Supporters will return to The Hawthorns in large numbers on Saturday and below is everything fans need to know ahead of their homecoming.
The Baggies’ Sky Bet Championship clash with Luton Town kicks off at 3pm with a bumper crowd expected after an 18-month absence of capacity attendances.
The club’s Principal Partner, Ideal Heating, will be offering a range of free giveaways to supporters with clap banners available around the stadium and water bottles from concourse kiosks. The Albion Foundation will also be handing out free mini footballs following the final whistle.
Matchdays may feel slightly different to what supporters were accustomed to before the COVID-19 pandemic but club staff have worked tirelessly to ensure it is as enjoyable as possible.
Below are answers to many of the queries fans may have ahead of their Hawthorns return.
Tickets
Season ticket holders who have not yet received their stilecard should please contact the Ticket Office on 0121 227 2227 or at tickets@wbafc.co.uk at their earliest convenience.
The club will reissue missing stilecards, which will be available for collection from a kiosk at the Astle Gates from 10 am on Saturday. It is essential that supporters who have not received a stilecard contact the Ticket Office before Saturday. This will ensure your ticket is available for collection when you arrive.
Fans planning to purchase a match ticket are strongly advised do so in advance to avoid queues on matchday.
On the day
Please arrive at the Stadium as early as you can to avoid queues. There will be a modified screening and search process in place and supporters are asked to avoid bringing a bag if they do not need to. Supporters who need to bring a bag must use a small clear one in order for stewards to inspect the contents. There will be no facility to store personal property on site.
The club will be paying tribute to the members of the Albion Family who have sadly passed away since we were last together at 2.45pm. There will also be a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off to acknowledge the contributions of cup-winners John Talbut and Danny Campbell who passed away in August 2020.
The concourse kiosks will be open and serving food and drink as usual but please be aware that all concourses are now cashless and will only accept card and contactless payments including mobile wallet.
Matchday programmes will be available to purchase from around the Stadium and these can be bought via card or contactless payment inside The Hawthorns.
The Stadium Megastore will be open from 9am to 6pm, and supporters are again advised to arrive early to avoid queues.
Please note there are no betting facilities within the Stadium at this time.
Covid safe
While there are no legal requirements in place, we have retained some measures to ensure fans feel safe on their return to The Hawthorns. Below is an overview of what to expect:
- All staff will lateral flow test on the day of the game and wear a face mask while at the Stadium
- Fans are asked to wear face covers while moving around and in concourses, but they can be removed when seated
- Social distancing is no longer a requirement, but we ask fans to be respectful of others
- We encourage all supporters to take a lateral flow test on the morning of the game and not to attend if they test positive
- There are hand sanitiser points at turnstiles and throughout the stadium
- There is an enhanced cleaning regime in toilets
To keep the players protected please don’t approach them for autographs and photographs.
At present there is no requirement for supporters attending matches to be fully vaccinated.
Travel to the Stadium
Please plan your journey in advance to ensure you arrive at the Stadium in plenty of time.
If planning to travel by public transport, please click here to plan your journey. Please wear face covers as required and be respectful to other travellers.
If you are travelling by car you can pre-book a car park space on a privately run car park by clicking the link here www.hawthornsparking.co.uk. Passes are available from £10 per game or £161 for the season.
And finally...
Albion legend Chris Brunt will be guest of honour at The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon as he prepares to say an “emotional” thank you to the club’s supporters.
It's been a long time coming - enjoy the game!