Essendon has reportedly lodged a formal request with the AFL to move its season opener against Hawthorn from Marvel Stadium to the MCG in order to maximise fan attendance.<\/p>\n
The Bombers confirmed to The Age that a request had been made with the league in a bid to have up to 25,000 more fans attend their home match against the Hawks.<\/p>\n
It comes after the Victorian government greenlighted crowds for the opening round of the season, with both MCG and Marvel stadium allowed to operate at a 50 per cent capacity.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hawthorn chief Justin Reeves was also open to the move, telling The Age: "If it means more Hawthorn fans and members can get into the game, then we'd love to explore it."<\/p>\n
If the Bombers-Hawks game remains at Marvel Stadium, a crowd of around 25,000 would only be allowed to attend. If it was moved to the MCG, around 50,000 patrons would be permitted into the ground.<\/p>\n
Melbourne and Fremantle are currently scheduled to play at the MCG earlier on the same day, but the MCC would be open to hosting the Bombers-Hawks game if a move was approved by the league, according to The Age.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"