Leicester Tigers are back on home territory this Saturday when Sale Sharks are the visitors to Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Our matchday guide contains everything you need to know about your day at the stadium.
As everyone returns to their matchday routines, and with some changes to car-parking, stadium entry points and restrictions around Covid-19, supporters should allow extra time to travel and to find their places ahead of kick-off.
Tickets
If you were a 2020/21 season ticket holder, your payments have been transferred to the new season and all home games have already been loaded on to your existing cards.
Only supporters who have changed seats or category are issued with new cards and these have now been distributed.
Match tickets can be booked in advance online or by phoning the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2). Tickets will still be available to purchase on matchday.
There are matchday ticket units at the stadium for sales and assistance. Units are on Welford Road at the back of the Mattioli Woods Stand, at the back of the Beehive Money Stand next to Aylestone Walk/Crumbie Car Park and on the plaza outside the North Stand between the shop and reception.
The previous ticket office at the Aylestone Road end now operates as a ticket point on non-matchdays only.
Wellbeing and Safety
Please think of the wellbeing and safety of yourself and those around you, while helping us to minimise risks from the pandemic. Take extra care over hygiene and sanitisation, consider wearing a facemask in areas around other people, and follow directions of signage and stewards regarding entry and exit. You may not be able to enter at your normal turnstile.
If a ball is kicked to you in the team warm-up or in the game, please do not return it direct to the players or to the pitch. Instead, return to the ball boy team or a steward so it can be sanitised first.
Your support is appreciated and the players will acknowledge the crowd from the pitch at full-time. They cannot, though, join supporters on the touchlines. Please do not wait and gather at the front of the stands as we aim to reduce congestion and close contact in those areas.
There are some restrictions on movement in the Breedon Stand due to the Red Zone and information has been emailed to ticket holders in this area. It is important that you enter/exit at the correct points because crossing the Red Zone may be limited.
Please do not gather close to the players and officials in the tunnel area before or after the game.
The ABC and Crumbie Bars in the Breedon Stand are not open to the public for this game and the toilets near the tunnel will be closed. There are drinks and food outlets, and toilets, available at each end of the stand and extra portable toilets available on Aylestone Walk.
Entry
Turnstiles, food kiosks and bars - now serving Carling and Madri lagers as well as a range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks - open at 1.30pm.
We ask you to arrive as early as possible to avoid congestion.
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.
Please be patient with staff in bars and kiosks, many of whom will still be new to their roles after the restrictions on crowds and capacity over the last 18 months.
Making payments
The stadium runs cashless payments only.
Parking and Travel
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 or if you are located in the Breedon Stand where some restrictions remain in place.
There are changes to matchday parking this season with spaces available on Freeman’s Common at a cost of £8. These are pre-book only.
There is no matchday availability at the King Power Stadium.
Matchday bus services are in operation from Loughborough, Market Bosworth, Market Harborough and Oakham. Places must be booked in advance, with all fares costing £4 return. Click here for details.
Club Shops
The main Club Shop at the Aylestone Road end is open from 9.00am on matchday with a full range of replica kit, training kit, leisurewear and souvenirs.
A second shop in the North Stand is open from noon.
The shops will remain open for an hour after the final whistle.
Season ticket holders receive a discount on shop purchases.
Supporters can use any Credit on their Tigers account to spend on shop purchases.
Ahead of kick-off
The 100-page printed matchday programme is available from kiosks around the stadium and inside the club shops, price £3. Please note the programme booths operate cashless payments only.
See if you are in the spotlight from pictures taken at the opening two home game of the season in our ‘Home Sweet Home’ feature. There is also a profile of Harry Wells, updates on the Tigers’ women’s and girls’ rugby programme, all the facts and stats from the club and the views from inside the club.
Look out for our Guard of Honour groups who welcome the teams from the area in front of the North Stand.
Half-Time
The Big Boot, sponsored by De Montfort University, returns this weekend when a group of supporters test their skills on the pitch. Give them plenty of encouragement!
Post-match
Stewards will direct you to the appropriate exit when it is time to leave.
The Final Whistle and Droglites bars will remain open at the end of the game.
Resident band Rock Bottom provide the entertainment in Final Whistle.
Follow the action
There is no scheduled live coverage of this game with BT Sport, but if you are unable to attend, the Matchday Live service on the club app and website is in operation for every game home and away. There will also be updates on the club’s social media.
Supporters can 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. Open the Leicester Tigers app, click ‘Send A Photo’ and select ‘Big Screen’ option.
There is build-up to the game on the club website, app and social media, with team announcements at noon on Friday and full reaction afterwards.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mattioli Woods Welford Road – see you on Saturday!
