Newport County AFC is delighted to be welcoming supporters back to Rodney Parade in your numbers for the first time in more than 17 months.
We are excited for the return of a rocking Rodney Parade for the first time since March 2020 as the Exiles look to continue their fantastic start to the new season against Premier League side Southampton.
The fixture is set to be another memorable cup occasion under the floodlights and, after missing your support for our games against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion last season, we are now looking forward to finally having you back in attendance to cheer us on.
Chairman Gavin Foxall said: “The board recognises this has been a difficult 17 months for everyone connected with the football club, so we are excited to be welcoming you all back tonight.
“A considerable amount of planning and preparation has gone into seeing you all back in your numbers. We would like to thank supporters for their full support, co-operation and patience over the last few months.
“The matchday experience is going to be a little different for all of us, so please take time to familiarise yourself with the guidance to make sure this is an enjoyable occasion for us all.
“Whilst some restrictions remain in place, I am sure everyone will make plenty of noise and get behind the players on another big night for the football club.”
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF MY RETURN TO RODNEY PARADE?
Your matchday experience will look different to normal, so please read through the information below to familiarise yourself with the key information ahead of your return to Rodney Parade.
Prior to your arrival
Before you travel to the stadium on Tuesday, please check your general health and, if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, please stay at home and follow the government health advice. Please view the latest guidance from Public Health Wales by clicking here.
E-tickets
Please ensure you have your e-ticket ready to hand. We would encourage supporters to print out tickets or save them to your device in advance.
Arriving at the stadium
Hospitality will open from 6pm on matchday, while all other entrances will open from 6:15pm. There will be plenty of excitement in the air ahead of your long-awaited return, so we would encourage supporters to arrive early to ensure a timely entry into the stadium.
Please do not bring any large bags or holdalls as they will need to be searched and this will delay entry to the stadium. Sanitation stations will be situated around the stadium, so please make use of them.
Giveaways
Keep an eye out for free 2021/22 fixture posters and inflatable cheering sticks which will be distributed throughout the stadium. Make sure you make plenty of noise and get behind the boys!
Programmes
Matchday programmes will be available to purchase from sellers in and around the ground. There will also be a digital edition of the programme available online.
Once through the turnstile
Please follow all signage within the stadium as we have introduced one-way systems and separate staircases for access to and from the stands.
Facilities
Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the stadium concourse. Masks must be worn when queuing in the concourse area unless you are under the age of 12 or exempt.. Please note the marquee will be closed for this fixture due to ongoing work, so please make use of the facilities in the concourse.
Toilets will be accessible throughout the stadium, so please follow all guidance.
Pop-up shop
There will be a pop-up shop next to the ticket office selling retail merchandise.
Tribute
Wednesday’s fixture will be the first since March 2020 that we will have your full, in-person backing, so we will be taking time to reflect and remember all those who have sadly lost their lives over the last 17 months.
A video tribute will be played on the big screen prior to kick off and we will observe a minute’s silence to pay tribute to those we have lost during the pandemic.
Thank you for your full co-operation over the last 17 months. We appreciate it has been a difficult period for everyone, but we want you to soak up this occasion and make plenty of noise. Enjoy the match!