Here is our Matchday Guide to Saturday’s pre-season meeting between Leicester Tigers and the Dragons at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Following guidance around Covid-19 regulations, there are a number of changes since the re-opening of the stadium at the end of last season.
Tickets
Admission to Saturday’s game – and the pre-season game against the Scarlets next Thursday (September 9) – is included in 2021/22 season tickets.
If you were a 2020/21 season ticket holder, remember that your payments were transferred to the new season. All of this season’s home games will be loaded on to your existing cards ahead of this weekend.
Only supporters who have changed category or moved seats are issued with new cards. If you have not yet received a new card, check your email inbox (and junk mail folders) for an update from the Tigers ticket office. You will be issued with tickets via email for the pre-season fixtures and can either print at home or show on your smart phone to gain entry. Your new card should be with you in time for the season opener against Exeter Chiefs on September 18.
Three sides of the stadium will be open for matchday this week, with only the Breedon Stand and Terrace remaining closed to supporters for this game. Season ticket holders in these areas have been contacted regarding relocation for the pre-season fixtures, but if you are yet to arrange your places you can call the ticket office now on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) to organise this for Saturday.
Safety
In returning to the stadium, please think of the safety of yourself and those around you, while helping us all to minimise risks from the pandemic. Take extra care over hygiene and sanitisation, consider wear a facemask in areas around other people and follow signposting and instructions of stewards regarding your entry and exit to the stadium.
Entry
Turnstiles open 90 minutes ahead of kick-off, and the bars and food outlets will be open.
The club encourages supporters not to bring bags into the stadium in order to help minimise delays and contact due to searches at the turnstiles.
Cashless
Please note that the stadium runs cashless payments only.
Travel
After such a long period without a regular matchday routine, please plan your route and find your correct turnstile in good time ahead of kick-off, especially if you are in different seats for this game.
There are some changes to matchday parking this season with spaces available on Freeman’s Common at a cost of £8. Note these are pre-book only. There is no matchday availability at the King Power Stadium. Click here for more details.
Matchday bus services will again be in operation when the season opens against Exeter later this month, plus another new route. Look out for updates on the club website and social media.
Ticket office
The previous ticket office at the Aylestone Road end of the stadium is being refurbished to provide extra space for the Club Shop, but there are matchday ticket units outside the stadium to help with any queries or issues. The unit at the Aylestone Road end will be open early on matchday too. You can also call the ticket office from 9.00am on 0116 319 8888 (option 2).
Shopping
The Club Shop in the corner of the North Stand is open from 9.00am with a full range of the 2021/22 replica kit, training kit, leisurewear and souvenirs with discount available for season ticket holders. The Aylestone Road End unit is closed during refurbishment work.
Post-match
Bars and food kiosks will remain open at the end of the game and we welcome the return of resident band Rock Bottom for post-match entertainment in the Final Whistle.
Stewards will direct you to the appropriate exit when it is time to leave.
Extras
The Matchday Live service on the club app is not in use this weekend, but supporters can still use the app to vote for a Fans’ Favourite and to send photos and messages to the stadium’s big screens courtesy of club partners Yodel. Simply open the Leicester Tigers app, click ‘Send A Photo’ and select ‘Big Screen’ option.
Although there is no matchday programme for pre-season games, a printed version will return for the season-opener against Exeter Chiefs later this month.
Look out for all the build-up to Saturday’s game on the club website, app and social media, with full reaction afterwards.
If you are unable to attend, there is free livestream coverage of games against the Dragons and Scarlets available through the club website.
