Supporters return to St Mary’s

Supporters are now allowed back to St Mary’s, although at a reduced capacity.

The SDSA polled its members on what worries they had about returning to St Mary’s, and we recently discussed these with the club.  During this meeting we were given reassurances that everything that could be done for all supporters to be safe at the stadium was being done.

If you are picked to attend a home game, you will be sent the procedures in place for that game as the procedures are likely to change match by match as the government and premier league are continually revising the guidance.

For the first few games at least, while there is a much-reduced capacity, not all stands will be open, so you may need to approach St Mary’s from a direction not familiar to you to get to your allocated set of turnstiles.

There will be limited parking for disabled supporters so if you need parking, please contact Supporter Services.

Before the match day

You will need to complete a Health questionnaire, which will be emailed to you, up to 48 hours before the match you are picked for.  Not completing the questionnaire will mean your ticket will not work.

Make sure you have noted the gate and block on your ticket, as well as your time to arrive at St Mary’s, plus make sure you are signed up for the NHS Test and Trace App as this will be needed to enter the stadium.

Don’t forget your e-ticket and ID!

At the stadium

You will be required to wear a face covering while at St Mary’s except when eating or drinking. If you are exempt from wearing a mask for medical reasons, please get in touch with the Supporter Services Team as soon as you have been allocated a ticket so they can issue an exemption band.

Bags will not be allowed in the stadium but if you need a bag for medical reasons, please contact the Supporter Services Team as soon as you can.

Sanitising stations will be available throughout the area and you are encouraged to sanitize and wash your hands frequently.

Food will be available outside the stadium and if you buy food and drink you are asked to take it straight to your seat and not congregate within the concourses.

If you need help with getting food and drink, the various catering units will help as best they can while adhering to safety protocols.  Don’t forget that each disabled ticket includes a free enabler or helper ticket.

In the stadium

You may be seated at pitch level, so don’t forget to check the weather forecast and bring an umbrella and wear warm clothing.

The stewards will be managing the toilets to limit the number of people inside at any one time.

Whilst the stadium will be a lot emptier than normal, there will still be a need to think of others when moving around e.g. keep a minimum of 2m away from anyone outside of your bubble.

Evidence has shown that singing and shouting can increase coronavirus transmission, so you are asked to not do it. If your disability means that you shout and make noises, please let Supporter Services know so they can inform the steward for your area.

After the game

When you leave the stadium, please be aware of other supporters and social distancing.

Stewards will assist supporters exit St Mary’s safely so please follow what they say.

The sooner it can be shown that allowing supporters into stadiums can be done safely, the capacities can increase, and football can get back to normal.

If you have any questions relating to the return of supporters, please contact us ([email protected]) or Supporter Services.

If your situation changes and you cannot attend because you need to isolate, please contact Supporter Services.

Details taken from Return to St Mary’s