A few pointers for tomorrow

[davef]

Keep a look out for the latest video starring AB, due out very soon, that shows the new arrangements at the stadium. But please see below for a few pointers to take note of:-

• We are now a fully No Smoking stadium
• The car-park is operating at greatly reduced capacity and is strictly permit holders only
• Parking is available at the municipal car-park in Gibson Road
• All spectators must have a bar-coded ticket to get in.  You cannot pay at the turnstiles
• Match tickets can be bought at the ticket kiosk in the car-park on matchday
• There have been problems with Season Tickets, please see website and separate thread for how to get in if you bought a ST
• Away fans cannot buy a ticket on matchday
• Away fans are not permitted in the Home end
• The Home end can be accessed from the GGL main entrance or a new entrance with 4 turnstiles from Collingwood Rec, behind Rose's
• Use all turnstiles to reduce queues
• Standing spectators are asked to stand behind crush barriers.
• There is no standing allowed along the pitch fence at either end of the stadium. This is an EFL regulation. Please stand in the covered terraces
• Standing next to the fence along the long touchlines is permitted at the club’s discretion but only in limited numbers and no more than two people deep, and stewards will ask spectators to move back behind the barriers if our Ground Safety Officer considers that areas are becoming overcrowded or that sightlines from the terraces are being obstructed. Standing is not permitted in front of the Goodliffe stand.
• The Shoebox has gone, in its place is a wheelchair viewing platform, "The Goodliffe Stand"    -  Anyone needing to use this space must book in advance, email [e-mail]
• Once in the stadium spectators cannot leave at any time and gain readmittance. This includes going to the bar at half-time or popping out to vape or for a cigarette.
• The toilets are now located behind the Mound Terrace, including a new accessible WC,  and by the GGL entrance
• We are still in a pandemic situation.  The players and staff still operate in a secure Red Zone, this includes the pitch and changing rooms area.  You will find hand sanitiser at intervals, which should be used pleased.  Face coverings are not mandatory but we do understand that many people will feel more comfortable if they can wear them, which is of course permissible, but do try to maintain good social distancing where possible and respect the rights of others to try to keep away from large groups.
• Finally - don't forget to have a read of this link   www.suttonunited.net/news/2021/august-2021/matchday-at-the-vbs-community-stadium/

[meddles]

Massive thanks to everyone who has helped get the club to this stage. I cannot begin to imagine how many individual jobs there were/are to do.

Just a small one Dave, is the club still dog friendly on match days? I assume Guide Dogs only now?

[louismr]

Aug 27, 2021 9:24:47 GMT davef said:

Keep a look out for the latest video starring AB, due out very soon, that shows the new arrangements at the stadium. But please see below for a few pointers to take note of:-

• We are now a fully No Smoking stadium
• The car-park is operating at greatly reduced capacity and is strictly permit holders only
• Parking is available at the municipal car-park in Gibson Road
• All spectators must have a bar-coded ticket to get in.  You cannot pay at the turnstiles
• Match tickets can be bought at the ticket kiosk in the car-park on matchday
• There have been problems with Season Tickets, please see website and separate thread for how to get in if you bought a ST
• Away fans cannot buy a ticket on matchday
• Away fans are not permitted in the Home end
• The Home end can be accessed from the GGL main entrance or a new entrance with 4 turnstiles from Collingwood Rec, behind Rose's
• Use all turnstiles to reduce queues
• Standing spectators are asked to stand behind crush barriers.
• There is no standing allowed along the pitch fence at either end of the stadium. This is an EFL regulation. Please stand in the covered terraces
• Standing next to the fence along the long touchlines is permitted at the club’s discretion but only in limited numbers and no more than two people deep, and stewards will ask spectators to move back behind the barriers if our Ground Safety Officer considers that areas are becoming overcrowded or that sightlines from the terraces are being obstructed. Standing is not permitted in front of the Goodliffe stand.
• The Shoebox has gone, in its place is a wheelchair viewing platform, "The Goodliffe Stand"    -  Anyone needing to use this space must book in advance, email [e-mail]
• Once in the stadium spectators cannot leave at any time and gain readmittance. This includes going to the bar at half-time or popping out to vape or for a cigarette.
• The toilets are now located behind the Mound Terrace, including a new accessible WC,  and by the GGL entrance
• We are still in a pandemic situation.  The players and staff still operate in a secure Red Zone, this includes the pitch and changing rooms area.  You will find hand sanitiser at intervals, which should be used pleased.  Face coverings are not mandatory but we do understand that many people will feel more comfortable if they can wear them, which is of course permissible, but do try to maintain good social distancing where possible and respect the rights of others to try to keep away from large groups.
• Finally - don't forget to have a read of this link   www.suttonunited.net/news/2021/august-2021/matchday-at-the-vbs-community-stadium/

Will programmes be sold within the ground or outside and will they be card/cash payments?

[davef]

A good point. Programmes will be on sale inside the stadium; cash sales. (£4 - I'm sure exact change would be appreciated). I will need to check whether they will be available from the shop too.

And a collector's issue no doubt, our first home game in the EFL

[davef]

Yes, on sale before kick-off from the shop.

[toothman]

Aug 27, 2021 10:31:25 GMT davef said:

Yes, on sale before kick-off from the shop.

Any projections on away fan attendance?
Any idea what the anticipated overall gate will be ?

[trev]

All very useful to know, thanks davef. Now that exit from the stadium is no longer permissible to access the bar at half time, how does one now get to the bar for a tipple at the break? I am assuming that access is now prohibited via the players' tunnel so I'm unclear as to how navigation to the bar is possible now...

[toothman]

Aug 27, 2021 11:03:28 GMT trev said:

All very useful to know, thanks davef. Now that exit from the stadium is no longer permissible to access the bar at half time, how does one now get to the bar for a tipple at the break? I am assuming that access is now prohibited via the players' tunnel so I'm unclear as to how navigation to the bar is possible now...

Isn’t it an EFL rule no alcohol during matches?

[Andy K]

Aug 27, 2021 11:03:28 GMT trev said:

All very useful to know, thanks davef. Now that exit from the stadium is no longer permissible to access the bar at half time, how does one now get to the bar for a tipple at the break? I am assuming that access is now prohibited via the players' tunnel so I'm unclear as to how navigation to the bar is possible now...

As Adrian said in his round up (see the other thread), no "tipple" at half time as you cannot leave the ground and re-enter.

[davef]

Sorry Trev, that's the point - it is not possible.

[trev]

Thanks very much for clearing that up for me.

[dof]

Will it be easy to visit the VP lounge for a cup of tea and a biscuit at H/T?

[simpo]

Aug 27, 2021 10:42:04 GMT toothman said:

Aug 27, 2021 10:31:25 GMT davef said:

Yes, on sale before kick-off from the shop.

Any projections on away fan attendance?
Any idea what the anticipated overall gate will be ?

Before last day's sales today, around 450. I wouldn't be surprised if a good chunk of the remaining 100 tickets are snapped up today.

Sorry to say we won't be wearing blue for some reason, but pleased that we're the first league visitors to face you in the unique Sutton colours

[oohaah]

Will the bar be open before or after the game?

[oohaah]

Ok, forget that. AB has answered that in his very excellent YouTube clip. Yes, indeed, it is open - yippee!!!