The AFL isn't concerned about the state of the turf at Marvel Stadium or the MCG after respective Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran concerts, with just under two weeks left until Round 1 kicks off.
Marvel Stadium hosted back-to-back Harry Styles concerts last weekend, attracting massive crowds to the Docklands. While the turf was protected by plastic mats, the Herald Sun has confirmed that large portions of the grass are being replaced before the season kicks off, though the league is confident the ground will be ready to go.
The AFL-ownedย stadium will host two matches in Round 1 - North Melbourne v West Coast on Saturday and St Kilda v Fremantle on Sunday.
The MCG meanwhile is attracting crowds of more than 200,000 for blockbuster back-to-back Ed Sheeran concerts, with the ground set to hold the season opener in 13 days.
Last season the turf at Optus Stadium raised eyebrows when Fremantle hosted St Kilda after back-to-back English Premier League exhibition matches and days of torrential weather wreaked havoc, leading to former Saints coach Brett Ratten to warn venues about cramming too many events into their calendars.
Back in 2017, the AFLW's inaugural grand final had to be shifted from the Gabba after multiple Adele concerts damaged the surface in the weeks prior to the game, with Metricon Stadium eventually hosting.
The AFL confirmed to the Herald Sun that their full-time staff are well equipped to have the surfaces ready to go for Round 1, with Carlton and Richmond set to face off in the traditional season opener on Thursday, March 16.
