Well it’s back! The new Sky Bet League 1 season gets underway on Saturday with Bradford City welcoming Blackpool to the Northern Commercials Stadium (kick off 3pm).
As always we ask supporters to get to the stadium as early as possible for the game.
Turnstiles will be open in all sections from 1.30pm.
Saturday is a little bit different for the new season with new scanners being used for the first time, essential bag checks taking place and added security for the first game of the season.
Supporters are also reminded that flexi-cards no longer allow entry to the stadium at the turnstiles and there will be no cash entry for supporters at any turnstile.
All sections of the stadium will be open and the following is the best way to gain access to your seat:
JCT 600 (West) Stand - turnstiles W3-W18 which can be located in the Directors’ car park either side of the glass doors to the banqueting suites that can be accessed from Valley Parade or Burlington Street. The turnstiles will give access to season tickets and match tickets only. The late gate (open until half-time) will be W3 which is the turnstile nearest to Valley Parade. Supporters in wheelchairs can gain access to the JCT 600 West Stand via Gate WD on Valley Parade or via the 1911 Club reception using the lift.
North West Corner - turnstiles NW3-NW6 - which can be located to the left of the main ticket office as you approach it. The turnstiles will give access to season tickets and match tickets only. The late gate (open until half-time) will be NW6. Supporters in wheelchairs can gain access to the North West Corner through the One-in-a-Million school compound and then through Gate NWB.
North Stand Kop - there are two locations to gain entry to the Kop, behind the stand or from Midland Road. Turnstiles N1-N8 (4 x near to the Ticket Office and 4 x near to the Bantams Bar entrance) are situated behind the Kop. The turnstiles will give access to season tickets and match tickets only. The late gate (open until half-time) will be N1. Supporters in wheelchairs can gain access to the North Stand Kop through the One-in-a-Million school compound and then through Gate ND.
In addition, supporters can also gain entry to both levels of the Kop from Midland Road, using turnstiles N9-N14. The turnstiles will give access to season tickets and match tickets only. There will be no late gate for the Kop on Midland Road; N1 behind the Kop will remain open until half-time. Supporters in wheelchairs cannot access the Kop from Midland Road and are asked to enter the stadium through the One-in-a-Million school compound and then through Gate ND.
Northern Commercials (East) Stand - turnstiles E1-E6 on Midland Road will be open for this stand for this game. The turnstiles will give access to season tickets and match tickets only. The late gate (open until half-time) will be E6. Supporters in wheelchairs can gain access to the Northern Commercials (East) Stand should gain access through Gate EA.
Supporters are also reminded that in line with legislation and the EFL ground regulations, the entire stadium, including the seating areas, concourses, stairways, turnstiles and toilets, is a no-smoking area. The use of electronic cigarettes in all parts of the stadium is also forbidden.
Supporters are also asked not to bring bags to the stadium. Where this is unavoidable, all bags will need to be searched before entry can be allowed. Items included on the EFL ground regulations that are deemed to be a potential risk, including bottles and aerosols, will not be allowed into the stadium.
In addition, supporters will not be allowed to record or live-stream any of the live match action. The Club has been reminded by the EFL of its obligations to prevent live footage of the game being stored, recorded or transmitted and stewards will take appropriate action if this regulation is contravened.
Some supporters have still not collected their season tickets for the 2017/18 season. The ticket office will be open at 9am on Saturday until 12 noon for season ticket collections. If you are intending to attend the Blackpool game and still have to collect your ticket, please get down to the stadium first thing in the morning. Due to the potential for congestion in the North West Corner in the build-up to the game, there will be no season ticket collections after 12 noon. For the same safety reasons, the ticket office will not open at all after the final whistle.
Finally, as this is the first full game of the season, supporters are reminded of the potential for cars parked in the area to be targeted by thieves. Some thieves and gangs might see the area as easy pickings while the game is taking place, so please do everything possible to avoid being affected in this way. Please ensure that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked and any valuables removed from the vehicle or left out of sight. If you are affected by this type of crime, please call West Yorkshire Police as soon as possible on the 101 number.
Enjoy the game!