After 10 months of uncertainty which has included league suspensions, supporter test events and lots of behind-closed-doors matches, the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship will see limited fans return to some grounds this afternoon.
This afternoon’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixtures at Arsenal, Chelsea, Reading and Tottenham Hotspur will have fans inside the grounds, as will the FA Women’s Championship games at Liverpool and Lewes.
All other games remain behind-closed-doors. This includes Everton’s home clash against Manchester City with The Blue Girls still drafting their strategy for the return of fans despite being located within a Tier 2 area.
As you would expect, the phased return of fans is a complex operation and here at FA Women’s Super League Full-Time, we have broken down some of the key information for those fans who are set to return this afternoon.
Arsenal v Birmingham City
Capacity: 900
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Some tickets remain on general sale (home fans only)
Refreshments: Available
Key supporter information: Fans attending the game at Meadow Park should read the Arsenal Supporters’ Code of Conduct before entry. All fans will be screened and will need to bring photographic ID with them to present before entering the turnstiles. Fans wishing to sit in the West Stand should arrive early to guarantee one of the socially distanced seats. Follow any one-way systems and adhere to staggered entry and exit instructions. Fans should wear masks at all times and use the sanitisation stations.
Arsenal’s detailed matchday guide can be viewed by clicking here.
Chelsea v West Ham United
Capacity: 700
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Tickets no longer available
Refreshments: Available
Key supporter information: Fans must print their tickets at home before travelling to Kingsmeadow and should have completed the club’s COVID-19 declaration within 24 hours of kick-off. All fans will be screened and will need to bring photographic ID with them to present before entering the turnstiles. Fans must arrive at their designated entry time, should wear masks at all times unless eating or drinking and should use the sanitisation stations.
Chelsea’s detailed matchday guide can be viewed by clicking here.
Reading v Bristol City
Capacity: 2,000
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Tickets on-sale until midday
Refreshments: Available
Key supporter information: Fans must print their tickets at home before travelling to The Madejski Stadium. All fans are expected to be screened before entering the turnstiles and should sanitise regularly. Fans must wear masks at all times, remain two metres apart and go straight to their seats after entering the stadium. The players will not be available for autographs in the current climate.
Reading’s detailed matchday guide can be viewed by clicking here.
Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion
Capacity: Undisclosed – Up to 2,000
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Tickets now off-sale
Refreshments: TBC
Key supporter information: Fans must only travel to The Hive if in possession of a match ticket. All fans are expected to be screened before entering the turnstiles and should sanitise regularly. Fans must wear masks at all times and follow the general social distancing rules. Tottenham Hotspur will inform supporters of all detailed access and safety information via E-mail.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Capacity: 900
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Tickets on-sale via Liverpool’s official website to fans living in Tier 2 areas
Refreshments: None
Key supporter information: Fans will be issued with an electronic ticket to reduce the need for contact. All fans are expected to complete a health declaration, be screened before entering the turnstiles and should sanitise regularly. Liverpool are also encouraging fans to be tested for COVID-19 ahead of the match. Spectators should arrive at Prenton Park at their allocated arrival time.
Liverpool’s detailed matchday guide can be viewed by clicking here.
Lewes v Charlton Athletic
Capacity: 450
Tickets: ALL TICKET – Less than 100 tickets remain on-sale online to fans living in Tier 2 areas (home fans only)
Refreshments: Available
Key supporter information: Ticket selection will determine choice of food kiosk. Fans who wish to sit are encouraged to arrive at The Dripping Pan early due to limited availability. Fans must wear masks at all times and check in using the NHS COVID-19 Track and Trace app. A colour coded map of The Dripping Pan has been issued, fans should not enter the red areas at any time.
Lewes’ detailed matchday guide can be viewed by clicking here.
The UK Government are set to review their tiering system on 16 December with some clubs who are currently in Tier 3 and unable to accommodate fans possibly moving into Tier 2 should COVID-19 cases drop.
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