16 Legendary Olympic Venues Where Dreams Were Made

5. Melbourne Cricket Ground: A Southern Hemisphere Milestone

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) holds a special place in Olympic history as the first venue in the Southern Hemisphere to host the Games, in 1956. The MCG is renowned for its rich sporting heritage, primarily as a cricket and Australian Rules football venue. The 1956 Olympics were marked by the "Friendly Games" spirit, with athletes and spectators alike embracing the warmth and hospitality of Australia. The MCG remains a symbol of the global reach of the Olympics, demonstrating how the games can unite people from diverse cultures and backgrounds in celebration of human achievement.