Essendon will play its first Friday night game of the season when it faces Geelong at GMHBA Stadium next week, with the AFL confirming the details for round 16.

The Bombers will tackle the Cats from 7:50pm AEST, in what will mark the sixth annual Powercor Country Festival game.

The round 16 match will also be the Bombers' first at GMHBA Stadium for premiership points since 1993.

Ticketing arrangements and on-sale dates will be confirmed early next week.

ROUND 16
Geelong v Essendon
7:50pm AEST, Friday, July 2
GMHBA Stadium
Live on Channel 7