More than 42,000 tickets snapped up for Shane Warne memorial at MCG

More than 42,000 people will pay their in-person respects to cricket legend Shane Warne at his state memorial service.

Bookings opened at 3pm on Tuesday for the Melbourne Cricket Ground event which will take place at 7pm on 30 March.

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said 42,300 people have already snapped up a free ticket.

“That’s a really strong start, I’m sure there will be many more,” he told reporters on Wednesday morning.

“There are obviously seats still available. I’m sure Victorians will be there in massive numbers to pay tribute to a fantastic Victorian.”

It will be the wider public’s first chance to say goodbye to Warne following his death from a suspected heart attack at the Thai resort island of Koh Samui on 4 March.

Patrons will need to be fully vaccinated to attend the service, which is expected to run for two hours.

Gates will open at 5.30pm and guests must be seated by 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

Rather than flowers, Warne’s family has asked people to donate to The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Warne’s state memorial follows a private funeral held on Sunday.

The MCG event will be livestreamed on the Victorian government’s website.

The ground’s Great Southern Stand will be renamed in Warne’s honour.