Coming along for the first time? Here’s some handy info about our game against Coventry City…
Almost 5,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s School & Grassroots match against Coventry… a fantastic effort from kids, teachers, parents and coaches in the local area!
And we know that that will include a lot of first-time visitors to our stadium. So we’ve put together some key information to help you prepare for matchday.
Kick-off time
A reminder to everyone that this fixture has been brought forward to 2pm, rather than the originally advertised time of 3pm – this is to allow supporters to get away from the ground in good time to see the England vs France World Cup Quarter-Final match, at 7pm.
We’ve sent emails, communicated on our website and social media… but we know that some people might miss the message. So please check that your friends and family also know that the kick-off time has been changed!
All matchday timings are therefore one hour earlier than usual (eg. turnstiles will open at 12.30pm, football bus services will run one hour earlier than they would for a 3pm kick-off, etc).
Travel and Parking
Please note that on-site parking has now sold out for this fixture; please do not attempt to drive to the stadium complex unless you have purchased a parking permit in advance.
The only exception is that we have limited availability remaining for minibuses and coaches – we would encourage large groups to use this option. If you are interested in booking a place for a minibus or coach – a great way of saving on the price of parking for large groups! – then please email sales@readingfc.co.uk as soon as possible to enquire about availability (£10 cost per minibus, or free for coaches).
The best other options are:
- Car Park 6 (off-site – old Greyhound Stadium) – available to book via our Ticketing site until 10am on matchday, subject to availability. £8 in advance, £10 on matchday (card only). Please note that this sold out for our last Schools & Grassroots game.
- Mereoak Park & Ride, Wood Park & Ride – please use the link below for information about these services.
We would encourage all supporters to ensure they make travel plans in advance, as there was some congestion around the ground ahead of kick-off for our previous Schools & Grassroots fixture.
Tickets
Our Ticket Office at the stadium will open at 9am. Advance ticket prices are available until 10am – after which matchday prices will apply.
Due to Royal Mail strikes, all paper tickets will now be left for collection, so we strongly advise supporters to collect as early as possible or to select ‘Google/Apple Wallet’ or ‘Print at Home’ options when buying.
We have experienced supporters that have selected Google/Apple Wallet and Print at Home tickets but have arrived at the turnstiles unsure how to use them. Therefore we would advise that supporters refer to our Guide to Home Ticketing page using the link below in order to understand how to get tickets onto their phone or the requirements for their Print at Home Match Tickets to work.
Arriving at the ground
We encourage all supporters to arrive as early as possible in order to prevent congestion closer to kick off, especially as this is expected to be busier than a normal matchday.
We have a number of extra activities in the Fun Zone (outside the Eamonn Dolan Stand) to keep kids entertained in the build-up to kick-off, as well as food and drink stalls outside the ground.
Cashless stadium
Please note that we are now a cashless stadium. All purchases in and around the ground should be made on card; cash will not be accepted.
Competition
We are running a matchday competition for our Schools & Grassroots teams – you can win one or three incredible prizes for your school or club!
Click the link below to enter right away…
Send your selfies
Send us your pics from around the ground on matchday, and get your pic on the big screen!
Head to readingfc.co.uk/selfies or use the button below to submit your snaps...
Any other questions?
Anything that you’re unsure about or need to know? Or something you think would help other first-time visitors on Saturday?
Email us at supporterservices@readingfc.co.uk as soon as you can ahead of matchday and we’ll do our best to help!