The Olympics went "down under" for the first time in 1956. By a one vote margin Melbourne beat Buenos-Aires for the honor of being the first southern-hemisphere nation to host the games. The location altered athletes' training schedules since the games began in November, during the Australian summer. The famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of Australian Rules Football was transformed to accomadate the more tranquil sport of track and field. Unfortunately, not all was tranquil. Political unrest of 1956 was evident at the Games when a water-polo game between the Soviet-Union and Hungary, (invaded that year by Soviet forces) turned violent. But there was a happy ending to the Games. For the first time the closing ceremony featured athletes marching together, symbolizing the bonds and friendships established during the two weeks of competition.