United host League One outfit Oldham Athletic in the first round of this season's Emirates FA Cup competition on Saturday afternoon.
Looking ahead to the game, manager Keith Curle said: "The FA Cup brings its own buzz and excitement and Saturday will be no different. It's a competition we want to progress in because there is always that incentive of potentially pulling a really big club if you can get through the first two rounds.
"It's a home tie, which is what you want from a cup draw, and it comes with the added factor for us that we're determined to turn the draws we've been getting into victories. The players know they could have been looking at more wins from their recent performances, but the belief and confidence is still there and we're ready to kick on.
"Oldham are a good side and Richie [Wellens] has got them doing things properly. They'll be hurting from the manner of the defeat last Saturday and they'll be looking to get back to the kind of consistency which got them on a run of seven games unbeaten ahead of that game against Scunthorpe.
"It should be a good game against a side which likes to attack, but we know we'll have our fans behind us every step of the way, and they'll be playing their part by cheering us on to what we hope will be a place in the second round draw."
Remember, you can purchase your tickets by telephone on 0844 371 1921* or buy online and print at home, or order for collection, by clicking HERE.
*Calls to this number are charged at 7p per minute from landlines. Charges from mobiles may vary. A booking fee of £1 applies to all online transactions.
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Join us for our Happy Hour and Big Match build-up
Our hospitality areas will all be in full-flow again this weekend and we are looking forward to seeing you all there as the FA Cup first round proper kicks in!
Our TV screens will be showing Stoke at home to Leicester City from 12.30pm, to help you to get in the mood for the big game, and the post-match action comes from the Championship as Brentford take on Leeds United.
Our catering partners, abm Catering, are delighted to confirm another Happy Hour in the Sporting Inn and Sunset Suite between 12pm and 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
The Happy Hour includes a ‘50p per pint off’ offer on Fosters, John Smiths and Strongbow [£3 per pint during the Happy Hour] – please note, Guinness and Morretti will be sold at full price.
Remember, you can upgrade your match ticket to book a place in Foxy’s Restaurant - £25pp for a two-course meal or £30pp for a three-course meal.
We also have an extensive range of sponsorship opportunities available, from Match Day sponsorship to player and ball sponsorship packages. For more information please contact the Commercial Department on 01228 554 155 or email commercial@carlisleunited.co.uk
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CUOSC Surgery
CUOSC will be holding their next Supporters’ Surgery on Saturday, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm in the Study Centre, located next to the Blues Store.
Barry Carter from the CUSG Disabled Supporters Group will also be in attendance to answer any questions or queries our disabled fans may have.
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New stock arriving in our Blues Store all the time!
As we head rapidly towards the festive season we have excellent present and gift ideas arriving in our Blues Store almost every day.
From clothing to small souvenirs and stocking fillers, we have everything your devoted Blues fan could want.
The popular home and away kits continue to sell well - some of our first team players will be popping into the Blues Store at around 2pm – be there for a selfie with your new shirt if you can make it!
Also in-store is a fantastic new historical wall chart. Everything you need to know about the Blues is right there in front of your eyes and, at just £10, it's an absolute bargain.
Keep checking in-store and online - we have new fashion and souvenir ranges arriving all the time.
Telephone sales: 01228 554 138 (during store working hours only).
To shop at our online Blues Store, click HERE.
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The Mascots
Our mascots for this game are Amos Bulman, and Ellie and Layla Mallinson.
Amos and Ellie are both huge fans of Nicky Adams, and Layla is most looking forward to meeting Reggie Lambe.
Have a great day everybody!
To find out more about our Junior Blues membership and how to become a mascot, click HERE.
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The Man in the Middle
Our match referee this weekend is Mr Andy Haines.
Mr Haines has taken charge of 14 games so far this season and has shown 41 yellow cards and two reds.
One of those 14 games was our first of the season here at Brunton Park when we faced Swindon Town. Luke Joyce scored our goal in a 2-1 defeat and Mike Jones went into the book on the day.
Our betting partner Sky Bet has some fantastic odds available on all match markets – click HERE for more details.
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The Match Programme
Issue 10 of this season’s The Blues match day programme is on sale from our usual programme selling points and outlets around the ground.
It’s a 64-page publication this season and it’s packed with fun, facts and features to keep you entertained during the half time break.
Our popular Head2Head feature puts defender James Brown against midfielder Samir Nabi in what became the battle of the nice guys (well, one of them is).
Kelvin Etuhu goes under the spotlight and he names and shames as he points out a member of the current squad who he would shove into Room 101.
Priced at just £3 it’s becoming a must-have match day essential.
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Match Day Ticket Sales
Match Day Ticket Sales are as follows:
Main Stand [B, C, Pirelli Family Stand and EWM] – from the ticket office situated on the west side of the stadium.
Paddock – from the Paddock ticket office situated at the southern end of the Paddock.
Pioneer Foods Stand and Warwick Road End – from the Pioneer Foods Stand ticket office situated on the ground floor on the east side of the stadium.
Away fans – from the away ticket office situated at the northern end of the Pioneer Foods Stand.
Remember – during the working week our Pioneer Foods Stand ticket office, situated on the first floor of the Pioneer Foods stand, is open for ticket sales for ALL areas of the ground.
The ticket office on the west side of the stadium is open on MATCH DAYS ONLY.
The ticket office is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays (and until kick off for midweek games) and from 10am to 5.15pm on weekend match days.
It is worth noting that entry can be gained on match days by showing your ticket confirmation email on your smart phone or equivalent device. Simply present the relevant section of your eTicket for scanning at point of entry.
For full ticket office opening times and ticket prices, click HERE.
Remember, you can purchase your tickets by telephone on 0844 371 1921* or buy online and print at home, or order for collection, by clicking HERE.
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Be in it to win it with our Golden Gamble
Keep your eye out for our Golden Gamble sellers around the ground ahead of kick off.
Your tickets can be purchased for just £1 (or at 3 for £2) and give you the chance to win either £100, or the share of a cash pot, in our half time draws.
And, while we’re on the subject, why not sign up to our exciting Blues Lotto? For just £1 you can purchase 10 lucky numbers for our weekly draw giving you the chance to win cash prizes from our fund of nearly £60,000.
There is now the opportunity to pay an additional £1 per week to upgrade to Premier Membership where there is another £17,000 cash, 3 new cars and many other prizes waiting to be won.
For more details visit www.blueslotto.co.uk or email lottery@carlisleunited.co.uk.
Alternatively call 01228 526 237 and ask for Ewan Wood.
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The Blues Store in the East Stand
We are delighted to confirm that our Blues Store will be operating from the Club Bar adjacent to the Family Zone in the Pioneer Foods Stand once again this weekend.
A full range of stock will be available with the emphasis on smaller items, suitable for the younger visitors to our extremely popular Family Zone games and play area.
Keep your eye out for our mini-tuck shop selling a range of confectionary and drinks.
Replica kit sales continue to go well in our main Blues Store on Warwick Road and it would be great to see you in your favourite colour [blue or carbon] as you cheer on the lads from the stands and the terraces.
Blues Store opening times:
Monday - 10am to 5pm
Tuesday - 10am to 5pm (open until 7.45pm on a match day)
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday - 10am to 5pm
Friday - 10am to 5pm
Saturday - 10am to 3pm (open until 5.30pm on match day)
Sunday - CLOSED
Telephone sales: 01228 554 138 (during store working hours only).
Click HERE to shop at our online Blues Store.
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Challenge 25
We are operating the ‘Challenge 25’ policy at Brunton Park this season.
Please do not be offended if you are asked for ID when purchasing alcohol and if you appear to be under the age of 25 to our bar staff.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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The Supporters’ Car Park
Our supporters’ car park is open with parking available at the stadium at just £3.
Please be aware that the ground can be uneven in places, so take care when navigating and walking around the area.
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Local Match Day Travel with Stagecoach
Carlisle Footyrider – get to the match for half the cost!
Stagecoach Cumbria and Carlisle United are working together to make it easier for you to get to Brunton Park on match days.
The Carlisle Footyrider ticket will get you to every first-team home game for half the price of a normal dayrider ticket.
Stagecoach service 76 and 685 takes you straight to Brunton Park. Simply catch service 76 from The Crescent (Stand U) near the train station or service 685 from Carlisle Bus Station.
What you'll need
To get a Carlisle Footyrider ticket you’ll need to show our driver one of the following:
+ A valid Carlisle United season ticket
+ A ticket for that day's match
Where you can travel?
You can get to Brunton Park from anywhere across Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Depending on where you’re travelling from, you can purchase a Footyrider ticket from within the:
+ Carlisle dayrider zone
+ Carlisle dayrider plus zone
+ Explorer zone
How much does it cost?
+ Carlisle dayrider - £1.50
+ Carlisle dayrider plus - £3.35
+ Explorer - £5.40
Click HERE to visit the Stagecoach website for full travel details.