Ahead of tomorrow's season opening fixture against MK Dons at the University of Bolton Stadium, we have put together a handy guide of FAQs to give you an idea of what to expect from a home matchday during the 2021/22 campaign.
Q: Will the capacity of the Stadium be restricted?
A: Currently there are no restrictions on the capacity of the stadium. Should this change this will be communicated to supporters via the Club’s official website and social media channels, detailing how these restrictions could impact supporters.
Q: How do I purchase tickets without having to come to the Ticket Office and come in contact with people?
A: You can purchase Digital or Print at Home tickets online via the Clubs ticketing platform. Digital Tickets should be downloaded to your smart device, to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you leave home and the QR Code used for entry. Print at Home Tickets must be printed before you leave home as the barcode is not compatible with smart devices.
Q: When do I need to arrive at the Stadium?
A: Supporters are advised to adjust their travel time to the stadium to arrive where possible 45 minutes before the kick-off.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask?
A: Masks are no longer compulsory but you will notice that staff inside the stadium are continuing to wear masks unless medically exempt. When in the stadium you are encouraged to wear a face mask when in the concourse or visiting the toilets.
Q: Can I get something to eat and drink inside the stadium?
A: Yes, our kiosks are open. All our staff will be wearing face coverings, and facilities are deep cleaned and sanitised before each home match. If you have purchased food from a kiosk you are encouraged to return to the seating area, unless you have purchased alcohol. Once you have finished your food or drink you are asked to place the packaging or waste in one of the buckets provided.
Q: Can I pay with cash and/or card payments at the concourse kiosks?
A: Yes, you can pay with either cash or card. But, please be wary that there will be two separate queues for the kiosks – one for card payments only, and one for cash payments only. Please avoid going into the wrong queue.
Q: Is the Bolton Whites Hotel bar still open before and after the match for home supporters?
A: Yes. You will also be entitled to 20% discount on food and drink if you are able to present your season ticket.
Q: What additional Hygiene Measures are in place?
A: Sanitiser units are located at the entrance to the seating area from the concourse. Signage will be on display throughout as a reminder to wash your hands regularly and using the Government messaging on hygiene. Toilets have a one-way system – you are encouraged to follow this to help you keep a distance from others whilst in a confined space.
Q: I am clinically vulnerable, can I buy a seat which is socially distanced?
A: Yes, please email ticketsales@bwfc.co.uk, and we can help you choose the right seat(s) for you.
Q: Do I need a COVID Passport/Proof of Vaccination to come to matches at the University of Bolton Stadium?
A: No, you will not be refused entry if you have neither. But, as your health and the health of others is of prime importance, in addition to supporting the vaccination programme we are encouraging supporters to take two lateral flow tests per week, including the 24-28hr period before attending matches.
Details on ordering a lateral flow test can be found at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Bolton Arena is open for assisted testing Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm, and officials from Bolton Public Health Team will be at the stadium this Saturday (7 August) from 12.30pm to 6.30pm to answer any questions and provide testing kits
Q: Is the club running the Matchday bus service?
A: Yes, all of our buses are cleaned and sanitised before each home match. Please adhere to all Government guidelines regarding using buses, and we would encourage all supporters to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing whilst in transit. We would also encourage supporters to wash/sanitise their hands after entering the Stadium.
Q: What If I don’t feel well on matchday?
A: If you are displaying symptoms, awaiting test results, or have been pinged and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace between purchasing your ticket and the day of the match, please do not attend. You will be entitled to a refund, upon the provision of evidence that you have been told to isolate, by contacting the Ticket Office on Tel: 01204 328 888 before kick-off.
Q: Why are the TVs on the concourse switched off?
A: Unfortunately, as part of the plans to get supporters back in the Stadium we must encourage supporters to spent the minimum amount of time in confined spaces such as concourses. These will be reintroduced as part of the matchday experience when there is a further easing of restrictions.
Q: How are confined spaces ventilated?
A: The stadium is fitted with fresh air intake and extraction systems. These are checked before each event and are run throughout the event to ensure a flow of fresh air throughout the building.
Q: Will the Club store and Bolton Whites Hotel Open?
A: Yes, both are fully open again and if visiting, sanitisation units are located at all entrances and generally through the hotel. You are encouraged to make use of these at every opportunity.
Q: Is Matchday Hospitality available?
A: Yes, now that restrictions are lifted Matchday Hospitality can be offered. There are some restrictions on packages that can be offered because of restricted access to dressing rooms for tours but other elements of the packages are not affected. For details on Matchday Hospitality, Sponsorship and Advertising contact Tel: 01204 673 761 or Email: sales@bwfc.co.uk
Q: Why is the Club not offering birthday treats, mascot packages, or match day stadium tours as they did before?
A: Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions we are not able to allow close access to the Players. As soon as these restrictions are lifted these offerings will be reintroduced.
Q: Will there still be activities in the Family Stand?
A: The Club currently can only offer activities that involve social distancing. Again like birthday treats, mascot packages, and stadium tours, these will be reintroduced as restrictions are further lifted.