Olympic Atrium Bar

Greater Group, through our specialist hospitality division TableFive, was engaged to convert an underused atrium within the MCG into a dedicated commercial bar. The project required a complete hospitality layer to be introduced into an existing stadium space, giving the atrium a defined role within the MCG’s food and beverage offer.

The space needed to accommodate the concentrated demand of event day, with customers arriving for drinks before play and returning during short breaks. Bar capacity, queueing, customer circulation, furniture and standing areas all informed the planning, creating an environment capable of serving large groups and supporting functions across the stadium calendar.

Greater Group organised the floor plan around the bar and the movement of customers through the atrium. Service points are positioned for clear access, with circulation maintained around the bar for ordering and collection. Seating and standing areas extend into the wider atrium, giving groups different places to meet and remain within the venue.

The existing architecture forms the framework for the new hospitality environment. The atrium’s existing curved Sherrin football installation was retained as the starting point, with Greater Group, in conjunction with Southpour, designing a new bar and cool room that mimic its curve. Timber framing and cladding were introduced to add warmth and work with the red of the Sherrin sculpture, and FF&E was selected around the practical demands of a high-traffic stadium setting. The design was carried from concept through detailed documentation, including the specification of furniture and equipment required to operate the space.

The Olympic Atrium Bar converts previously redundant stadium space into an operational food and beverage venue. A dedicated bar, clear service circulation and a mix of seating and standing areas give the atrium the infrastructure required to accommodate event-day crowds and regular hospitality service.

Its location and flexible floor plan also allow the venue to support functions outside the match-day programme. The project adds another purpose-built bar to the MCG’s hospitality network, increasing the use of an existing part of the stadium and providing guests with another place to meet and drink around an event.