Welcome back Venues get ready for the long-awaited return of their supporters
SPORTS venues across Gloucestershire are ready to welcome spectators back for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Barring trial fixtures at Kingsholm, between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins in September and the New Lawn, when Forest Green faced Bradford City, fans have been banned from attending top-level sporting events since the initial Covid-19 lockdown in March.
However, the news that the county will be placed in tier two restrictions following the national lockdown will see crowds allowed to return.
Government rules say that crowds can return of up to 50 per cent of the outdoor stadium’s capacity, or 2,000 people - whichever is lower.
Gloucester City FC’S new Meadow Park ground will be able to welcome its first-ever fans. However, with an expected capacity of 3,208 - they would be limited to 1,604 spectators.
In a statement, Gloucester Rugby said: “Today’s announcement from the Government noted that Gloucester will fall into tier two under the new restrictions, coming into effect from December 2.
“Therefore, Gloucester Rugby understands that this means we will be able to welcome 2,000 supporters into Kingsholm for our game with Harlequins on Sunday, December 6.
“After being a key part of the pilot events in September, we are ready to welcome back supporters safely to Kingsholm. Preparations have been underway, and we are now working through the finer detail which we will share with supporters in due course.
“We appreciate your patience whilst we confirm this process, and we can’t wait to be able to welcome you back to Kingsholm very shortly.”
The Cheltenham Festival was one of the final major sporting events to be held before the March lockdown between March 10 and March 13.
The racecourse have not been able to welcome back fans since, but racing fans are set to be allowed in for the meeting on December 11 and 12.
A statement on Cheltenham Racecourse’s website said: “We’re looking forward to opening our doors again and working hard to make sure we provide an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone who joins us on course..”
Cheltenham Town are set to play their first competitive match in front of a crowd for nearly nine months when Exeter City visit the Jonny-rocks Stadium on Saturday.
The socially distanced capacity is likely to be no more than 2,000 meaning that for the immediate future the Robins will be able to admit around 1,000 people to matches.
It is therefore only season ticket holders who can attend league games and for the foreseeable future it is expected that no visiting supporters will be allowed in to EFL matches.
There will be one-way systems in place (supporters will generally be asked to ‘keep to the right’), hand hygiene stations and controlled access to entrances and toilets. There will be no catering available in the stadium in the short term. Supporters will be able to bring their own food and drink in small bags only. No alcohol will be allowed into the ground.
Face coverings will be compulsory inside the ground and supporters are requested to arrive at the ground at least 45 minutes before kick-off.
Forest Green Rovers are away to Harrogate Town next weekend, but fans are set to return to the New Lawn on Saturday, December 12, against Cambridge United.
As well as the return of season ticket holders, the club are offering a fourmatch bundle of tickets available in the EESI South Stand and North Stand for matches with Cambridge United, Carlisle United, Crawley Town and Oldham Athletic.
This is the only way non-season ticket holders can guarantee attendance. Prices will be announced in due course.
This bundle will be on sale to supporters from 9am today (December 3) by calling 0333 123 1889. Lines are open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am until 3pm.
Rovers are also setting out plans for the return of supporters in hospitality suites at the innocent New Lawn.
Fans interested in purchasing a hospitality ticket should contact hospitality@fgr.co.uk for more information.
There will be no catering outlets or bars open but supporters will be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the stadium.
We can’t wait to be able to welcome you back to Kingsholm very shortly Gloucester Rugby statement