THE AFL is facing its first test as a stadium owner with two of the world's biggest music stars set for back-to-back mega concerts in the weeks leading up to next season.
English music sensation Adele will host a 360-degree 'in the round' concert on Saturday, March 18.
A week earlier the global pop phenomenon Justin Bieber will perform, with a huge stage to be set-up at one end of the ground.
"The venue will be set to go for our round one matches," Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane told AFL.com.au.
The pack-down from the Adele event will begin in the early hours of Sunday, March 19, giving ground staff just under seven days to get the surface ready.
Etihad's first game of the season is a twilight encounter between St Kilda and Melbourne on Saturday, March 25.
North Melbourne hosts West Coast the following afternoon, Sunday, March 26.
The AFL took control of the Docklands stadium this month, after agreeing to an early purchase of both freehold and management rights.
The League had been due to take control of the stadium for just $30 in 2025.
As well as providing a better financial result for clubs who host games at the stadium, the League intends to continuing running the arena as a multi-purpose venue.
The surface at the 56,000-capacity stadium, which has a retractable roof, has faced regular issues since it opened in 2000.
