To add some spice to the occasion, the game at Forsyth Barr Stadium also doubles as a contest for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy.
The trophy is at stake every time a game is played at the ground of the holder.
The game was not played in 2016, as the Highlanders, who held the trophy, played the Blues only in Auckland that year.
The match was played in Dunedin last year and the Highlanders just got home 26-20 over the Blues.
That win by the Highlanders last year means both sides have won the trophy eight times since its inception in 2002.
The Highlanders have had the trophy since 2012.
It is named for former Otago coach Gordon Hunter, who also coached the Highlanders and Blues.
About 12,000 tickets have already been sold for Friday’s game and it is expected another 4000 will be sold.
As part of a way to highlight the game and acknowledge the start of the season, the Highlanders lit up the roofed stadium in a shade of blue on Monday night.
The Highlanders have a bye in the competition next week.
The Highlanders and Blues are expected to name their teams today.