The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has recently faced backlash from new members after they were told they would not be receiving club cards, a benefit that long-standing members have enjoyed. Instead, new members are able to purchase up to 10 day passes for matches at $60 each for adults. This move has been seen as prioritizing profits over the benefits of existing members. The SCG typically has around 18,000 members at any given time, with a waiting list of around 27,000 individuals. The decision to remove club cards has caused concern among members and has prompted City of Sydney councillor Lyndon Gannon to call for a reconsideration of the policy.
Venues NSW, the organization overseeing the SCG, defended their decision to remove club cards by stating that it was within their rights to make changes to their membership programs. The agency consulted lawyers after questions were raised about the legality of the move, citing the Sporting Venues Authorities Regulation 2019 which allows for variations or waivers of membership requirements. Venues NSW also pointed out that the Melbourne Cricket Ground does not offer guest passes or club cards, implying that the SCG’s changes are not unprecedented in the sporting arena. The agency emphasized that the SCG’s membership program has evolved since its establishment in 1878.
The SCG, once governed by the prestigious SCG Trust, was merged with Venues NSW in 2020, which also oversees other sports grounds such as Accor Stadium at Olympic Park. This merger marked a significant shift in the governance of the iconic sporting ground, which had been a stronghold of Sydney’s elite circles, including politicians, business leaders, and media personalities. The decision to remove club cards for new members has raised concerns about the potential development of a two-tier membership system at the SCG, with some viewing it as a downgrading of membership privileges.
The discontent among new members and long-standing members alike highlights the tension between maintaining tradition and adapting to changing circumstances in the world of sports memberships. The SCG’s decision to remove club cards has sparked debates about the balance between profitability and member benefits, as well as the evolving nature of membership programs at historic sporting venues. With the SCG’s membership system being a coveted status symbol for many in Sydney, the changes implemented by Venues NSW have ignited discussions about the future direction of membership privileges and the overall experience for SCG members.
