The AFL has urged all fans planning to attend the blockbuster game, including both Richmond and Essendon members, to purchase or upgrade their tickets.
General admission members from both clubs will not be able to scan in to the ground on Saturday night.
A limited number of restricted view and standing room will be released once all reserved seats in the public section of the ground are exhausted.
The League has encouraged fans to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment, while there are limited seats remaining in the AFL Reserve.
The Bombers currently sit third on the ladder, but are coming off consecutive losses to Geelong and then the Brisbane Lions on the weekend.
On the other hand, Richmond is in seventh spot, having won its past two games - against Port Adelaide and Melbourne.
Essendon has won three of the past four 'Dreamtime' contests between the teams, while Saturday night's meeting shapes as one of the games of the year.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
