Melbourne is universally recognized as one of the world's great sporting cities, with unparalleled passion for live sports.
* **Australian Rules Football (AFL):** The dominant sport in the city. The **Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)**—capable of holding 100,000 spectators—is the sport's spiritual home. **Marvel Stadium** in Docklands is the other major AFL venue. * **Tennis:** Melbourne Park hosts the **Australian Open** every January, the first of the four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments. * **Cricket:** The MCG hosts the iconic Boxing Day Test match, a cornerstone of the Australian sporting calendar. * **Motorsport:** The **Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix** is held annually at the Albert Park street circuit. * **Horse Racing:** The **Melbourne Cup**, held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November, is famously known as "the race that stops a nation." * **Other Codes:** The city passionately supports the **Melbourne Storm** (National Rugby League), **Melbourne Victory** and **Melbourne City** (A-League Soccer), and **Melbourne United** (NBL Basketball).