We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the Keepmoat Stadium for a league game with fans for the first time since February 2020.
Richie Wellens's side get the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season underway against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday August 7.
Since it was confirmed that spectators could return to sporting events across the country, we have been working hard to create a fun and safe environment for you to call home.
Here is what you should expect on matchday:
Facemasks
Although facemasks will not be mandatory within the stadium, the club supports any individuals wishing to wear them.
You may also see some of our staff around the ground wearing face coverings please don’t be offended by an individual's choice on this matter.
Social distancing
While social distancing measures have been removed by the Government, we understand that some of our supporters may feel apprehensive being at a sporting event with so many people in attendance.
Please be courteous and respectful in trying, where possible, to maintain a safe distance when queuing. NHS track and trace will also be available inside the stadium and we encourage supporters to use it as they enter the ground.
Socially distanced seating
The club are keen to ensure everyone feels comfortable and have allocated parts of the ground which provide a socially distanced seating experience. This can be arranged in advance through the box office.
If there is a point during the game when you start to feel uncomfortable due to the proximity of others, or people around you not wearing facemasks, please speak to a steward and we will aim to find alternative seating for you to ensure you can continue to enjoy your experience.
No cash gates and ticket collection point
Supporters are advised to purchase tickets early for the game, as there will be no cash gates on the day.
You can also collect your 2021/22 season ticket memberships on the day of the game, but we advise you to do so in advance where possible. Collections will be available from the CDA reception on Thursday evening.
The Club Doncaster Box Office will be open up until kick-off, and pre-ordered tickets can be collected from the Club Doncaster Enterprise Zone reception (based in the Polypipe South Stand).
Please aim to arrive as early as you can to avoid queuing and congestion around the stadium.
Away ticket collections will be available from the Club Doncaster Academy reception.
Barcode access
You will find a barcode on your match ticket. Please scan using the equipment provided - there will be turnstile operators on hand to assist if needed.
Mech FS West Stand players’ area
This is still classified as a red zone to try and limit interaction with players and reduce the spread of COVID-19 as well as losing players to self-isolation for 10 days at a key stage of the season.
We will look to review this post August 16 and will be speaking to the EFL regularly to ensure we are proactive in our approach.
There will be a red zone close to the players in the West Stand due to dugouts being removed, we ask that fans could respect this and keep at a safe distance.
We have now received approval that supporters in the West Stand will be able to leave the ground via the middle stairwell at the end of the game.
Car parking
Hospitality are advised to park in car park one, with Silver Plus members and supporters who have pre-paid parking in car park two. There will be no pay on the day car parking in car park two for this match.
Members of the media and supporters paying for parking on the day will be in car park three.
Anyone reporting to the Club Doncaster Academy should park in car park four, with supporters also able to park in there.
Car parking is expected to be limited so please arrive early to secure your space.
Programmes & Half time draw
Matchday programmes will be available to purchase from the Box Office and at concourse kiosks.
Inside the programme is an exclusive interview with Tommy Rowe ahead of his first season back at the club following two years in the Sky Bet Championship with Bristol City.
There will be no half-time draw at this game.
Club Doncaster Store
The Club Doncaster Shop will be open from 10am on matchday up until kick-off, and for 20 minutes post-match. Head in to purchase the brand new home and/or away shirts with the new campaign getting underway!
Matchday programmes will also be available from the shop.
Entertainment
The family areas in both home and away ends will be back open, which includes Donny Dog’s Kennel. Please note we will only have two of our four consoles in operation to enable social distancing within the kennel.
Keep your eye out for TIFO display on the Black Bank in the Polypipe South Stand prior to the game.
Donny Dog is back and his friend Percy the Penguin will be also in attendance from DCLT. There will be a mascot race at half-time.
Catering
Sodexo continue to be our onsite catering partners, and there will be a catering van outside the stadium near the Box Office as well the kiosks being open on the concourses. Feel free to use these before entering.
There have been some price changes to specific items and meal deals, and unfortunately 1879 is no longer available due to the brewery reducing their product lines during COVID-19, but Sodexo are seeking to rectify this.
More contactless machines are onsite for you to use when purchasing at the kiosk, and please be assured we will be accepting cash and card payments throughout the stadium.
Smoking bubbles will still be in operation.
Belle Vue Bar and Rovers Square
This will be closed as it is still operating as an NHS COVID-19 vaccination centre as we continue to try and support the Doncaster community respond to the pandemic.
Prior to kick-off
There will be a minute's applause ahead of Saturday's game as we pay our respects to those we have lost during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
How to listen to the game if you can’t attend the stadium
Stay close to all the action at the Keepmoat Stadium from the comfort of your living room with an iFollow Rovers match pass. You can listen to Rovers’ first league game of the new campaign with striker Fejiri Okenabirhie providing expert analysis alongside Alex Gibbings.
Rovers for all
This Saturday, we will be supporting Doncaster Pride Week 2021 - find out more here. You can learn about Rovers for All here.
We want you all to enjoy every second of your experience and thank you all for your patience.
Please respect everyone’s views. We are all part of the same family.
