The Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is expected to see beer lovers consume more of the amber ale than at any other Australian event since the pandemic started.

By the time fully-vaxed fans settle in to watch the first ball bowled, Carlton & United Breweries will have delivered 4500 kegs, or 220,000 litres of beer, to the MCG – enough for nearly 800,000 pots.

Drinkers on Boxing Day alone will consume about 2000 of the kegs – about the same as an AFL Grand Final – and it takes more than 20 trucks to deliver the popular cargo along the 3.3km road trip from the Abbotsford brewery to the iconic MCG.

Carlton Draught accounts for much of the beer supply as do mid-strengths Great Northern Super Crisp and Four Pines Pacific Ale while other brands such as Asahi Super Dry, Mountain Goat, Balter and Pirate Life round out the line-up.

CUB’s Abbotsford brewery General Manager David Baxter said the Boxing Day Test was a major logistical exercise for Australia’s largest brewer.

“The Boxing Day Test keg delivery is about the same as the weekly supply to 100 average-sized pubs,’’ Mr Baxter said,

“We want the beer to be as fresh as possible for the match fans so we are working flat out and brewing right up until the last possible moment to put into the kegs. It’s been a long time since Melburnians could enjoy an event of this size in their city and we’re doing everything we can to help ensure it’s a memorable occasion.

CUB works closely with the Melbourne Cricket Club, stadium manager of the iconic MCG, to determine the amount of kegs required based on historic data. More beer is consumed at an Australia versus England Ashes Test than any other cricket match – with Australia versus New Zealand Test matches not far behind, followed by India.

For more information contact Simon Pristel at HeadlinePR on 0412 393 433 or simon@headlinepr.com.au.