DFC v SUNDERLAND AFC PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTERS

DFC v SUNDERLAND AFC PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTERS

This game kicks off at 7.45pm at Heritage Park this Thursday, 9th July and Sunderland AFC have agree...

This game kicks off at 7.45pm at Heritage Park this Thursday, 9th July and Sunderland AFC have agreed to field a full strength first team squad for this match.

The club has some very important information for supporters attending this match.

In agreement with both clubs and the Police there will be segregation of fans for this match. Darlington supporters have been allocated the main stand, the ‘tin-shed’ and the standing area between both of these areas adjacent to the toilet cabins. Sunderland supporters have been allocated the full length of the standing area opposite the main stand, the seated area behind the goal and the standing area between the main stand and seated area behind the goal. In order for this segregation to operate smoothly Darlington supporters can only access the ground through the two turnstiles on the left hand side, at the end of the main stadium car park, labelled DARLINGTON FC SUPPORTERS ONLY. Sunderland supporters can only enter the ground through the other two turnstiles (closest to the March Hare pub), labelled SUNDERLAND AFC SUPPORTERS ONLY.

Car parking is available in Car Park B and Car Park C (behind the March Hare pub) on a first come, first served basis. However spaces are very limited in Car Park B and a section of this car park will be cordoned off. This is due to a long standing arrangement made by BAFC before the date of this match was known. There is no fixed charge for parking, although donations are most welcome. Visiting coaches from Sunderland will be parked in Car Park C behind KFC and the pub, which is a short walk from the turnstiles. Darlington Football Club and the Police ask supporters to arrive in plenty of time and park sensibly and within the law.

The turnstiles will be open from 6.30pm and there are food outlets available inside the ground in each of the segregated areas. In line with the same arrangement as the previous DFC v SAFC pre-season friendly, seating in the main stand will be very limited as we are required to give a larger than usual allocation to SAFC officials and SAFC support staff. Seats in the main stand are on a first come first served basis.

Having been instructed by the Police, there will be no alcohol served pitch side anywhere in the stadium. The bar in the main stand will open for Darlington fans only and will close at 7.30pm and will not open again until 10 minutes after the final whistle. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

A final reminder that this game is all-ticket, and tickets MUST be bought in advance as no tickets will be available to buy on the day of the game. As we are expecting a sell-out crowd supporters are advised to arrive early to avoid queuing.

We hope you enjoy the game and thank you for your continued support.