http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...546633e52a7069
US VICE-president Joe Biden has confirmed he will visit Melbourne this weekend where he is planning to attend Sunday’s clash between Carlton and West Coast at the MCG.
Biden’s secret service operatives have already toured the home of football and could tighten security measures at the ground for the 73-year-old’s visit. It is unknown how it would impact fans attending Sunday’s game.
Biden will visit the new state-of-the-art Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre to highlight US-Australia co-operation on cancer research.
He will also visit Boeing’s factory to see the contribution Victoria is making on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner project.
Biden is second-in-charge to US president Barack Obama and one of America’s most powerful men.
It is understood Biden is a big sports fan and has long been keen to watch a game of Australian rules.
St Kilda tackles Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday but the MCG is believed to have been Biden’s preferred option.
Biden’s AFL allegiances are unknown but Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop is a big West Coast fan and presented Obama with an Eagles jumper in 2011.
Confirmation of Biden’s attendance is expected in the next 48 hours. He is expected to arrive in Melbourne later in the week.
The high profile visit will be a huge coup for the state-of-the-art $1.1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and help to cement Melbourne’s reputation as a global leader in medical research.
Security arrangements are progressing and exact details of the visit remain confidential, however it is known that Mr Biden will take part in the official opening of the new Peter Mac, as foreshadowed by the Herald Sun last month.
Acting Premier James Merlino said Victoria has a long and close relationship with the United States.
“I know all Victorians will warmly welcome the Vice President here in Melbourne,” he said.
“Victoria is a world leader in medical research, so it’s fantastic that the Vice President will be able to see the extraordinary work going on at the new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
“Victoria and the United States collaborate strongly across aerospace, medical research and information technology and this visit will help strengthen those ties for the years ahead.”
Biden is in his last year of office and has recently hit the campaign trail in support of Hillary Clinton in her presidential election fight against Donald Trump.
Joe Biden attending Melbourne football Jul17
