Finally, after four long months, rugby returns to Welford Road as Leicester Tigers take on Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup this Friday, September 27 (7.45pm).
There’s been plenty happening on and off the pitch at the home of the Tigers Family. Here is our new-look Matchday Guide to help you make the most of your night out at Welford Road:
GETTING TO WELFORD ROAD
Visit leicestertigers.com/tickets/getting-to-welford-road with travel advice on getting to Welford Road
Parking is available at the nearby King Power Stadium and in the Leicester Royal Infirmary Multi Storey (entry via Havelock Street), both a few minutes’ walk away from Welford Road.
The club’s Centrebus matchday services from Market Harborough, Oakham and Market Bosworth will no longer be in operation on matchdays for Leicester Tigers supporters during the 2019/20 season. Find out more by clicking here.
PRE-MATCH
Fans are reminded that Welford Road is now a CASHLESS STADIUM and once a customer has entered via a turnstile around the ground, card and contactless payments will be the only method of payment.
Please read our advice for fans feature for more information
Supporters can benefit from a print-at-home option for tickets purchased bought online. If you are picking up pre-purchased match tickets, the collection point is on the plaza outside the Holland & Barrett Stand on your way to the game and the club has now installed self-service kiosks at the collection point outside the stadium.
All season ticket holders junior tickets will be automatically upgraded to an adult ticket for the evening match.
The Junior Tigers Club Area will open two hours before kick-off at 5.45pm with activities for young fans aged 16 and under to get involved with as well as the chance to meet Tigers players. The JTC is free to join and is located in the Final Whistle Bar. Sign up here.
Stadium turnstiles, bars and food kiosks open from 6.15pm and all supporters should note that bag searches are in place at the turnstiles. Bags are not encouraged, but please allow extra time to get through your turnstile.
In accordance with stadium regulations, banned items include bottles, cans, large golf-type umbrellas and any bags that will not fit beneath a seat. More information is available on boards at all turnstiles.
The main club store and the ticket office are open all day from 9.00am and will remain open for an hour after the match.
GRAB SOME GRUB
There have been a number of refurbishment and improvements at bars for food and drink around Welford Road.
Fan favourites, the ABC Bar and the Crumbie Lounge in The Breedon Stand have been updated with a modern look as well as being fitted with electronic display menu boards.
Other bars to have undergone a refurbishment include the newly named Scrum Dogs, Blindside Kitchen and Grubber Pie Co. bars situated along the Mattioli Woods Stand concourse, as well as The Captains Bar sitting in the Robin Hood Stand and The Final Whistle Bar in the lower concourse of the Holland & Barrett Stand.
You can hear from inside the Tigers camp with a player Q&A in Final Whistle at 6.40pm.
The Droglites Bar in the Mattioli Woods Stand is the best place to bump into former Tigers, whilst the marquee on the plaza outside the Holland & Barrett Stand will have refreshments on offer before and after the game.
30 MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF
The new-look match programme for the 2019/20 season will be available at programme stalls in and around the stadium. Programme seller stalls situated outside of the ground will be fitted for both cash and cashless payments, with stalls inside the stadium only taking cashless.
Teams from junior clubs and schools in the region join us on the pitch as Flag Wavers and Guard of Honour in the approach to kick-off.
In a new addition to matchdays at Welford Road, there will also be the opportunity to hear live reaction on the big screen following the team announcements with a Tigers player down by The Breedon Stand terrace.
HALF-TIME
Half-time entertainment includes fan-favourite The Ultimate Big Boot and we will reveal the winner of of the TigersLotto season ticket draw winner
Don’t forget, fans are able to vote for their LeoVegas Fan’s Favourite from half-time up until the final on the Official Leicester Tigers App, which is also available to download for FREE from iTunes and Google Play App Stores.
You can also use the ‘Big Screen’ function on the Tigers App to submit photos of your matchday, with a selection of the best being shown around the ground.
PLENTY ON POST-MATCH
After the game, there is more live music from resident band Rock Bottom in Final Whistle Bar as well as an acoustic guitarist in the marquee on the plaza.
Two current Leicester Tigers will be on hand in The Droglites Bar with a limited number of free beer vouchers on offer for fans to enjoy post-match. You never know which famous Tigers you may will bump into in The Drogs! As well as The Drogs, bars around the stadium will also remain open after the full-time whistle.
Match tickets are still available at the Tigers ticket office. Book in person at Welford Road, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or online.