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Club News

Match guide: Sunderland

26 December 2021

Club News

Match guide: Sunderland

26 December 2021

Rovers are in action at the Eco-Power Stadium when they take on Sunderland in Sky Bet League One on Monday.

The game will be televised live on Sky Sports and kick-off at 12.30pm.

Here is what you should expect on matchday:

COVID-19 certification

With a crowd of more than 10,000 expected for Rovers' game against Sunderland at the Eco-Power Stadium on December 27, COVID-19 certification, or a negative lateral flow test (taken within 48 hours of the game and registered on the NHS app) will be required to gain entry to the stadium.

The club has put in place a range of processes to help create a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters at our matches, however it is vitally important that all attendees understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times, and follow all safety requirements, to assist club staff and stewards, and to help protect you and your fellow fans.

Please ensure that you read the COVID-19 Supporter’s code of conduct before attending the game to ensure a safe environment for all.

Further guidance can also be found HERE with the EFL FAQ’s on COVID-19 certification.

Turnstiles will open at 10am to allow for the additional checks. Early arrival at the stadium is recommended to allow for the extra time required for checks.

In line with government guidelines supporters are expected to wear face coverings in any crowded and enclosed spaces (unless medically exempt), when in close contact with others. 

Please note, that if you are not in possession of a COVID-19 pass or a negative lateral flow test this will result in refusal of entry to the stadium and no refund will be issued on match tickets/season ticket membership.

Facemasks 

Facemasks will be mandatory in all indoor areas of the stadium - including concourses, Box Office and Club Store but excluding Belle Vue Bar and Jibba Jabba Restaurant. Unless medically exempt.

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.

Pyrotechnics

Doncaster Rovers would like to remind all supporters that the use of pyrotechnic devices is strictly forbidden.

The club has a firm stance on the use of pyrotechnics, whether it be at the Eco-Power Stadium or at any other EFL ground: they can not and will not be tolerated. 

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.

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.

Turnstiles

Due to an increase to the national terror threat level, there will be increased bag searches upon entry to the stadium. 

Please note that turnstiles 20-22 are closed, so anyone advised to head there on their ticket should instead go to turnstiles 17-19.

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 are 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 can park in two or three depending on their allocated pass, and supporters who have pre-paid should park in car park two. There will be no pay on the day car parking in car park two for this match.

Anyone reporting to the Club Doncaster Academy should park in car park three, 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 Joseph Olowu about his time with Rovers so far.

There will be a half-time draw at the game.

Draw tickets are priced at £2 each (cash only) and your entry will support the Foundation’s as they continue to give vital support to more and more people.

Club Doncaster Store

The Club Doncaster Store will be open from 9.30am on matchday up until kick-off, and for 20 minutes post-match.

There will be a Boxing Day sale on in the store for supporters to take advantage of.

Matchday programmes will also be available from the shop.

Entertainment

The family areas in both home and away ends will be 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.

The annual £10,000 Club Doncaster Lottery draw will take place at half-time of Monday’s game.

The Lottery supports Doncaster Rovers Academy and the community activities of Doncaster Rugby League FC and the Club Doncaster Foundation and this year our Academy players will be joining in the fun along with the 10 lucky lottery members who have been chosen at random to be in with a chance of winning the £10,000.

Each lottery member chosen to take part will draw a number which has been assigned to a player from within the Rovers Academy. 

The Academy players will then line-up on the edge of the penalty area and pass the ball towards the halfway line. 

The numbered ball closest to the halfway line will be deemed the winner and the entrant with the corresponding number will walk away with the £10,000 prize (no pressure Academy boys!).

The 10 people taking part are as follows:

Paula Henman

Kevin Bentham

Tim Silcock

Keith Medcalf

Don Weigel

Barry Tate

Stephen Hickman

Alan Love

Barry Strangward

Marie Roe

Good luck everyone! And don’t forget to show your appreciation to the youngsters from our Academy.

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

The bar will be back open with home and away fans welcome. 

Soccer Sight

Unfortunately, due to technical issues, Soccer Sight commentary will not be available for this game. If you use this service and require an alternative, please email Hayley.ford@clubdoncaster.co.uk. 

How to watch to the game if you can’t attend the stadium

Stay close to all the action at the Eco-Power Stadium from the comfort of your living room with an iFollow Rovers match pass. You can listen to Rovers take on Sunderland with commentary from Robbie Andrews.

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.


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