Excitement builds for traditional AFL season opener at the MCG
The start of the 2020 AFL season may still be a few months away, but that can’t stop the excitement building ahead of what will be another exciting campaign to watch.
Richmond fans will no doubt still be basking in the glory of their Grand Final win over the GWS Giants back in September. It was a memorable 89-point win over a hapless Giants side in front of 100,014 fans at the MCG.
However, in sport, there’s never really a time for standing still and looking back. Instead, the focus will be on what’s next. The Draft was held in late November as clubs finalised their lists ahead of the new season, and now the countdown is on to round one.
Fans have a treat in store for the opening day of the season, with Richmond hosting Carlton in the now traditional season opener, and an occasion which is always one of the standout fixtures on the calendar. Of course, the Blues struggles in recent years means this may be a mismatch on the field, and Richmond can be backed in the Aussie Rules betting at odds of 1/4 to win their opening match, as they are expected to extend their nine-game winning streak over this particular opponent come March 19.
Despite the potential mismatch on the field, the season opened will always be a big occasion. That’s because not only will it signal the start of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, but the fixture will also take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The MCG is rightly lauded as one of the best stadiums in the world, with a range of sports played at the ground and several historic moments witnessed on the hallowed turf, which ensures that it adds aura to any event held there.
The huge 100,000 capacity means it only reaches its capacity on a few occasions each year, but the season opener between Richmond and Carlton has attracted an average of 78,000 for the past 11 times they have met in the round one fixture, including 85,016 in 2019.
The MCG at 80% of its capacity produces an intense atmosphere and the passionate supporters of two of the AFL’s most famous clubs make it something special. The round one match will be the first AFL game played at the venue featuring some of its updated technology including a new sound system and LED floodlighting.
Richmond have played their home games at the MCG since 1965 when they moved from the nearby Punt Road Oval and the club has an association with AFL dating back 140 years. With the largest membership base in the league of over 103,000, they are the ideal club to open the season with a bang as they look to produce another successful season.
View the full 2020 AFL Fixture and view event and venue info, seating maps, nearby accommodation, directions and ticket links.
