CARLTON will officially welcome Brendan Fevola back into the fold as part of its pre-game celebrations ahead of its round one clash with Richmond at the MCG next Thursday night.

Fevola kicked the third most goals in Carlton's history (575) in 187 games over 11 seasons before being traded to the Brisbane Lions at the end of 2009.

The mercurial spearhead was always a fan favourite at Ikon Park, but the Blues eventually lost their patience with him after a string of off-field incidents.

All will be forgiven next Thursday night when Fevola delivers the game ball to the umpires along with former Tiger Shane Tuck.

The two-time Coleman medallist will be the first inductee into the 'Carlton Ring of Honour', which will celebrate a club cult hero at each home game.

The Blues' pre-game celebrations will also feature club mascot Captain Carlton and his new-and-improved hovercraft, a LED light show, fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Carlton will also set up a 'Heatley End' in and around the cheer squad at the Punt Road end in an attempt to recapture the old atmosphere at Princes Park home games. Free Carlton flags will be given to Blues fans in this area.

"We are making a concerted effort to re-engage Carlton people everywhere, and Brendan has always been a fan favourite amongst our supporter base," Carlton CEO Steven Trigg said.

"We are excited that he and his family will be part of Thursday night's pre-game celebration.

"When looking at the overall match-day experience we set out to keep it as authentically Carlton as possible.

"We want to bring some of Princes Park with us to the 'G.

"Captain Carlton, along with his new hovercraft, will appeal to both our younger fans and the generation of 'Bluebaggers' who turned our home and the Heatley End into a fortress."

Ticket sales for Thursday night's game are up 28 per cent on when Carlton last hosted Richmond in round one two years ago, when a crowd of 80,671 attended the MCG.