Cambridge United complete our double-header of home games this weekend with the Blues looking to get back to winning ways and to extend their current good run of form to seven games unbeaten.
Looking ahead to the game, manager Keith Curle said: "We've watched Cambridge a number of times recently and they're a team who have physicality and presence, and who can also play football.
"Joe Dunne will be demanding a lot from them and it's another game where we will have to do our jobs individually and as a collective. They have strengths, but we feel there are areas we can exploit if we impose ourselves on them from the off.
"Last weekend ultimately left us feeling frustrated. We got ourselves into an excellent position in the game and it looked like there would only be one winner. There were a lot of positives to take from the game overall, and the pleasing thing is that the focus from the players has been completely on that, and on making sure we keep this excellent run of form going.
"With eight games left to play this is where we all need to stick together. If there are criticisms to be made, direct them at me. I want us all to give the players every opportunity to perform to their highest potential by creating as positive an atmosphere as we can generate. I’ve said it many times before, if we’re standing together, unified, we make this stadium a very imposing and difficult place to visit for opposing teams."
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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A big welcome to this weekend's Match Sponsor
With us on Saturday as our main Match Sponsor are Park Gate Ltd.
They have been sponsors of the club for over 10 years and we always look forward to seeing them.
They will be with their guests in our Sponsor's Lounge and we hope they have a fantastic afternoon with us.
Barry Carter from the CUSG Disabled Supporters Group will also be in attendance to answer any questions or queries our disabled fans may have.
Simon Clarkson, from CUSG, will also be there to talk about the ongoing refurbishment and proposed decoration plans for the Sunset Suite. Click HERE for more details on this project.
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Get to meet the players
Some of the first team squad will be out and about around the ground on match day.
Make sure you get your selfies and autographs:
12.45pm to 1pm - players arrive at main reception
2pm - Blues Store
2.30pm - Family Zone
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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're looking forward to seeing you all there as we welcome Cambridge United for what is another important game.
Our TV screens will be showing all of the sports coverage ahead of kick off, to help you to get in the mood for the big game. And live football will also be on our screens after full time, for those of you who want to stay with us when our game has concluded.
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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New stock arriving in our Blues Store all the time!
As we go full steam ahead towards spring it's an excellent chance for you to pick up your Blues clothing and accessories with some cold spells still predicted in the coming weeks.
From fashion ranges 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!
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 Thomas Crooks and Harry Watt.
Both boys are predicting a United home win - let's hope they've got that one absolutely nailed on - and they are both most looking forward to meeting Danny Grainger.
I'm sure we'll be able to sort that out for them. Have a great afternoon with us lads.
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 Richard Clark.
This is our first meeting with Mr Clark this season, but he was with us twice in the last campaign. He presided over our 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy victory over Blackburn Rovers U21s, with Danny Grainger and Shaun Miller bagging our goals.
And he was back later in the season for the visit or Portsmouth. Pompey won 3-0 on the day and Tom Miller and John O'Sullivan were booked as the Blues started to chase the game.
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 24 of this season’s 'The Blues' Match Day programme is on sale from our usual programme selling points and outlets around the ground.
Our popular Head to Head competition puts previous winners Nicky Adams and Richie Bennett up against each other in what is a very entertaining encounter.
Huge lies, bad excuses and the odd daredevil feat of heroics - we've got it all in this one.
Get your copy to find out more!
It’s packed with fun, facts and features to keep you entertained during the half time break.
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.