Tens of thousands of patrons take of advantage of the free entry to the ‘Flat’ to attend Melbourne Cup Day, 1896. (VRC Collection)
VRC members enjoy admission to all Flemington meetings and the added comfort and benefits of both The Grandstand, a multi-storey facility for members completed in 2000, and the stylish and modern Club Stand, brand new in 2018. The Club Stand replaced the Members’ Stand which had done duty on this spot since before the era of Phar Lap. Both of these elegant, spacious buildings offer a wide range of betting facilities, dining areas and bars with elevated vantage points close to the racing action. Members are entitled to numerous benefits including certain reciprocal rights with sporting and racing clubs nationally and internationally. They are offered
a selection of hospitality options throughout the year, especially at Melbourne Cup Carnival time. These include the right to reserve car and marquee sites in the Domain, the Rails and Nursery Car Parks. It’s fair to think of Members and the Members’ Reserve as the heart of Flemington, and it is no surprise that members stay loyal to the VRC, decade after decade. There is an honoured cohort of 50-year Life Members who bear witness to that.
Shoulder to Shoulder. VRC members watch the running of the 1965 Melbourne Cup from the enclosure. (National Archives of Australia)
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