Published on September 21st, 2020 | by Ben Lockwood

Bringing Supporters back to Oakwell: Latest

BFCST, along with around 10 other supporter groups, attended an online fan engagement forum this evening which concentrated only on what the club has been working on to welcome fans back to Oakwell.

Firstly, and important to note, is that it was obvious that 100′s of hours of work have gone into what is a pretty complicated and complex set of requirements/problems to solve – with the safety of Barnsley supporters the paramount objective.

Everything mentioned here is subject to change based on government guidance and what is learnt from the trial games. Meaning nothing is set in stone and this is only a guide to current thinking.

Headlines

The club had hoped that 40% of stadium capacity could be achieved based on initial guidance, which should have meant all our 7,500 season ticket holders could have been welcomed back to Oakwell
This is now based on available space in the concourse
As a result, 3,769 is the current total capacity of Oakwell
North stand with a capacity of 6,100 can hold 1,015
East Stand upper will house 342 supporters
The plan is to ask season ticket holders to form one-time bubbles of up to 6 people they come to the match with. Fans will have to do this in the online ticketing system.
A ballot will be run for each match via Ticketmaster
Those not successful in a ballot will get access to the next game
The club are working on 30% of season ticket holders not wanting to come back (this number is based on trials so far). Meaning c.1,500 will unfortunately not get in to the first game
A test and then pilot will be required first
Working towards our Oct 17th fixture vs. Bristol City for the 3,769 attendees – but this may change
Only digital tickets will be issued (Apple Wallet/PDF/Mobile). There will be no physical tickets
Awaiting guidance on those without mobile phones
No streaming codes will be provided for those with access to the game
Club are hoping to start the process of getting bubbles set up towards the end of the week.

Stadium Changes

Increases signage (and lots of it)
Looking at potential one-way systems
Improved hand washing facilities and hand sanitiser stations
Outdoor portaloos as many of the concourse toilets will not be in use
No refreshments on concourses
Possibility of outdoor refreshments
Plans to make use of outside spaces to the best of club’s ability
Concourses will become corridors to get to your seat
Supporters will be encouraged to wear face masks
Awaiting guidance on wearing them in your seat during the game
A code of conduct will be launched as part of the bubble process.

Seating Plan

2m away from the closest bubble in all directions
Alternate rows will be used
Supporters will not be sat by their season ticket and may not even sit in the relevant stand
Your allocated ticket will guarantee you entry somewhere in Oakwell
Seat allocations must be strictly adhered to and will be enforced

Transport