Carlton and Richmond have confirmed a gate-share agreement that will span at least the next 10 years.
The agreement was signed during the week, which will continue to allow the traditional season opener between the two clubs to grow.
Since 2007, the Blues and Tigers have opened the season on 10 occasions, with an average crowd of 75,000.
โItโs a great privilege for Carlton and Richmond to be given the opportunity to open the AFL season each year and we are excited to formalise our shared commitment to growing what is one of the AFLโs greatest rivalries,โ Carlton CEO Cain Liddle told carltonfc.com.au.
โOur members and supporters will be thrilled that Carlton will now benefit financially, irrespective of whether Round 1 is a home or away game and we look forward to working with Richmond to break the all-time attendance record for this game in 2018.โ
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale echoed Liddle's thoughts, suggesting it was a good deal for both sides moving forward.
โBoth Richmond and Carlton have invested heavily in building this game into a major event, and this announcement further underlines that joint commitment and investment for the future,โ Gale said.
โBoth clubs love playing in the marquee match, and we know our members and fans love it too.
"This traditional season-opener has been an enormous success, and weโre looking forward to working closely with Carlton to continue to grow it further.โ
Given the two sides play just once in 2018, the clubs have confirmed the away side (Carlton) will be given a fixed fee return from ticket sales.
Crowds are expected to exceed 90,000 for the round one opener, given the Tigers are unveiling their premiership flag.
