The wait is over! It’s the Blues against reigning premier Richmond as we battle it out on Thursday night in the traditional season-opener at the home of football – the MCG. 

ROUND 1

Richmond v Carlton
Thursday 22 March
MCG at 7:25pm AEDT

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Played 218
Carlton 125
Richmond 91
Draws 2

LAST TIME THE SIDES MET:

Round 14, 2017, MCG
Richmond 11.18 (84) def. Carlton 8.10 (58)

FORECAST FOR MELBOURNE ON THURSDAY:

Mostly sunny with a top of 26 degrees. 

MERCHANDISE:

Want to wear what the team wears? The Carlton Shop is your one-stop shop for our new 2018 Carlton apparel, including our latest winter wear. Make sure you head to the MCG’s Superstore, or outlets around the ground to purchase everything from hats, beanies, guernseys and hoodies. You can also shop online. 

AWAY MEMBERSHIP:

We appreciate your loyalty and support, become #BoundByBlue in 2018 and sign up as a Carlton member. For more details visit our membership marquee located in between Gates 2 and 3, head to membership.carltonfc.com.au, or call 1300 CARLTON.

Members please note: Thursday night’s game against Richmond is currently forecast to sell out, with limited tickets predicted to be available on game day.

While your membership entitles you access to scan in at away games, this is subject to capacity and available seating. We would like to advise members wishing to attend the game to upgrade to a reserved seat – securing your seat now will ensure access on game day.

To purchase tickets to this match please click here, then enter your membership barcode. Click ‘check barcode’ and continue to purchase the ‘best available’ seating.

PRE-MATCH HITOUT:

A VFL practice match between Richmond and Northern Blues will be played at Punt Road Oval from approximately 4:15pm to 6.55pm.

TICKETING:

The box office ticket outlet located near Gate 3 opens at 4:30pm, however as mentioned it looks likely this match will sell out, so pre-purchase your tickets now.

Head online to buy tickets, visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au.

CHEERSQUAD ALLOCATION:

Carlton: Bay M33 (Rows A-T)

GATE OPENINGS:

MCC Reserve – 5:00pm

Public/AFL Reserve – 5:00pm 

Arrive early: There will be heavy security in place at the ground, which will have an impact on the time it takes to get into the ground. Please allow extra time and don't leave your arrival until the last minute. Making sure patrons are safe takes time, so please be patient as you enter the stadium.

Limit your bags: Every bag will be inspected upon arrival at the MCG, so try and take minimal belongings.

CARPARK OPENING:

Gate 3 – 7:00am

Gate 5 – CLOSED

Gate 6 – CLOSED

Gate 7 – CLOSED 

For safety and security reasons, there will not be any public parking in Yarra Park at this match. A limited number of spaces will be available via Gate 3 for disability permit holders.

ROAD CLOSURE:

As a pedestrian safety measure, Brunton Avenue will be closed to all traffic from 4:30pm-11:00pm on the day of the match. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

You can take a train, tram or bus to the MCG.

Tram No.75 (City-Vermont South), No.48 (City-North Balwyn) and No.70 (City-Wattle Park) stop within walking distance of the ground.

The Jolimont and Richmond train stations are within walking distance of the MCG. To get to Jolimont station take Hurstbridge or Epping line trains. To get to Richmond station from the city, take any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Dandenong,

Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston or Sandringham lines.

The Bus route 246 is run by National Bus Company, which links La Trobe University with Elsternwick Station. The 246 stops on Punt Road and is a short walk to the ground.

For more information visit the PTV website 

BROADCAST:

Metro TV in Melbourne & Adelaide: Channel 7 (LIVE), Fox Footy (LIVE)

Metro TV in Sydney: Channel 7 (LIVE), Fox Footy (LIVE)

Metro TV in Perth & Brisbane: Channel 7 (LIVE), Fox Footy (LIVE)

Metro Radio: Triple M, 3AW, SEN, ABC Radio, Grandstand Digital

Regional Radio: AFL Nation, K Rock, NIRS

FOLLOW THE BLUES ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Snapchat (carlton_fc)