Our questions page will be regularly updated to ensure we can give you the latest information on the event, so please make sure you keep checking this page.

This page was last updated: Tuesday 4 May, 2010

All participants will be sent email updates to ensure you have all the information you need when you arrive at the MCG on 7 May.

Accommodation:

Mantra is offering Field of Women LIVE participants a great deal to stay in any of their six CBD hotels. Not only will you receive the very best price, the Hotel group is donating 50% of all room prices to BCNA (Rates apply May 7 - May 10 only). To find out more go to: http://www.mantra.com.au/field-of-women/

Disability Access

Parking

Vehicles with accessible parking permits can access parking at any of the entrances to Yarra Park. For the Great Southern Stand and AFL Members Reserve, enter via Punt Road (Gates 5 or 6). For MCC Members, enter via Wellington Parade South (Gate 3).

More information regarding where to pick up your registration kit and access onto the ground will be available closer to the event. If you would like to drop people off, you can do so at the intersection of Jolimont TCE and Jolimont ST intersect near the MCG. Please note: on game day access to Brunton Avenue is closed so you will need to enter from Wellington Parade.

Stadium Access Entrance

Access to Gate 1 or Gate 6 and 7 depending on your ticket is via the Rod Laver Arena footbridge or the ramp on the corner of Jolimont Street and Jolimont Terrace. Please check back for further details.

Click Here for a map of the area.

Further information will be emailed to you closer to the day of the event. Please note you will be able to sit with friends, regardless of what gate you enter.

Are there designated areas to park buses at the MCG?

Yes. You will need to register your bus and reserve parking through the Melbourne & Olympic Parks website. Click here to make a bus booking.

I have a number on my ticket, does that mean seating is reserved?

No. The numbers on the tickets are only for registration processing. You will be seated in the allocated block of seats for BCNA and will be able to sit with your friends.

Is the seat I choose before the ceremony my seat for the match?

No. There are no reserved seats for the night. After the ceremony you will select a new seat in the general seating area. You will not be able to save seats during the ceremony.

Can I bring my children?

It is recommended that chidren are 12 years of age or over and they must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian if under the age of 16.

When I arrive where do I go?

Please enter with whatever gate number you have on your ticket, if your gate number is different to that of a friend of family member you are attending with, do not worry as you will be able to sit together inside the ground.

Map of MCG Seating Plan

What time do I need to arrive?

Gates will open at 4.30pm and participants will be required to be seated inside the ground by 5.15pm. Please ensure you have plenty of time to arrive, collect your backpack and poncho, and take your seat for the event.

If you arrive after 5:15pm you may miss out on meeting up with friends as well as have difficulty getting on the field for the ceremony.

What happens once I take my seat?

When you arrive at the MCG, you will be given your back pack and pink poncho and asked to move to an allocated seating block within the MCG. There will be plenty of volunteers who will be able to direct you.

During the ceremony you will be standing on the ground for about 20 minutes.

After the ceremony, you will be directed to leave the ground by volunteers. You will then take your seat for the match; seats are not allocated so you will be able to sit in all General Admission areas of the MCG. Volunteers and MCG staff will be able to help you.

Please note, you will not be able to leave your belongings on a seat during the ceremony so it's important that you pack light for the night.

Where should I arrange to meet up with my friends?

You can arrange to meet up with your friends before you arrive at the MCG. If this is not possible take your mobile phone to help find each other. There will be time after you receive your poncho to find your friends so you can walk onto the field together. Click Here to see a map of the MCG to arrange your meeting location.

What should I wear?

Your poncho will cover most of you. Dark clothing will help us look our best on the night. The weather may be cool, so bring a pullover.

It is important to wear flat comfortable shoes - runners are best.

No high-heels will be allowed on the MCG.

Volunteers will be in event specific (not pink) t-shirts.

What should I bring?

We recommend that you bring a small bag which you can put into your backpack and under your poncho. There will be nowhere for you to leave other items.

Remember to bring your mobile phone. This will help you stay in contact with others in case you are separated.

Umbrellas are not permitted - your poncho has a hood and will keep you dry if it rains.

Cameras are permitted.

Click Here to view a full list of MCG restrictions for the event.

Please note no eating or drinking is allowed on the ground during the ceremony.

Will I be able to buy refreshments?

The MCG snack bars will be open however all participants must be seated in the stands by no later than 5.15pm, so please eat before hand if you cannot eat at the ground.

Refreshments will be available for purchase in the Stadium during the game.

What if I don't live in Melbourne?

Many men and women have already arranged travel to be in Melbourne on 7May. We're looking forward to friends and supporters from around Australia participating. Perhaps you can arrange for a group of women to make the trip together to take part in this very memorable ceremony.

We encourage participants to make the most of Mother's Day Weekend. In addition to the Field of Women LIVE, there are several other events taking place in and around Melbourne including the Mother's Day Fun Run and Pink Footy & Netball Day 2010. So take advantage!

More information on transportation to the event is available below.

Do I have to have had breast cancer to take part?

You can participate in the ceremony whether you have had breast cancer or not. You do have to be at least 12 years of age and accompanied by a parent/ guardian if under the age of 16.

How much does it cost to take part in the Field of Women LIVE?

Tickets are $50 per person. This includes a back pack, a poncho, a ticket to the match and includes free public transport from anywhere in Victoria.

You can also ask friends and family to sponsor you to stand on the field. This is a wonderful way for those who are not able to join you on the Field to be there in spirit. If you raise more than $200, you will be offered the opportunity to have your $50 fee back. To find out more go to: http://fieldofwomen.gofundraise.com.au/

Where does my money go?

100% of the registration fee will go towards supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia's important work. Our mission is to inform, empower, represent and link together Australians personally affected by breast cancer. To learn more about BCNA's work visit http://www.bcna.org.au/

Is the registration fee tax deductible?

Unfortunately your registration fee is not tax deductible. Because you are receiving admission to the match, the amount, in accordance with Australian Taxation Laws, does not qualify for a deduction.

If you are not able to attend and would like to make a donation instead, or if you would like to make a donation in addition to registering for the event, please note that the donation amount is tax deductible. Donations can be made at: http://fieldofwomen.gofundraise.com.au/

How do I register?

You can register online by visiting http://www.fieldofwomenlive.org.au//

Please note- You can only register through this website: http://www.fieldofwomenlive.org.au//

Unfortunately registrations cannot be made over the phone or in-person. Click here or on the Buy Now button on the top right hand corner of the page to purchase your tickets today. Payment can only be made via credit card and must be made upon booking your ticket.

Ticketek staff will be unable to assist you. Should you have any problems with the registration process please email: eholyman@bcna.org.au.

Can I register and pay on May 7?

This event has sold out twice before so make sure you register well in advance to secure your participation.

Can I register more than one person?

Yes, you can register up to 10 people at one time. All tickets are general admission- there are no reserved seats. If you are registering a large group you must do so in multiples of 10 through this Field of Women LIVE site and make sure to coordinate your group's arrival to the MCG in advance.

Can I bring animals or my pet?

No.

I am a member of the AFL, MCC or Melbourne Football Club and already have my ticket to the match. Do I still have to register and pay the $50?

Yes, the $50 is the cost to be part of the Field of Women LIVE event and stand on the MCG. After the event you can still sit in your normal AFL, MCC or Melbourne Football Club seat.

Do I buy a separate ticket for the game?

There is no need to buy a ticket as your registration and poncho provides you with entry into the game.

Can I buy a poncho and not participate?

No. The ponchos represent the number of women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and are event-only merchandise. Its important for everyone who has registered to show up punctually on the night as each poncho has been accounted for and is integral to the formation of the Pink Lady silhouette.

If you are unable to participate on the night you can still get involved by making a donation to BCNA or by creating your own fundraising page at GoFundraise.com. To find out more go to: http://fieldofwomen.gofundraise.com.au/

What happens once I register?

A confirmation email will be sent straight back to you. The email will contain important information for the event to ensure you can collect your back pack and poncho on arrival at the ground.

If you arrive at the MCG and find you have lost or misplaced your ticket, proceed directly to the help desk located at Gate 1.

Where do we sit to watch the game?

You will be able to sit in any area after the game that is not already AFL, MCC or MFC Reserved seating. You will be directed after the ceremony. You will not be able to save seats during the ceremony and will need to bring all of your belongings with you onto the field.

How do I buy a ticket for someone to attend the match who doesn't want to participate in the Field of Women LIVE?

If someone wants to come with you and only be a spectator for the match then they can purchase a General Admission ticket on Friday 7th May from the ticket office at the MCG from 4.30pm. This ticket will enable them to watch the Field of Women LIVE in a area separate to Field participants. Once the Field of Women LIVE event is over and you have left the arena you will be able to sit together in the General Admission areas.

Do I need to stay for the game?

You are free to leave the MCG following the conclusion of our Field of Women LIVE display. However your registration fee includes a ticket to the match, thanks to the support of the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL. We will be displaying images from our event on the big screen at half time, so you may want to stay for that. It would be great to see thousands of pink ponchos shown on the telecast that night. It will be a powerful statement and reinforce our message.

Can men be involved?

Yes. Men too are affected by breast cancer and are encouraged to participate. In 2007 many men chose to wear a pink poncho to support the women in their lives and to stand beside their wife, sister or mother.

Why do this at the football?

An event of this magnitude requires a large arena. The 'Pink Lady' formation will reach the entire length of the oval. Standing together on the MCG will make a significant statement to the whole of Australia as it will be covered by the media.

Although breast cancer is primarily a disease for women, we have key messages to communicate to men too, especially about the importance of supporting women who are diagnosed. A football match is the perfect venue.

How will the public see the event?

Channel 7 will be showing the event nationally through their telecast of the Melbourne v Western Bulldogs match. In addition, The Herald Sun will provide an event feature on Saturday and we are sure the formation we create will be splashed across news broadcasts and newspapers across Australia and the world.

Can I bring my own pink poncho?

No. Even if you stood with us in 2005, you will need to have a 2010 poncho. Those wearing a 2005 poncho will not be able to gain access to the field.

Can I give someone else my poncho after the ceremony to allow them access to the match on my behalf?

No. Tickets are non-transferable even if you do not wish to stay for the match.

What if BCNA doesn't reach its 14,000 target?

This event in 2005 and 2007 was sold out. We are very confident that we will reach our target. As such, we encourage you to register as quickly as possible to ensure you are not disappointed.

What if it rains?

The event will still take place. Your poncho will keep you dry!

What if I can't be at the MCG on Friday 7 May?

We understand that many of you would love to be involved, but won't be able to physically be there with us on the night. There are still many ways you can still help make this amazing event happen. Spread the word among your local community, work colleagues, support groups and network of friends. Ask everyone to tell all their friends about the event and to visit the Field of Women LIVE 2010 website.

You can also make a donation to BCNA through our fundraising page: http://fieldofwomen.gofundraise.com.au/

Why 14,000?

14,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year -The Field of Women LIVE is a chance to support all people affected by breast cancer.

When and where is it being held?

The Field of Women LIVE will be held on the evening of Friday 7 May 2010 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) before the Melbourne v Western Bulldogs AFL match.

What is the best way to get there?

Public transport is the best way to get to the MCG. Thanks to the support of the State Government you will be able to travel free on all public transport within Victoria on the night of the ceremony.

Please note that there is another event in the precinct on the same night so travelling by car is not advised. If this is your only option then please ensure you leave plenty of time.

BCNA is grateful for State Government subsidises transport on May 7, however it is only available on Friday May 7 if you wish to come back on Saturday May 8 you will have to pay for a return fare. If you are looking at staying overnight Mantra http://www.mantra.com.au/field-of-women/ is offering great deals.

What if I live in a regional area?

To book a VLINE reserved seat train ticket (these are marked in V/Line timetables with the letter 'R'):

1. Call 136 196 to reserve a seat

2. You will not be required to pay anything but you will be given a booking number

3. Take your Field of Women LIVE ticket, photo identification and booking number to your local staffed station or V/Line ticket agent

4. You then will be given your V/Line ticket

You will be able to book and pick up this ticket anytime from when you purchase your Field of Women LIVE ticket. If you plan to pick up your ticket on the day, make sure you allow plenty of time (at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time) to do so.

To book a VLINE unreserved ticket:

1. Take your Field of Women LIVE ticket, photo ID to your local train ticket agent anytime from when you purchase your ticket to Field of Women LIVE

2. You then will be given your $0 ticket

Conditions:

Free travel applies only to forward and return journey taken on Friday 7 May 2010. Traveling on another day will require the payment of the appropriate fare
Available for economy class seats only
No further concessions or discount fares available
Change of travel date not permitted
Non transferable

Local Bus Booking:

On town bus services (the local bus services in regional Victorian towns and cities), ticket holders can present their ticket and travel free of charge.

Who is sponsoring this project?

This event is proudly sponsored by:

MAJOR SPONSORS

Bakers Delight, The Victorian State Government, Sussan, Australia Post and Pacific Brands.

Event Partners

Ticketek, Mantra, Spotless, RACV, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), AFL, Melbourne Football Club, The Western Bulldogs and the MCG

Media Partners

New Idea, Channel 7 and the Herald Sun

What can I do to help?

Register online as soon as you can. Coordinate a group registration. Be there on the night! Tell your friends, family and colleagues. Enlist your girlfriends, sisters, daughters and mothers.

Keep visiting our website http://www.fieldofwomen.org.au for regular updates and news.