British and Irish Lions set for debut at iconic 100,000-seat ‘greatest stadium on earth’ first used nearly 200 years ago
THE LIONS are set for a historic encounter in one of the world’s most esteemed venues.
Andy Farrell’s team will face Australia in their second test – after winning the first on Saturday in Brisbane – at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
And the big match is expected to be watched by a staggering capacity of 100,000.
The legendary stadium, which opened way back in 1853, has hosted a series of sporting events in the past.
That includes Aussie Rules, football, rugby league and of course cricket.
And now it will host a British and Irish Lions Test match for the first time on Saturday.
The crowd is expected to surpass the 84,000 that attended the Lions’ deciders against Australia in Sydney back in 2001 and 2013.
The Wallabies’ stars are counting down the hours until they get to step on the “Mecca of sport”.
Rob Valetini told the BBC: “It’s going to be really awesome for me.
And Harry Potter added: “It is a Mecca of sport in my eyes.”
This comes after cricket legend Damien Fleming dubbed the ground as the “greatest sporting stadium in the world”.
Despite the fact Melbourne isn’t known for rugby union, the locals love sport and the G so much that officials are confident both teams will enjoy a stunning atmosphere.
The exact number of Lions fans attending the game is hard to pinpoint due to expats living Down Under.
But it is estimated that more than 30,000 will make the long trip.