Carlisle United have been given the go ahead by the EFL to use this weekend’s home game against Southend United as a ‘test event’ which will see up to 1,000 fans attend the game across all areas of the ground.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “The EFL contacted clubs just before lunchtime on Tuesday to let us know that test events were a possibility for this weekend’s round of League Two fixtures.
“They asked clubs to register their interest, if they wanted to stage a test event, and we immediately said yes.
“I’m very pleased to be able to confirm that we have been selected, and we can now begin the process of getting ready to stage this game with 1,000 of our Season Ticket holders in attendance.”
“What we all have to acknowledge is that we will not be able to cater for all of our Season Ticket holders,” he continued. “We already have in the region of 1,800 who have now either paid or reserved their place for next season, so this will leave some of them disappointed.
“With such a short timeframe between now and the game, we felt it was important to move quickly to try to make sure that we could get our test game done, with all of the lessons to be learned from it, so that we can then be ready take the next step after that.
“Our aim has to be to get as many fans back into the stadium as quickly and safely as we possibly can, and if we hadn’t been able to host this as our test game, our next opportunity would have been Barrow. It goes without saying that we want more than 1,000 fans at that game.”
“With just two days to go, the option of doing a ballot is not viable, with the length of time it would take to contact those fans who have been successful, and to confirm that they could even attend the game,” he commented.
“Therefore all 1,000 tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, and will be available to 2020/21 Season Ticket holders only (those fans who have either already paid, or who have reserved a place). Those people who get a ticket will be situated in the seat, or the terraced area, that they have already been allocated.
“We will have 250 places to sell in each of the following - West Stand, Pioneer Stand, Paddock and the Warwick Road End, which will allow us to test the procedures in place in all areas of the stadium.
“By limiting ticket sales to Season Ticket holders only, we know that we already have appropriate social distancing measures in place, and that those fans who do attend will know which area of the ground they will be situated, which will then help with access, and movement.”
Southend ticket details:
+ Tickets are on sale now!
+++++++
+++++++
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
When phone lines open we will be selling tickets for ALL areas of the ground - Paddock, Warwick Road End, West Stand and Pioneer Stand.
If at all possible, come down to the ground in-person to get your ticket.
The Pioneer Stand ticket office is open.
+++++++
+++++++
+ Tickets are on sale to 2020/21 SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY. This includes fans who have already paid for their Season Ticket, or who have not yet paid but have reserved their place.
+ Please note – this fixture is NOT part of your Season Ticket package. You will be purchasing your place in the stadium for this game (prices are below).
+ Season Ticket holders will get the seat or terraced place they have already been allocated – selecting other areas of the ground will NOT be permitted.
+ There will be NO away fans permitted at this game.
+ Tickets can be purchased in person, or by phone.
+ Email or online purchases are NOT available for this fixture.
+ In person – come to the Match Day Pioneer Stand ticket office (external) to make your purchase. Please socially distance when you queue. Purchases can be made with cash or card.
+ By phone – call 0330 094 5930 (option 1) to make your purchase. We expect it to be very busy, apologies in advance if you are queued (this could lead to you missing your opportunity to purchase) – if possible come along to the Match Day Pioneer Stand ticket office (external) to get your ticket, although a purchase cannot be guaranteed (tickets only available while stocks last).
+ For the test game the prices will be Match Day ticket prices.
Prices Seated
Adult - £22
Senior - £19
Young Adult - £16
Junior - £10
Family Junior - £8
Under-11 - £7
Under-7 - Free of Charge
Prices Terraced
Adult - £19
Senior - £16
Young Adult - £13
Junior - £7
Family Junior - £5
Under-11 - £4
Under-7 – Free of Charge
Refreshments
All kiosk, bar and food areas will be CLOSED, with the exception of:
+ Sporting Inn: 11.30am to kick off and after the game – 20 reserved spaces available. Make your reservation when you purchase your match ticket.
+ Sunset Suite: 11.30am to kick off and after the game – 30 reserved spaces available. Make your reservation when you purchase your match ticket.
The spaces available in both the Sporting Inn and the Sunset Suite will also be offered on a first come, first served basis.
These facilities will NOT be open during the half time break.
Fans are welcome to bring their own food and soft drinks for this game – alcoholic drinks will not be permitted and will be confiscated. Entry may not be permitted for individuals who attempt to bring alcoholic beverages into the stadium.
Code of Conduct
Click HERE to read our Covid-19 Code of Conduct. All fans MUST adhere to this policy.
Face Coverings – for this test game, the club will adopt the following policy:
+ When outside the stadium confines, please adhere to social distancing guidelines where face coverings are optional (as they are when go about your daily business elsewhere).
+ When entering the stadium, either through a vomitory or a turnstile, face coverings are mandatory and MUST be worn.
+ When moving to a seated or terraced area, or between locations (eg, seat to toilet), face coverings are mandatory and MUST be worn.
+ Once in your seat or standing position, and therefore socially distanced, face coverings are not required (unless you wish to wear them for your personal comfort and reassurance).
Movement
Please restrict your movement around the stadium as much as possible.
Vehicle entry to the supporters’ car park is via the Stony Holme access road. Vehicles will exit the same way after the game.
Disabled Fans
Disabled access is as normal. Please purchase your ticket as detailed above.
Fans should always consider their own circumstances and personal health when deciding whether or not to come to the match.
We will give further updates and information in the run-up to the game.