Significantly reduced capacity means only 2100 people will be able to watch Richmond and Essendon have their final pre-season hit out at the ME Bank Centre on Friday, March 7.

The match, which commences at 1pm, will be fully ticketed as a result of the reduced capacity.

Tickets will go on sale at Ticketmaster from 9am tomorrow morning (Wednesday, February 19), priced at $15 for adults and $2.50 for children. Click here to purchase tickets.

The match will be used as a fundraiser with proceeds from ticket sales going to Richmond's preferred charity partner, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation.

Fans that miss out on purchasing tickets to the match can watch a live webcast of the game on Richmond’s website.

The Foundation runs programs to protect children from the devastating effects of violence and bullying. Sadly, one in four young people are bullied every fortnight.

The capacity of the ground has been affected by interface works being undertaken to prepare the facility for Richmond's VFL side, which plays its first game at the ground on Saturday, April 19 against Williamstown.

"It is fantastic that we have been able to get these interface works underway and we expect they will be fully completed in time for our first home VFL game," said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.

"It will, however, impact capacity for our practice game against Essendon, and it is really important supporters of both clubs are aware of that fact.

"Our fans know how important the Richmond VFL side is to our football plans moving forward - and indeed many have helped make it happen. Getting these works completed so VFL games can be played at home is a part of that plan.

"We are really pleased that we can use this game to support The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the critical work they do to protect children from violence.

"As a community we all feel the heartache when young people are victims of violence and bullying, and we are very proud of the fact that we partner and support an organisation that makes such a significant contribution to the protection of children."

Richmond’s VFL team will also have their first pre-season hitout on Friday, March 7, in a practice match against Collingwood’s VFL team at Victoria Park. The match will start at 4:30pm, with free entry for fans.

Match details:

Richmond v Essendon
Friday, March 7, 1pm
ME Bank Centre, Punt Road Oval
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