SUPPORTER MATCH DAY INFORMATION

We would like to thank all our supporters over this pre-season.  Your understanding and acceptance of procedures we have had to put in place in relation to ticket sales being online only and changes in how we have to currently operate on a match day has been greatly appreciated.

The Ticket Tailor process did prove to be successful thanks to your understanding that it was required, and does stand the club in good stead should such processes be required at any point in the future for the club.

We are pleased to announce that, as things stand with Government & FA guidelines, we are reverting back to selling tickets in person on the day, no online pre-purchase is available. As always should anything change in this matter we will make a clear announcement at that time.

We will still be maintaining the maximum capacity as per FA guidelines and will be ensuring that this figure is not breached by manually counting in every supporter through our 3 entry points (2 turnstiles & 1 Season Ticket Holder entrance).

Car Park

Our Supporters Car Park charges £2.00 to park on a match day. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept card payment for this. So please ensure you have £2.00 available to pay on arrival. We are aware of currently Covid cash handling suggestions. The Steward attending the Car Park will be wearing a face mask.

Track & Trace

Before entering The Optima Stadium you will be required to complete our Track & Trace system. This is a legal requirement that the club must undertake. There are signs before entering the turnstiles and one in the turnstile. The system is a simple QR scan code that you scan using your mobile telephone, click on the link it gives you and then complete your details. This is required for every visit you make to The Optima Stadium.

Turnstiles

We will be operating 2 turnstiles starting on Saturday 26th September. Turnstile 1 at the front of the car park will operate on a card only basis. Turnstile 2 at the far side of the ground by our 3G facility will operate on a cash only basis. As already mentioned you will be required to complete the Track & Trace before entry. Both turnstiles have relevant Social Distance markings on the floor outside them.

Social Distancing

We do remind all supporters it is your responsibility to maintain current UK Government Social Distancing guidelines while you visit The Optima Stadium. This includes all areas of the ground, inside and out, along with the seated areas.

Match Footballs

We do ask that supporters refrain from throwing any balls that leave the pitch and enter the supporter’s areas back on to the pitch. A Steward or Ball Person will instead make their way to your location, gather the football and return to the Home Dugout so that it can be cleaned before going back on to the pitch. When balls leave the pitch in this manner the Home Dugout will be throwing another ball on to the pitch for the continuation of the game.

Facilities within Ground

Our Somerset Suite Bar, Kitchen and inside ground Joe’s Bar will all be open. Card payment can be made at all three locations. All three areas do have ground markings detailing the social distancing requirements. The Somerset Suite can only hold at any one time 50 people.

At busy times, such as half time we will be placing Stewards in these locations to remind supporters of the current social distancing requirements.

Club Shop

Unfortunately, due to current guidelines affecting people trying on clothing, the Club Shop at The Optima Stadium have made the decision to remain closed. Obviously this they are reviewing as UK Government guidelines change over time.

Player Tunnel Gates

Due to current requirements to close these, for the players entry to the pitch and return from the pitch during their pre-match warm-up, there may be a slightly longer period before the game where these will have to remain closed. We do apologise in advance for this. The Stewards will open them as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. They will also be closed for a period at the beginning and end of Half-Time and also at the conclusion of the game.