Sharp has been appointed the preferred supplier of LCD televisions and information display panels to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in cooperation with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC).

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With more than 400 LCD televisions having been installed since August, the project is expected to take 12-18 months. The entire roll out of approximately 3,000 LCD televisions will make it the single largest installation of Sharp LCD product in Australia. It will include a cross section of models from 32 inch to 65 inch and the possibility of 108-inch screens for the larger spectator and security monitoring areas.

Deputy Managing Director of Sharp Corporation in Australia, Denis Kerr, believes there are many advantages of partnering with the MCG.

“We are looking forward to developing a strong and mutually rewarding business relationship with the MCC. With the number of spectators through the gates of the MCG, it is expected that over 3.5 million visitors annually will be watching their favourite sports on Sharp Aquos screens.”

As part of their support, Sharp have also been involved in the giveaway of a 42- inch LCD television to reward each of the 1 millionth and 2 millionth patrons to attend AFL games at the MCG in 2008.  

With a total capacity of 100,000 people, the MCG is the largest stadium in Australia and the home of AFL matches. Additionally the stadium hosts Australia’s major cricket event of the sporting calendar, the Australian Boxing Day Test, which attracts approximately 75,000 spectators per day, as well as a variety of other sporting and entertainment events.