EXCLUSIVE: CARLTON fans can look forward to hosting Richmond with the MCG bathed in navy blue, with the MCC confirming the ground's internal LED signage is expected to be ready for round one.
 
The Blues will gain first access to the 1km of signage, which will run around the fence at ground level and on level one, for their season-opener against Richmond on April 2.
 
Carlton will be able to use it to customise the venue up to two hours before the first bounce, and then at key moments throughout the game.
 
The Blues will also be offered the chance to take over the big screen at times during the match, as Adelaide Oval did with its tenant clubs in 2014.
 
Both the MCG and Etihad Stadium will feature the internal signage – the first of its kind in Australia – this season.
 
Previously, only the Docklands venue had been able to confirm its range of fan-friendly initiatives, including the signage, would be ready for round one.
 
But the MCC and the AFL both believe the LED signage will be complete in time for Carlton to host Richmond in a month's time.  
 
The MCG is currently hosting cricket's World Cup, with the final to be held on March 29.
 
Late last week, the MCC gained ICC approval to carry out some installation works over the next fortnight ahead of the next fixtured World Cup game on March 19.
 
Games at Adelaide Oval last year saw the home team take over the LED fencing that stretches along the non-broadcast wing, as well as access the big screens.
 
It was a popular aspect of Adelaide and Port Adelaide's match day experiences.
 
Recently, AFL general manager of clubs and operations Travis Auld said the introduction of the LED signage to both Melbourne venues would be "a bit of a game changer".
 
"We just don't have it anywhere else in the country.," Auld told AFL.com.au.
 
"We don't have a stadium in the country right now that has this quality of equipment in it, and at this extent."
 
The 'G already faces a tough challenge to ensure it is ready to switch from a cricket pitch to a football oval within the space of a few days.
 
However, stadium management remains confident the job can be done.
 
The MCG will host two more games in round one after the Carlton-Richmond blockbuster. Melbourne host the Suns on Saturday, followed by the Hawthorn-Geelong blockbuster on Easter Monday.
 
All 10 Melbourne-based clubs have contracted media companies to run their digital match-day experiences.