Here is our Matchday Guide to the final pre-season fixture between Leicester Tigers and the Scarlets at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Thursday (7.00pm).
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 this game is included in 2021/22 season tickets, alongside 12 home fixtures in the Gallagher Premiership, two in the Heineken Champions Cup and two in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
If you were a 2020/21 season ticket holder, your payments have been transferred to the new season and all of this season’s home games have already been loaded on to your existing cards.
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 (it is also worth checking junk mail or spam folders) for an update from the Tigers ticket office. You will be issued with tickets via email for this 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 this week, following the same protocols as last Saturday’s game against the Dragons. The Breedon Stand and Terrace will remain closed for this game. Season ticket holders in these areas have been contacted regarding relocation for the pre-season fixtures – if you have not yet arranged your places call the ticket office now on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) to organise this for Thursday.
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 wearing a facemask in areas around other people, and follow signposting and instructions of stewards regarding your entry and exit to the stadium.
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.
Entry
Please note the early evening kick-off at 7.00pm.
The Final Whistle, bars, food kiosks and stadium turnstiles open at 6.00pm.
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.
Making payments
Mattioli Woods Welford Road 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, including one more 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. 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 range of the 2021/22 replica kit, training kit, leisurewear and souvenirs with discount available for season ticket holders.
This shop will remain open for an hour after the game too.
The Aylestone Road End unit is closed during refurbishment work.
Post-match
Stewards will direct you to the appropriate exit when it is time to leave your seats.
Bars and food kiosks will remain open for half an hour at the end of the game, and the club shop will remain open in the corner of the North Stand.
Extras
The Matchday Live service on the club app is not in use for this game, 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.
There is no matchday programme for pre-season games, but a 100-page printed version will return for the season-opener against Exeter Chiefs this month.
Look out for all the build-up to Thursday’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 available via the club website.
