JUST IN: “SUPPORTERS UPDATE” MAY 2024, All you need to know
Firstly, we want to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for your help. You have all been immensely crucial to the team’s performance on the field, from packing Hayes Lane terraces and exceeding our #Project30K objective to long-distance travel, your amazing support at Wembley, and our open-top bus parade. We hope the festivities were enjoyable for you.
In the release below, we have attempted to provide a summary of both anticipated and recent modifications. While we try to keep fans informed about all that goes on both on and off the field, we do ask for your patience and understanding during this very busy time for the Club.
STADIUM PITCH
The Club needs to replace its 3G artificial pitch with a grass surface in order to comply with EFL requirements. We have a very short turnaround time to install a grass pitch in time for the new season, therefore work on removing the artificial surface has already begun.
NEW COMMUNITY PITCHES
The community will continue to enjoy from the surface that has served it so well since 2017 because, as many of you may know, the Club has planning approval for an additional 11-a-side and 9-a-side pitch beyond the stadium, where we will relay the current 3G Stadium Pitch. If you are facing the Norman Park end, the new facility will be situated just beyond the treeline, to the left of the current 11-a-side field. In order to get floodlighting granted, a second application for planning authorization is pending. The goal is to have these pitches completed by October, therefore work on them will start as soon as feasible.
STADIUM WORKS & EAST STAND DEVELOPMENT
The club is still dedicated to developing the East Stand, but right now, of course, the stadium and pitch projects come first. To optimize the area beneath the stand for additional community facilities, a revised planning proposal has been submitted to the local authorities.
PRE-SEASON
The team is putting together a training regimen and preseason schedule. We can confirm that we will not be able to hold any pre-season games at Hayes Lane due to the necessary improvements to the pitch. After everything has been finalized, fans will be able to see the schedule in the upcoming weeks.
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO FIXTURE RELEASE
The EFL has announced that the schedule for the Sky Bet League Two season will be announced on Wednesday, June 26. The season will start on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
RETAINED LIST
In the upcoming weeks, we hope to be able to provide our whole retained list. The players who are still under contract, those whose options are being exercised, those who are getting new contract offers, and those who are being released are all included in the retained list.
ZONING OF THE STADIUM
There will be some changes to the stadium’s operations on match days due to EFL regulations, SGSA Green Guide guidelines, and local authority requirements. Sadly, this means that supporters will no longer be able to switch ends once they have entered the stadium and that they will have to buy their season tickets or match day tickets within a specific stand.
In the event that the aforementioned authorities grant their clearance, the Club intends to zone the stadium as follows:
Zone 1: Turnstile 1 will allow supporters to enter and gain access to the Bear Island Bar, Broomfields Bar & Kitchen, and Cookie’s Cabin from the East Terrace, Glyn Beverly Stand, and West Terrace.
Zone 2: Turnstile 2 will let supporters in the John Fiorini Stand and North Terrace entry, giving them access to Ravens Lounge and The Dave Roberts Tea Hut.
For the avoidance of doubt, fans may only view a game from the stand or terrace that they purchased their ticket (or season ticket) from.
All home supporters will have access to Broomfields Bar & Kitchen following the game.
RAVENS LOUNGE
Those who purchase seats in the North Terrace will now have access to Ravens Lounge, which will serve as a supporters’ bar before, during, and after the game.
VISITING PARTIES
The East Terrace’s present away section as well as a portion of the North Terrace are where the Club intends to house away supporters (as depicted in the image above). At least 10% of the stadium’s seating must be reserved for away fans in accordance with EFL rules. Furthermore, a covered and seated space is required, and preparations are in place to extend this to the away section throughout the summer.
Home fans will have more room on the East Terrace as a result of the aforementioned adjustments.
SEASON TICKETS AND PRICES FOR ADMISSION
Prices for season tickets and match admission will only be revealed through our newsletter on Friday, May 24. There will be a “Earlybird” promotion, much like in previous years. In addition, current season ticket holders will receive a preferential renewal period from the club.
You can subscribe to our mailing list by clicking this link if you haven’t already!
In addition to the additional venue and matchday modifications mentioned above, the club has communicated with the supporters’ board regarding general pricing.
Please be aware that all of the information above has been provided with supporters in good faith and is still pending final authority approval. But we want to be as open and honest as we can with supporters all the way through.
Throughout the summer, we’ll keep everyone updated.
In the interim, keep in mind… We’re ascending!
