Ahead of the return of supporters to St James Park for the opening day of the season clash against Bradford City, we would like to inform you of what your matchday will look like.
As I’m sure you are all aware, we have worked incredibly hard to get ready for the new campaign and there are a few changes to what you may be used to on previous visits to St James Park.
The club is adopting a five-point plan to make sure we keep our fellow Grecians safe. Please note that these are purely for guidance and not mandatory, however your assistance in keeping fellow supporters and staff is appreciated.
- Whilst we will not be enforcing Covid passports we ask that people work to the principles where possible such as either a double dose vaccine or a negative test within 48 hours of the match.
- Please sanitise hands on arrival.
- We ask that you wear a face mask whilst moving around the stadium to reduce risk. We hope that spectators will support this measure to keep each other safe.
- Capacities will be reduced in standing terraces and indoor bars, whilst also providing some areas where spectators can socially distance should they wish to.
- We reserve the right to remove spectators if we consider their behaviour is putting the safety of others at risk. We know we have fantastic supporters and seek your help in making sure that St James Park is a safe and welcoming stadium for all.
Please note that the above five-point plan is not conditions of entry and will not be enforced by match day stewards. However, we do consider it our duty to provide the safest possible environment for supporters returning to watch the Grecians.
Player photographs and autographs
Our primary responsibility while the virus is still in circulation is to keep staff, players and supporters safe. In order to protect everyone and minimise contact, the first team players and staff will not enter the ground via Red Square meaning supporters will be unable to have their photographs taken or get signatures from the players.
Half time entertainment
Certain areas of the ground are designated as a ‘red zone’ which means no members of the public are allowed entry. This is a system in place across the EFL. These areas include the pitch, tunnel, and changing rooms. Unfortunately this means there will be no half time entertainment at matches and we cannot have any cross contamination between players and members of the public.
Tickets
We urge all supporters to purchase their tickets in advance in order to minimise queues at the ticket office before the match.
To save yourself queueing at the ground, we suggest that supporters purchase a ticket online where they will be able to receive an e-ticket which can be scanned on their device at the turnstile. This can even be done from Red Square up until kick off - simply log onto our ticketing site on your device and purchase from there.
Pay on the gate entry for the Big Bank can ONLY be purchased from Stadium Way, therefore please make sure you have bought in advance if you intend to use the Jungle Path.
If you are collecting tickets, we ask that you please arrive as early as possible to minimise queues.
Tickets will be on sale for our first away game at Leyton Orient, however these sales will cease at 2pm until after the game in order to prioritise match day itself.
Socially Distanced Seating
While a majority of the ground has returned to full capacity, Block F of the IP Office Stand and Block B of the Stagecoach Stand have been reserved for supporters who wish to remain socially distanced from others. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during the game and wish to move to one of these areas, ask your nearest steward who will assist you. You cannot purchase tickets for these areas, but can move to them once inside the stadium.
Junior Grecians Zone
The Junior Grecians Zone will be open as usual from 12.30pm for members and 1.30pm for all other supporters. The room provides a comfortable environment for families to enjoy pre-match entertainment, such as a large screen TVs, Playstation consoles and Table Football, as well as the option to enjoy refreshments from the Zone’s very own kiosk. The kiosk will also be open at half time for all supporters to enjoy refreshments.
Bars
Centre Spot and FECRACE will be open from 11am and the TVs will be showing the lunchtime kick off between Dundee United and Rangers.
After the match, pints of Carlsberg, Thatchers and Tribute will be on offer for just £3, with Leicester City v Man City in the Community Shield being shown. FECRACE will have pies and pasties on sale, as well as a fine selection of real ales.
Red Square
Kenniford Farm will be back in Red Square, providing their high quality burgers, hot dogs and the like. The Red Square bar will also be open from midday.
Key Timings
- Centre Spot Bar – 11am
- Red Square Bar - 12pm
- Club Shop – 12pm
- Hospitality – 12pm
- Ticket booth – 12pm
- Junior Grecians Zone – 12.30pm (members), 1.30pm (all supporters)
- Stagecoach Stand – 1pm (to allow use of bar)
- All other turnstiles – 2pm
While we have worked so hard to welcome you home, we recognise some things may not be perfect first time round. We would welcome any feedback on your experience on Saturday. Please send any thoughts to customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.