THE AFL will tweak its new match-day experience initiatives to suit supporters, after admitting LED lighting at the MCG was too bright during last Thursday's season-opening blockbuster between Carlton and Richmond.

A huge crowd of 83,493 saw the Blues kick-off their pre-game entertainment with a bang, highlighted by fireworks exploding as the team ran onto the ground and the return of Captain Carlton in a hovercraft.

Speaking to AFL.com.au, the League's general manager of clubs and AFL operations, Travis Auld said he was impressed with Carlton's efforts and stated fans' feedback across the opening round was "really positive".

However, he admitted there were some teething problems.

Some fans complained about loud audio during the breaks in play, while Auld revealed the LED signage had to be dimmed during the Carlton-Richmond match.

"There's no doubt on Thursday night some of the creative was a bit bright and we actually dialed it back there and then," Auld said.

"Thursday night was always going to be a bit of a test for us, and we probably need two or three rounds to settle it in.

"I think fans understand it will take a little bit to get used to."

Auld said not distracting supporters from the match was the AFL's priority after the installation of the LED lights at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.

The redeveloped Adelaide Oval used similar lighting for Crows and Power home games last year.

"We want to make sure that we're not interrupting the game," Auld said.

"We're really clear about that and that will mean that throughout the early parts of the season we keep adjusting and listening to our supporters.

"But we've already seen that it can improve the atmosphere significantly on match-day.

"We did some other things around the audio we're going to play around with a bit more as the season progresses.

"This is part of introducing new ideas; there's always teething problems. But significantly the most overwhelming feedback has been really positive."

The AFL introduced a range of other initiatives in round one, including cheaper food and drink prices at the MCG and Etihad Stadium, plus free entry to St Kilda's clash with Greater Western Sydney for children under 15 on Sunday and kick-to-kick on the ground post-match.

Clubs have been encouraged to implement their own measures at home games.

The Western Bulldogs had a dancing pack of mascots prior to their clash against West Coast, while Hawthorn floated its premiership flag onto the MCG and fireworks erupted after Fremantle's victory over Port Adelaide.

The Power set the benchmark last year with their pre-game rendition of the INXS song 'Never Tear Us Apart', and Auld said it was up to each club to enhance the match-day experience as they saw fit.

"We left it with clubs. They've got some assets and access to the stadium they didn't have previously," he said.

"They've got the two hours before the game to interact with their supporters and that gives them a massive opportunity.

"Some clubs will build it really quickly and others will take the full season.

"I know from talking to the guys in South Australia that Port Adelaide went a bit harder than Adelaide and Adelaide probably wish they pushed it a bit more now, and they will be playing a bit of catch up.

"I think it's an opportunity for every club including clubs at the top of the ladder."
Carlton said its feedback has been positive, with the dimmed lights for the team running onto the field and re-naming of stands to reflect the club's home at Ikon Park particularly well received.

Champion goalkicker Brendan Fevola delivered the match-ball and the club said a different past Blues player will do so before each home game, while fireworks will return for selected night matches – including the club's round five clash against Collingwood on Friday, May 1.

But not every club is convinced the new initiatives are worthwhile, with Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox believing the on-field product was most important.

"I'm not convinced this is the answer to drawing fans in," Fox told SEN radio before the Hawks faced Geelong on Easter Monday.

"I'm still a believer that a good hard game of football is the way to get the fans into the game."