MCC Members Pavilion.

This upgrade will boost spectator capacity to 100,000, improve facilities such as elevators and toilets, update food and drink outlets
and provide better access for people with disabilities.

The MCG will be a major focus at Games time. As well as hosting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, a temporary track is being installed to stage the athletics program.

This upgrade will improve the experience for the millions of spectators who pass through the gates of the MCG every year, on their way to some of Melbourne's biggest events.

The ongoing development will cement the MCG’s status as one of the world's great stadiums. It is on schedule for completion in early 2006.

Key features and facts:

- two 750 cubic metre tanks are being installed to collect rainwater that will then be used for flushing toilets, irrigation and cleaning

- around 95% of construction and demolition waste will be recycled

- more than 4,000 tonnes of structural steel is being installed

- end to end, there will be 5.5 kilometres of roof support cables

- there will be 5,000 square metres of glass roof and 9,000 square metres of carpet.

Click here to view the environmental initiatives for the MCG.