Stadiums used for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games

The 1956 Olympic Games left an indelible mark on the sporting history not only of Melbourne, but Australia.

As the first Olympics held in the southern hemisphere, it showcased the nation's capability to host a global sporting extravaganza. Throughout the Games, a collection of iconic venues played host to a variety of sports, leaving a lasting legacy that still resonates today.

Let's look back and explore the venues that set the stage for the memorable moments of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, fondly known as the MCG, was the centrepiece of the 1956 Olympics. Situated in Yarra Park, this iconic stadium has been Australia's most hallowed sporting ground since 1853. As the primary venue for the Games, the MCG hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events. With its capacity to hold 104,000 spectators, the MCG's grandstands bore witness to world records being shattered and unforgettable athletic achievements.

The decision to use the MCG is the main stadium came quite late, with other options floated including Princes Park (Carlton) and the Melbourne Showgrounds. The last remaining piece of the MCG from 1956 (the Olympic Stand which opened in 1956 with a 40,000-capacity) was demolished to make way for its replacement, which opened in 2006 with the same name.

Melbourne Olympic Pool

The purpose-built Olympic Pool was the first fully indoor pool used for an Olympic Games and is the only major stadium structure from the 1956 Olympic Games with the facade intact today. Located in the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, the architecturally brilliant Olympic Pool featured a 50-metre swimming pool and separate diving pool. It staged the swimming, diving and water polo competitions for the 1956 Games, with a seating capacity of 6,000. In 1983, the facility was redeveloped into Melbourne’s indoor sports and entertainment centre, and today, it’s now an elite training centre, commercially known as the AIA Centre.

Olympic Park Stadium

Located adjacent to the MCG, Olympic Park Stadium played a pivotal role in the 1956 Games. This multi-purpose stadium hosted athletics and football. With a capacity of 40,000 at the time including 3,000 seated in the grandstand, Olympic Park featured a cinder running track and grass playing surface, providing an ideal setting for athletes to compete at the highest level. It continued to host events in Melbourne including athletics, soccer and rugby league until it was demolished in 2012. Olympic Park Oval now sits in its place, which serves as an AFL training ground.

Adjacent to the main stadium at Olympic Park, was the Eastern Sportsground, which hosted Hockey during the Olympics. It featured a small grandstand with seating for 1,048 spectators and bank earth for a further 20,000 standing. The site became Olympic Park No. 2 which was demolished in 2004.

Melbourne Velodrome

The Melbourne Olympic Velodrome, located within Olympic Park, was the venue for the cycling events at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. This renowned cycling track, made of timber, witnessed cyclists pedal at extraordinary speeds, thrilling the crowds with their agility and endurance. The Velodrome's smooth surface and steep banks set the stage for exhilarating races, as athletes maneuvered skilfully, leaning into the turns and sprinting towards the finish line. The venue had a permanent grandstand with seating for 4,400 spectators, and an additional 3,500-seat temporary grandstand. It closed in 1972 to make way for a car park.

West Melbourne Stadium

Then known as West Melbourne Stadium, this venue hosted the boxing and gymnastics events during the 1956 Olympics. Located in West Melbourne, this iconic indoor arena, known for its atmospheric ambiance and electrifying atmosphere, witnessed pugilists battle for glory and weightlifters displaying their extraordinary strength. With a 7000-seat capacity, its intimate setting allowed spectators to experience the raw energy and drama of these combat sports up close. Now known as Festival Hall, the venue still stands today and while it doesn’t host sport, it remains a popular music venue.

Royal Exhibition Building

The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building, a World Heritage-listed venue, held the honour of hosting the basketball, weightlifting and wrestling events during the 1956 Olympics. Designed by architect Joseph Reed, this architectural gem with its striking dome and elegant interior provided a regal backdrop for these intense displays of strength and skill. The ornate design and historic significance of the Royal Exhibition Building added an extra layer of prestige to the Olympic competitions held within its walls. The building remains today, although it no longer hosts sporting events.

Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games Venues

• Broadmeadows – Cycling (road)
• Lake Wendouree, Ballarat – Canoeing, Rowing (14,300 capacity)
• Melbourne Cricket Ground – Athletics, Field hockey (final), Football (final) (104,000)
• Oaklands Hunt Club – Modern pentathlon (riding, running) (25,700)
• Olympic Park Stadium – Football (40,000)
• Olympic Park Eastern Sportsground – Hockey (21,048)
• Olympic Pool – Diving, Modern pentathlon (swimming), Swimming, Water polo (6,000)
• Olympic Velodrome – Cycling (track) 7,900
• Port Phillip Bay – Sailing
• Royal Australian Air Force, Laverton Air Base – Shooting (shotgun)
• Royal Exhibition Building – Basketball, Modern pentathlon (fencing), Weightlifting, Wrestling (3,500)
• St Kilda Town Hall – Fencing
• West Melbourne Stadium – Boxing, Gymnastics (7,000)
• Williamstown – Modern pentathlon (shooting), Shooting

The athletes village was located in Heidelberg West and the practice venue there remains today, commonly known as Olympic Village. While the athletics track has been removed, it’s now a rectangular venue, home to the Heidelberg soccer club.

The venues of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games symbolise the legacy of this momentous event. From the iconic MCG to the picturesque Royal Exhibition Building, each venue provided a stage for athletes to showcase their talents and captivate audiences with their extraordinary performances.