Some pre-match pics from outside the ground at our Coventry encounter
We weren’t able to celebrate our 150th anniversary clash with Coventry with the three points we all wanted… but there was plenty of other activity going on around the stadium, both inside and out, which hopefully made for an enjoyable day despite the result.
First up – here’s a reminder of the things that were taking place ahead of the game, as our fans flocked to the ground and enjoyed the pre-match activities in the Fun Zone and Fan Zone before heading through the turnstiles!
Some of the earliest arrivals on the day were up at the 3G pitch and the Dome, where we welcomed had a new generation of Royals fan at the stadium with lots of young kids having signed up to our schools and grassroots ticket initiative. Theale Tigers, Hawkedon Primary and Francis Bailey Primary all made use of our facilities and Community Trust coaching, as the schools and clubs that had the biggest take-up for our special offer.
There was plenty going on in the Fun Zone for kids to enjoy – dodgems, waltzers, a pick ‘n’ mix stand, entertainment in the Kids’ Activity Cabin, the speed cage... some great ways of keeping busy before the 3pm kick-off.
And elsewhere, musical entertainment was provided by the Salvation Army and RASPO steel band - while players stopped for pics, fans enjoyed our food offerings in the Fan Zone and took in the Sky Sports fixture on the big screen outside the ground...
Tonnes of stuff going on to get the atmosphere building around the ground. Take a look at our gallery!
This was all part of the build-up - we have another gallery from inside the ground, where we welcomed ex-players, a new mascot, and saw the stands packed with fans. Click the button below.
Gallery | Former Royals heroes, fans packing our stands, and a new mascot!
