The MCG's 20,000 square metres of hallowed turf will be replaced in October as part of the biggest resurfacing in nearly a decade.
A packed program of sporting events on the MCG's calendar in 2015 - including the Cricket World Cup final and a State of Origin rugby league clash - has prompted the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) to complete the $1.7 million resurfacing.
Beginning just two days after the AFL grand final, the work will be completed in the month-long window between the AFL and cricket seasons.
Around 150 truckloads of turf will be shipped out and brought in, with the playing surface to be stripped, re-levelled and recycled as top soil.
MCC arenas operations manager Tony Gordon said the redevelopment was several years in the making, following consultation with similar venues across the world.
"The life span of any natural turf sports surface is not infinite and, while our artificial lighting system has significantly reduced the need for turf replacement, the MCG is a high-use venue," he said.
"Strategic turf replacement is crucial to ensuring our playing surface is among the best in the world."
Ten portable cricket pitches will also be installed during the resurfacing, to be completed in time for a first Sheffield Shield fixture beginning on October 31.
While 2014 Melbourne marathoners won't be able to finish their runs around the MCG as a result, fans can still get up close with the most famous patch of grass in Australia on September 28, MCG Open Day.
The work is the biggest resurfacing of the MCG since the 2006 staging of the Commonwealth Games.
G-EED UP FOR A BIG YEAR: MAJOR EVENTS ON THE MCG's 2015 CALENDAR
* January: Big Bash League and One Day International
* February - March: Cricket World Cup
* April - August: AFL Season
* June: State of Origin
* July: International Champions Cup soccer (possible)
* September: AFL finals
* October: AFL grand final
* November - December: Domestic cricket season and Boxing Day Test.
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