CARLTON will kick off a new AFL season once again, claiming hosting rights against traditional rival Richmond for the 2019 season opener.

Announced by the AFL tonight, Opening Round will see the Blues face the Tigers at the MCG from 7:20pm AEDT on Thursday 21 March.

The blockbuster will mark Carlton’s 12th season opener against Richmond since its introduction in 2007, with this year’s attendance of 90,151 the highest in history for a Round 1 match.

Blues CEO Cain Liddle said the Club was delighted to continue a long-running tradition.

“It’s a privilege to host another season opener against an old rival at a packed MCG,” Liddle said.

“There’s no better stage for our members and supporters to witness the beginning of a new season as we start the next phase of our journey with a blockbuster home game."

Both clubs will continue to share the revenue from their future clashes, having renewed a gate-share agreement for 10 years prior to the 2018 season.

Liddle said the Blues were committed to growing one of the AFL’s greatest rivalries.

“Both our footy club and Richmond have invested heavily to build this traditional season opener into a major event,” he said.

“The huge attendance numbers reflect the strong appetite from opposing supporters for it. We think it's the biggest home-and-away game of the year and hope to get another 90,000 fans there.

"We’re looking forward to working closely with Richmond to continue to grow both the season opener and the rivalry in general."

The full 2019 AFL fixture will be released on Wednesday.

To secure your seat at the Blues' season opener, become a 2019 Carlton member. Click here to join us.

2019 OPENING ROUND 

Thursday, March 21

Carlton v Richmond at the MCG, 7.20pm AEDT

Friday, March 22

Collingwood v Geelong at the MCG, 7.50pm AEDT

Saturday, March 23

Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 1.45pm AEDT

Adelaide v Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT

Western Bulldogs v Sydney at Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm AEDT

Brisbane v West Coast at the Gabba, 7.20pm AEST

Sunday, March 24

St Kilda v Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT

Greater Western Sydney v Essendon at Spotless Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT

Fremantle v North Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm AWST