ADELAIDE CEO Steven Trigg is concerned about possible damage to the Adelaide Oval surface during next year's Rolling Stones concert, to be held a week before Port Adelaide hosts the Crows at the venue.

The legendary rock group announced on Wednesday that it will play its first show in Adelaide in nearly 20 years on March 22, a week before the redeveloped stadium hosts its first Showdown on March 29.

About 70,000 people are expected to pack Adelaide Oval's stands as well as its turf for the concert. 


Given the redeveloped stadium's seating capacity will be 50,000, at least 20,000 people will be forced to watch the concert either standing or sitting on the oval's surface.

While excited by the prospect of Adelaide hosting the Stones', Trigg told AFL.com.au groundskeepers would have their hands full bringing the playing surface up to AFL standard within a week.

"It's a fantastic way to open a world-class stadium," Trigg said.

"But it will be a big challenge for the groundsmen to keep it up for the football demands around that time." 

Nearly 60 trucks will be needed to cart the staging and production materials for the show, which will feature a 30m long ramp allowing the band members to interact directly with the crowd.

An avid cricket fan, Mick Jagger insisted it would be "a buzz to be the first to play at the Adelaide Oval", while guitarist Keith Richards promised to "take over your new stadium and make it our own".

The Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.