SHANE Warne fans and celebs have gathered in Melbourne as half a billion people tune in worldwide to commemorate the life Aussie cricketing legend.
Thousands of fans have already started to pour into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of Warnie’s state memorial.
Half a billion viewers are expected to tune in worldwide to Warnie’s memorial
Fans have laid wreaths at the MCG ahead of Wednesday’s memorial
Thousands are expected to turn out at Warnie’s home ground in Melbourne
Fans are preparing to celebrate Warnie’s life
And another 300 million are expected to watch in India, with the service also being broadcast in Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UK from 7pm Melbourne time, MC Eddie McGuire revealed.
More than 51,000 tickets were given away, with millions more expected to watch across Australia as Warne’s tribute goes wall to wall on free-to-air television and Foxtel in Australia.
People have travelled from across the country to pay their respects to Warne, in what was expected to be a tearful and joyful celebration.
Brielle Beatson, 32, flew from Brisbane with her mother Leanne, 66.
“I was quite devastated,” Ms Beatson said when she heard the news of Warne’s death in Thailand on March 4.
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“I was on the Ticketek website at 3pm and kept refreshing when the tickets were available.”
The cricket fan said she wanted to be part of what will be a special night.
“I was here at the MCG when Warne made 99,” she said.
Leanne, from Alexandra Hills, Brisbane, said she was “shocked” at Warne’s sudden passing.
“I’m from Brisbane but in the AFL in Melbourne, everyone knows Dusty, (Dustin Martin) but the whole world knew Shane Warne – he was a rockstar who could spin a ball.”
Ian Hasler, 51, came from Bendigo, about two hours outside of Melbourne.
He was standing near the Shane Warne stand, which was still flooding with flowers and tributes, ahead of the service.
“We came to the Boxing Day Test every year for 15 years,” he said.
“I was driving past the MCG when he took his 700th wicket – you could hear the roar from outside.”
Mr Hasler said it was the first time he had been at the MCG since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“I’m a big cricket fan, I’m a big fan of Warney’s,” he said.
A two-way stage was set up on the ground, with large screens on either side.
The MCG scoreboards were also being used as part of the broadcast.
About 500 seats were reserved for dignitaries, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison who flew down from Canberra after budget duties.
Fans were seated on both sides of the ground, with the majority of the crowd in the members and Ponsford stands.
The set up was to allow best viewing for a spectacular lights show due at the end of the two-hour service when the Great Southern Stand will be officially renamed the Shane Warne stand.
Earlier in the day, Guy Lavender, the chief executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club (Lord’s) laid a wreath at Warne’s statue.
He had travelled from London to attend, representing the UK cricket community.
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley, David Maddocks, chair of Cricket Victoria, Michael Happell, president of the Melbourne Cricket Club, and Dale Monteith, MCG Trustee, also laid a wreath.
Warnie’s heartbroken family bid farewell the spinner 10 days ago.
About 500 dignitaries are expected to attending, including Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Warnie was loved for his laid-back lifestyle
Thousands of fans have streamed into the MCG to remember the spinner
