Skipper Dyson Heppell and his Hawks counterpart Ben McEvoy face off ahead of Saturday night. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon will open its 2021 campaign in a home game against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Here's what you need to know about the Bombers' season opener.

Please note: Tickets for the match have sold out. No further tickets will be available, and no membership scans/tickets will be available on game day.

ROUND ONE

Essendon v Hawthorn
7:25pm AEDT, Saturday, March 20
Marvel Stadium

BROADCAST

TV*: Channel 7 (from 7pm), Fox Footy (from 7:20pm), Kayo
Radio*: 3AW (from 7:15pm), ABC (from 7:20pm), Triple M (from 7:20pm), AFL Nation (from 7:20pm)

*Based on Melbourne/VIC region. Click here to adjust your state.

KEY TIMINGS

5:30pm - Gates open

7:14pm - Essendon enters arena

7:16pm - Dr Bruce Reid tribute

7:23pm - Coin toss

7:24pm - Scarf wave

7:25pm - Game commences

01:54

Debutants' delight as new Dons named

The moment five Bombers players are told they will be making their red and black debut.

SCARF WAVE

A mighty tradition born from Kevin Sheedy's famous jacket wave, the scarf wave will take place 30 seconds before the bounce. Make sure you're in your seats with your scarves at the ready, as we let the Hawks know who they're coming up against.

The scarf wave is back. (Photo: AFL Photos)

MEMBERSHIP/TICKETS

Member services will be located at the ticket boxes located at Gates 3, 5 and 7. Members are reminded that due to COVID-safe requirements, they must have redeemed a ticket to the game prior via Ticketmaster. Member cards will not provide access, and tickets will not be available at the gates.

For any membership enquiries, please call (03) 8340 2000 or email membership@essendonfc.com.au.

MERCHANDISE

Merchandise will be located at the club hub outside Gate 5, as well as inside Gates 5 and 7. Don't forget to show your 2021 membership card to receive 10 per cent off.

KEEPING COVID-SAFE

In order to keep all patrons, players, match officials and staff safe, there have been a number of changes made to your Marvel Stadium experience.

When arriving, make sure you have your mobile ticket ready. Please download the ticket before arriving at Marvel Stadium to avoid any delays.

Enter at the designated time and gate on your ticket.

There are now only three reasons to leave your seat: use amenities, purchase food and beverages, or exit the stadium.

Please also maintain social distancing at all times.

ONLINE COVERAGE

Bombers fans keep across the club’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts (@EssendonFC) for inner-sanctum access and comprehensive match-day coverage. You can also join the conversation on Twitter by using the official match hashtag #AFLDonsHawks and official club hashtag #godons.

MATCH CENTRE

Keep across our match centre for live scores, stats, news, videos and more.

MATCH-DAY SPONSOR/ACTIVATIONS

The club is proud to have co-major partner Fujitsu as its round one match-day sponsor.

Here are some activations to keep across on game day.

Fujitsu Flame: The popular Fujitsu Flame is back for 2021, taking place at three-quarter time on Saturday night. Possible entrants will be contacted directly by the club before game day. If the successful entrant beats the Flame, he/she will receive $500. If not, he/she will receive a Bombers merchandise pack.

Fujitsu Fast Five: The Fujitsu Fast Five is a new online competition where the person who gets the best time on five trivia questions will receive a $100 Bomber Shop voucher. The questions will be based on the Bombers' history against the Hawks. Stay tuned to the club's social media channels and the big screen at Marvel Stadium to get involved.

McCafe VIP Experience: McDonald's will welcome five special club members to its McCafe VIP Experience. The members will be pre-selected.