Away Fan Guide 2024-25

AWAY FAN GUIDE BLACKPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB 2 0 24/25 S E ASON

Welcome to

Bloomfield Road From everyone at Blackpool FC, we would like to welcome you to Bloomfield Road.

We want you to have the very best match day experience with us and have put together this guide to help you make the most out of your visit to Bloomfield Road.

With travel guidance, food and drink tips and match day FAQs we have everything to prepare you for your trip to the stadium.

Contents 4

Match Day Checklist

5

My Voice

6

Merchandise

7

Travel

8

In-And-Around-Bloomfield-Road

9

Accessing the Stadium

10 11-14

Food & Drink FAQ

15

SLO & DLO

16

Stay Safe

17

Blackpool Attractions

Match Day Checklist

Make sure you are prepared for your visit with our simple checklist.

Once you’re match-ready you can sit back, relax and enjoy your day at Bloomfield Road.

Tickets

Phone Charge

Make sure you have purchased your tickets or know where you need to purchase/collect tickets from on the day. You won’t be able to access the stadium without your paper ticket so make sure you have this with you.

Whether you need to contact friends and family, take photos of your day, or use your digital tickets there are many reasons you might need your phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave the house.

Weather

Meeting Friends

You will be outside while watching the game so make sure you’re prepared for what the weather has in store. Keep your eye on the weather and be prepared to wrap up warm.

Please don’t bring an umbrella as you won’t be permitted to bring these into the stadium.

It does get very busy around the stadium on match days, it is possible you may lose your family and friends around the stadium. Before you enter, chose a memorable landmark or area in the stadium where you can meet-up if your group gets split. If in doubt, speak to one of our friendly stewards.

Plan Your Route

Prohibited Items

Make sure you’re here in plenty of time to enjoy your pre-match traditions and get to your seat in time for kick-off. If you are travelling by public transport, make sure you have checked the timetables and keep your eye on any potential delays that might impact your journey. If you are driving, make sure you have planned your route and know where you are parking. Keep your eye on any road works in the area that may delay your travel plans.

Any sharp objects and items that may be considered as weapons will not be permitted into the stadium. Check out our list of prohibited items list before entering the stadium. To see our full Customer Charter and Ground Regulations please visit: Blackpool FC - Customer Charter

More information on travel and how to get here is available on page 7.

Drink in Moderation A pre-match beer or two is part of many supporters match day routines. However, don’t drink so much you make the game unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

My Voice For the attention of all supporters.

Blackpool FC is committed to ensuring that our match day environment provides a positive experience for all.

Discrimination in any forms is not ok and supporters are reminded that instances of discrimination or prejudiced behaviour will not be permitted at any game.

If you hear or are witness to anything you deem inappropriate in this regard, please report it to your nearest steward or via the My Voice QR codes below.

Blackpool Football Club has implemented MyVoice to provide a platform for all visitors to report both Safeguarding concerns and Discriminatory or Anti-Social Behaviour.

Safeguarding Concern

Discriminatory or Anti-Social Behaviour

Buyers Guide Buying Tickets Away tickets will need to be purchased through your home club. Your club will communicate ticket prices, sale dates and where to collect your tickets (if applicable).

Collections and on the Day Sales Our away ticket booth for collections and on the day sales (where applicable) is located on Bloomfield Road outside the Blackpool FC Hotel near the Blackpool FC Club Shop.

Ticket Office & Club Shop Opening Times Monday to Friday: 10am - 4pm Saturday: 10am - 1pm (Open until Kick-Off on Home Match Days) Sunday: Closed

Printed Programme Supporters can purchase a printed copy of the match day programme from the Club Shop, or via the online store for £3. Programme sellers will also be placed in and around the ground.

Travelling to Bloomfield Road Car If travelling to Bloomfield Road by car the postcode for the SatNav is FY1 6JJ. The route into Blackpool comes courtesy of the M55 motorway, which can be accessed by coming off at Junction 32 on the M6. The best route for visiting supporters is to follow the M55 to the bottom, take the second exit at the roundabout and head straight down Yeadon Way onto Seasiders Way.

Parking Visiting supporters are advised to use the council pay and display car parks over the road from the stadium. Please see the next page for more information.

Bus Bus routes to the vicinity are served by numbers 5, 6, 7, 11 and 68 from the town centre bus station, while tram services on the promenade are within 10-15 minutes walking distance of the stadium.

Train The nearest train station to the stadium is Blackpool South (one mile), which also passes Blackpool Pleasure Beach en route to the ground. However, trains to this station run hourly from Preston and vice-versa.

More frequent trains serve Blackpool North train station, which is some 25 minutes walking distance from the ground.

Walking Bloomfield Road is around a 15-20 minute walk from Blackpool town centre.

Follow signs for Blackpool Football Club and head towards Seasiders Way.

In-And-Around Bloomfield Road Cash Machines Bloomfield Road is predominantly a cashless stadium. The concourse areas and hospitality lounges, as well as Blackpool FC Hotel and the Corner Flag Restaurant are card or app payments only. We do still accept cash in the Club Shop and Ticket Office.

The closest ATM’s to Bloomfield Road are located: • ATM Cashpoint, 333 Central Drive, FY1 5HZ • ATM Cashpoint, Cosmos News, 272 Waterloo Rd, FY4 3AF • ATM Cashpoint, 167 Central Drive, FY1 5ED

Away Fans Friendly Pubs Away fans friendly pubs near Bloomfield Road are: • The Castle - 28-32 Central Drive, Blackpool, FY1 5PZ • The Manchester - 231-233 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 6AH • The Happy Scots Bar - 9 Rigby Rd, Blackpool FY1 5DF • The New Philly - 68-70 Foxhall Rd, Blackpool FY1 5BL

Car Parking On-site parking is extremely limited at Bloomfield Road so visiting supporters are advised to use the council pay and display car parks over the road from the stadium. Our closest council pay and display car parks are located at: Lonsdale Road Car Park Bloomfield Road Car Park If you are using a SatNav to locate these car parks, please use the postcode FY1 6HX. The main method of payment for parking at both sites is by using the PayByPhone App. There are pay and display machines in the car parks, but these are coin only, no change will be given. For the latest information about pricing please visit: Blackpool Car Parks

Accessing the Stadium To ensure smooth access to the stadium please ensure you are entering through the correct turnstile. Details of the turnstile will be printed on your ticket/card. You will not be permitted to use any other turnstile.

Please be aware – once you have entered the stadium you will not be permitted to leave and re-enter.

Away fans will be seated in the East Stand and will need to enter via turnstiles 18-21 or 22-25 dependent on their ticket. Most of our turnstiles will close 15 minutes after kick off. One turnstile for each section stays open for 30 minutes after kick off. Our late turnstiles are 18 and 22.

If you arrive later than that you can go to the exit gate adjacent to any of the turnstiles. They are staffed throughout the game by stewards who will be able to admit entry to anyone with a valid ticket.

Please be aware you may have to exit via a different route than the way you entered. Fans must adhere to steward instruction for exiting the stadium.

Road closures are in place on Bloomfield Road and adjoining roads post-match for approximately 15 minutes until fans have dispersed, this may delay your exit from the area.

Food & Drink Alcohol

Confectionary/Crisps

• Fosters • John Smiths • Strongbow • Strongbow Dark Fruit • 187ml Wine (White, Red, Rose) • 500ml Carlsberg • 0% 330ml Beavertown Lazercrush

• Cadbury Chocolate Bars

Soft Drinks • Pepsi • Pepsi Max • 7up • Tango • Water • Capri Sun

Hot Drinks • Tea • Coffee • Hot Chocolate • Bovril

Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Twirl

• Cadbury Chocolate Bags

Giant Buttons, Crunchie Rocks

• Cadbury Sweet Bags

Wine Gums, Sour Patch Kids, Sour Fish

• Pringles

Salted, Salt and Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion, Texas BBQ, Paprika

Hot Food • Pies and Pastry

Meat and Potato, Steak, Chicken Balti, Cheese and Onion, Sausage Roll

• Rollover Hot Dogs

FAQ How old do I have to be to attend on my own?

Anyone aged 14+ will be permitted to attend games at Bloomfield Road without an adult. Anyone under this age must be accompanied by an adult.

What age do I have to be to qualify for concessions and what ID will be accepted as proof?

Concessionary prices are available to Seniors (65+), Under 18s, Under 14s and Under 5s. Please contact your Club for more information.

Where can I buy tickets from on a match day?

Away tickets (where applicable) will be sold from the away ticket booth located outside the Blackpool FC Hotel.

Where can I collect tickets from on a match day?

Away tickets (where applicable) can be collected from the away ticket booth located outside the Blackpool FC Hotel. Please note this does get busy on match days so please allow enough time to pick up your ticket and take your seat before kick-off.

Do you accept away fans in your hospitality lounges?

Yes, away fans are welcome to join us in our Matthews Suite.

To find out more contact our hospitality team on 01253 609978 or email hospitality@blackpoolfc.co.uk

FAQ How do I register for disabled/carer tickets?

Please contact your club for more information on how to purchase disabled/ carer tickets.

Please note: a carer may not enter the ground using their complimentary ticket if the person to whom they provide assistance is not attending the game.

What happens if I have purchased a ticket but can’t come (re-sale policy)?

Tickets are not transferable and may not be offered for sale without the prior written permission of the Club or otherwise in accordance with the relevant ticket terms and conditions. Unwanted tickets may be returned depending on your Club’s returns policy.

Can I take photos/video the game?

Mobile telephones and other mobile devices are permitted within the ground provided that they are used for personal and private use only. Capturing, logging, recording, transmitting, playing, issuing, showing, or any other communication of the game is not permitted and may result in your removal from the ground.

How do I request a birthday message or shout out?

For any birthday requests for match day shoutouts please contact our media department on media@blackpoolfc.co.uk. Please note, we cannot guarantee all messages will be read out.

FAQ Can I bring flags/ banners?

Flags are allowed into Bloomfield so long as the following conditions are met: • It is no more than 250cm in size at their widest or longest section.

• It does not obstruct any gangways, access routes, exit and entrances, health and safety signage, advertisement signage or stairways.

• It does not carry offensive, discriminatory or inflammatory messaging.

• It is flame retardant and you present the appropriate Health and Safety certification upon entry/ when requested.

Can I smoke inside the stadium?

We have a strict no smoking policy in the stadium – this includes e-cigarettes.

Can I bring alcohol to the game?

You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium and any alcohol purchased inside the stadium cannot be consumed in sight of the field of play – this also applies to boxes and hospitality areas.

What time do the turnstiles open?

Our Turnstiles open 1hr 30mins prior to kick-off.

What do I do if I have a problem in the stadium?

Contact the nearest steward who will be able to help you or find the correct point of contact. You can also scan the My Voice QR codes around the stadium to anonymously report any Safeguarding concerns, Anti-Social or Discriminatory Behaviour, Prohibited items or other code of conduct violations or concerns.

Find more information on page 3.

FAQ Where can I park?

Our closest council pay and display car parks are located at: Lonsdale Road Car Park or Bloomfield Road Car Park. For more information please see page 6 of this guide.

Do you have a hotel?

Blackpool FC Hotel is now a member of Radisson Individuals. All our rooms are designed for comfort, with generous sized en suite bathrooms with bath/ shower combinations. You can find out more and book here.

Do you accept away mascots?

We do have an away mascot for games at Bloomfield Road. This will be arranged with your Club. For more information on how to apply/ purchase this opportunity, please contact your Club.

Can I pay on the gate?

Sometimes we have a pay on the gate option. Check social media as this will be advertised by your Club. If applicable, pay on the gate will be available from turnstile 20.

Can I bring a drum?

We do not permit away fan drums into the stadium.

SLO & DLO Our SLO Team It is a requirement of the EFL that every league club appoints a Supporters’ Liaison Officer (SLO), whose role in principle is to act as an intermediary between a football club and its fans. At Blackpool FC our SLO is Steve Rowland. Steve is a season ticket holder in the North Stand and he currently has a match day team of two others, Karen McGuinness (season ticket holder in the West Stand) and Geoffrey Moore (season ticket holder in the South Stand).

You can follow our SLO on social media: @BFCSLO on Facebook and X (previously known as Twitter). If you would like to contact our SLO about any matters, please email slo@blackpoolfc.co.uk or phone/text 07711796685.

DLO Blackpool FC also has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) Graham Moon (season ticket holder in the West Stand), whose remit is specifically for fans with disabilities.

We want all fans to have an enjoyable experience at Bloomfield Road.

If you have any questions or accessibility concerns about your visit, please contact our Disability Liaison Officer Graham Moon via email at dlo@blackpoolfc.co.uk

Stay Safe Bag Searches Bags should ideally be no larger than A4 size. To ensure that we abide by our commitment to the safety and security of all supporters, the Club adopts a strict search policy at the stadium which may cause some queues at the turnstiles. It is always worthwhile getting to the stadium as early as possible to allow you to enter the stadium and take your seat in plenty of time for kick-off.

We appreciate your patience in allowing our stewards to perform tasks which safeguard your safety.

We understand family groups may need to bring extra baggage into the stadium to entertain and feed smaller children or carry warm clothing. Where possible, the club would request that the size and number of bags that you bring to the stadium is kept to a minimum, particularly in the case of rucksacks.

Prohibited Items Naturally, some items have no place inside a football stadium, so please think before you bring items which might be considered to be a potential weapon. The following articles must not be brought within the ground knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety and/ or illegal substances. Any person in possession of such items will be refused entry to the ground.

To see our full Customer Charter and Ground Regulations please visit: Blackpool FC - Customer Charter

Blackpool Attractions If you’re looking to make a weekend out of your away day, let Visit Blackpool help you to maximise your time in Blackpool. From accommodation to attractions and events find out more here: VisitBlackpool Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ocean Boulevard, Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1EZ

Blackpool Tower

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(Tower Eye, Ballroom, Fifth Floor, Dungeons and Circus) Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ

Blackpool Zoo East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP

SeaLife Blackpool Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA

Sandcastle Water Park South Beach, Blackpool, FY4 1BB

Thank You! We hope this guide has answered your questions and we look forward to welcoming you to Bloomfield Road soon!

Contact Us: Blackpool Football Club Bloomfield Road Seasiders Way Blackpool FY1 6JJ Main Reception: 01253 599344 Ticket Office and Club Shop: 01253 599745