With the new season nearly here, we are delighted to welcome back supporters. We anticipate the American Express Community Stadium and other stadiums around the country will be operating at full capacity or close to it – but we are going to need the help of all our fans to keep it that way.
To give ourselves the best chance of maximising attendances throughout the coming season, it’s vital we work together: clubs, local authorities, football authorities, safety experts – and, of course, fans – to keep fellow supporters, staff, players and officials safe at all matches. It will take longer for you to enter the stadium, but we aim to minimise any delays.
You can really help us to make the process as smooth as possible by reading the information below carefully, coming to matches well prepared, follow instructions and by arriving early to allow enough time for the entry checks. We also request that all supporters are respectful to our staff at all times, and that you remain patient while completing the necessary stadium entry requirements.
So what is the latest position?
The club is working closely with the various authorities, safety advisors and Premier League to make stadium entry as easy as possible for all supporters.
In anticipation of likely mandatory stadium entry requirements from 1 October 2021, we will be requesting proof of COVID status for entry to the Amex with immediate effect.
This will allow us to review and, where necessary, to refine or update our stadium entry processes in time for likely mandatory requirements with effect from 1 October 2021.
We will therefore require all match, season and away ticket holders aged 18 and over to produce an NHS COVID Pass or proof of a negative lateral flow test alongside photographic ID to enter the Amex with immediate effect.
Additionally, you should also follow government guidelines and not attend if any of the following apply to you:
- you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- someone you live with has symptoms or has tested positive
- you've been told you've been in contact with someone who tested positive and asked to self-isolate
We anticipate that all Premier League clubs will follow the same or similar procedures from the start of this coming season so Albion fans who intend to travel to away matches will need to familiarise themselves with the individual policies and procedures in place at each stadium in advance as they may vary slightly according to the host club’s own set-up.
What is a COVID pass?
Adult supporters will need to show either:
1. A valid NHS COVID Pass - accessed via the NHS app or website, full details here.
OR
2. Proof of a negative lateral flow test - taken within 48 hours of kick-off can be shown using the NHS COVID Pass or in the form of an official NHS email or text message.
PLUS
Photo ID to confirm the name on their COVID status supplied in option 1 or 2.
NB: the small paper cards issued when you received your first and second jabs will not be accepted as proof of double vaccination. For all acceptable forms of proof, please refer to the government website.
Can I show evidence that I have been vaccinated abroad?
EU Digital COVID Certificates and US State certificates showing a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccination should count as sufficient COVID-status certification. In other cases we recommend that you obtain an NHS Pass after recording a negative lateral flow test result in the previous 48 hours.
These checks will take place at stadium perimeter check points to allow supporters to enter the external concourse and proceed to the turnstiles for stadium entry.
If you intend to use the digital COVID Pass we would strongly advise you use the NHS app to download the pass to your smartphone Apple wallet (for iPhone users); or download and print or screenshot the PDF with QR code. But please ensure the date has not expired.
Failure to comply with the above procedure will mean you are unable to enter the stadium.
NB: It’s essential we do everything to keep everyone safe, including the club’s staff, so any attempt to falsify information relating to your COVID status or to mislead or avoid the club’s staff to gain entry to the stadium will result in your season ticket, 1901 Club membership, match ticket, and/or MyAlbion+ membership being suspended immediately, and without refund, for the entire 2021/22 season.
Important further matchday information
All fans attending any matches at the Amex this season should read the following information very carefully.
It is important to always observe the government guidelines, including while travelling to and from the stadium, and respect the safety of those working on the transport networks, our staff and your fellow supporters.
Tickets
We will not be selling match tickets in person at the ticket office this season. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the club’s website.
Travel to the Amex
The club’s matchday travel scheme will be in operation for all Premier League games with access to bus, train and park-and-ride services included within the ticket price. Please check if the scheme is running for all non-PL fixtures.
We do have very limited additional parking available, but this must be pre-booked via the club’s website, in the ticketing section. There will be NO cash sales on the day.
We will be using mobile ticketing for parking this season, and you will need to download the ticket to your phone and show on entry to the relevant car park.
In all our car parks, we ask that you reverse into parking bays.
Arriving at the Amex
Fans must wear a face covering at all times when moving around inside the stadium – the ONLY exception is when you are eating or drinking or sat in your seat. We would also strongly recommend you wear your mask in congested external areas, particularly when queuing.
On arrival at the stadium please ensure you always comply with the requests of our safety and stewarding team. They are there for your safety and the safety of those around you.
We will still be required to carry out our usual stadium entry and security checks ahead of you accessing the turnstile.
We respectfully ask that you do not bring bags to the stadium; if you do so, the maximum permitted size will be A4 (297mm x 210mm). There are no exceptions to the policy and there are no bag storage facilities at the stadium. Any bags left outside the stadium will be removed and disposed of.
Mobile digital ticketing at the Amex
This season, in line with the government’s and Premier League guidelines, we are moving to mobile digital tickets. Firstly, please don’t forget to charge your phone before you leave for the Amex and download your tickets to your phone's wallet.
Have your pass ready before you get to the turnstiles.
The tickets appear at the bottom of the Apple Wallet or on the Passes tab of Google Pay.
You will be prompted to do this when you open Google Pay. If your phone does not have NFC please tap the 'Show Code' option.
At the turnstile
Phones with NFC: To use your mobile ticket to access the stadium, tap your phone on the contactless reader on the top of the turnstile.
If you have an Android device, you may need to turn on NFC.
If you have an Apple device, the NFC chip is likely to be on the top of the device. If you have an Android device, the chip is likely to be more central, but could be anywhere on the device, so please make a note of where it reads for future reference.
Phones without NFC: Open Google Pay and the 'pass' for the game. Tap the 'Show Code' option, then place your phone inside the turnstile reader, with the barcode on the screen facing upwards. Please do not screenshot the barcode and try to use this as it will not work, you must use the pass in Google Pay.
If you have a valid Adult ticket the light will turn green and you can enter the stadium. The turnstile may show other colours depending on your price type.
If the light turns red or you are unable to enter, please seek help from the nearest steward, who will be happy to help.
Once inside the Amex
We advise to take care when passing others in seating areas, turn your back when you pass fellow supporters and avoid passing face-to-face.
Once inside the stadium you must sit in your allocated seat, and we would encourage you to make your way to your seats as soon as possible, and enjoy the pre-match entertainment on the big screens – including any other live matches ahead being broadcast live ahead of our matches.
Supporters are strongly advised to avoid hugs, handshakes and high fives, and ensure regular hand sanitisation.
Timings at the Amex
Gates will open two hours before kick-off and we encourage fans to arrive as early as possible.
Please note there will be no content on the screens in the concourse areas, these screens will carry signage and safety messages.
Additional signage will be displayed throughout the stadium using special colour coding (mint green signage for instructions; blue signage for advice).
This information will also be carried on the LEDs, big screens and concourse screens – while additional information will be broadcast over the public address system throughout the afternoon.
On the final whistle fans may choose to remain in the concourse to stagger their departure.
Catering and facilities at the Amex
Food and drink kiosks will also be open on the external concourse.
Kiosks will be open inside the stadium from two hours before kick-off, with the usual range of food options – including burgers, hot dogs and pies, and the usual crisps and confectionary.
Our usual range of drinks will be available, and while we would encourage you to take your seats inside the bowl early, please be reminded that drinking alcohol in view of the pitch is not permitted.
Social distancing should be observed where possible on the external and internal concourse areas.
Remember that the Amex is now a cashless stadium – so please ensure you have a cashless payment method. We also encourage contactless payment.
When using the toilets please follow the guidance on display, observe social distancing and use the handwashing and sanitisation facilities available.