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Grand Prix v footy
Herald Sun ^ | 30 March 2006 | Sam Edmund

Posted on 03/29/2006 6:43:42 PM PST by Aussie Dasher

IT is looming as the sports fan's ultimate dilemma: the Grand Prix revving up or the footy kicking off?

For the first time, two of Victoria's glamour events will collide this weekend in a major sporting feast. Melbourne will live up to its status as the nation's sporting capital when the two major events go head to head.

The AFL season begins tonight when West Coast hosts St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, while the first day of high octane action rings around Albert Park.

Tomorrow night Richmond clashes with the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome, hours after the world's fastest cars tear into practice sessions.

The two-pronged extravaganza comes less than a week after Melbourne's largest event ---- the Commonwealth Games.

Sports Minister Justin Madden said Melbourne was on fire.

"No one does sport better," Mr Madden said.

"We are world leaders in participation, performance, personnel and facilities. Simply the best."

Channel 10 general manager of sport David White, who will oversee the network's broadcast of both events, said all hands were on deck.

"I reckon we've got most cameras and crew all tied up," he said.

"I can't remember a busier time. We went and had a lovely holiday and now we're involved with two massive events on the same weekend."

Lord Mayor John So said the city was ready to open its arms to another wave of visitors.

The sports feast comes as Grand Prix organisers and politicians moved to end fears that tobacco advertising bans would cost Melbourne the race.

Tobacco will be outlawed from Albert Park and Phillip Island MotoGP advertising under federal laws from October 1.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone had indicated the ban could put race organisers in breach of the remaining four years of their contract.

Premier Steve Bracks said he wasn't concerned.

"The contract we negotiated for securing the Grand Prix until 2010 also indicated tobacco advertising would be eliminated from Australia in a progressive way," Mr Bracks said yesterday.

The Government would not provide financial assistance to compensate the loss of tobacco revenue.

The Federal Government has rejected calls to help support the race.

"This is really a sponsorship arrangement which will need to be replaced by new sponsors," Mr Bracks said.

Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker said Melbourne had an iron-clad contract to host the race until 2010.

"The majority of teams have sponsors other than tobacco companies and everyone is working hard on it because they've all known the rules were coming," Mr Walker said.

As the countdown to the Albert Park Grand Prix entered its final stages:

GRANDSTAND, general admission and corporate ticket sales were down on last year, but organisers were confident Melbourne was still in party mode following the Games.

FERRARI ace Michael Schumacher proved he is just as skilful in a game of rugby sevens as he is behind the wheel.

HOLLYWOOD star Eric Bana and Britain's Olympic gold medal sprinter Linford Christie will headline the celebrity A-list at Albert Park.

General admission prices range from $39 today to $99 on race day.

The ultimate speed comparison demonstration will be today's only F1 action.


TOPICS: Australia/New Zealand; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: aussierules; australia; footy; grandprix; melbourne
I love the Grand Prix, but I've been hanging out for the footy for six months!

Go the Mighty Tigers!!!!!

1 posted on 03/29/2006 6:43:42 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
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To: Aussie Dasher

I used to watch a lot of Aussie Rules football when I went to school, haven't watched it in awhile though. But it's fun to watch.


2 posted on 03/29/2006 6:45:54 PM PST by dfwgator
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To: dfwgator

I'll keep you informed as the season progresses!


3 posted on 03/29/2006 6:48:15 PM PST by Aussie Dasher (The Great Ronald Reagan & John Paul II - Heaven's Dream Team!)
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To: Aussie Dasher

Choices, choices!! Happy sporting!


4 posted on 03/29/2006 7:31:57 PM PST by Vor Lady (Mal, "Remember, we just want to scare him." Jayne, "Pain is scary!")
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To: Aussie Dasher

Interesting. Americans wait eagerly for 6 months for Mr. Madden to announce the first day of his game here, as well.


5 posted on 03/29/2006 7:42:15 PM PST by Teacher317
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To: Grannyx4

Granny, FOOTY is back!!! I'm so excited!


6 posted on 03/29/2006 7:44:21 PM PST by Aussie Dasher (The Great Ronald Reagan & John Paul II - Heaven's Dream Team!)
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To: Teacher317

We played a game in LA not so long ago. Sydney Swans v. Kangaroos, I think it was.


7 posted on 03/29/2006 7:47:40 PM PST by Aussie Dasher (The Great Ronald Reagan & John Paul II - Heaven's Dream Team!)
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