Following the announcement that the new Sky Bet League Two season will start on the weekend of Saturday, September 12th, we can provide answers below to a number of the frequently asked questions.
When will the stadium re-open?
The re-opening of the Sands Venue Stadium will be phased to accommodate the needs of the different departments within the club taking into consideration the current Government guidelines. The stadium remains closed to visitors at this time.
When are the players returning to training?
Pre-season starts on Monday 3rd August. Players and some coaching staff will return. There will be restrictions on access to the site and car parks from this date in order to keep visitors onto the site to a minimum.
When will the club shop re-open?
It is expected the club shop will open on a reduced days and hours basis at some point in August. A number of measures will be in place to protect customers and staff including a one-way system and face-masks while there will not be the chance to try items on, although returns will be possible. It is expected that the shop will not accept any cash and all payments will need to be by card and contactless where possible. Purchases can still be made by visiting www.sufcshop.com and selecting postage while our click and collect online ordering will resume when the shop re-opens. Please email sufcshop@scunthorpe-united.co.uk for any enquires in the meantime.
The ticket office will remain closed until around the time that games which can be held in front of crowds can take place. Season tickets can still be purchased online at www.sufctickets.com or call 01724 747670. Please bear in mind the club is still operating on a greatly reduced staff level to minimise costs and risks and if you leave a voicemail message or email with your phone number then someone will get back to you as soon as they can, but it may not be the same day. Email enquiries can be sent to sufctickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk.
When we will the fixtures for 2020-21 be announced?
The fixtures for the 2020-21 season are currently scheduled to be announced the week commencing 17th August 2020. However, these do remain subject to change as discussions continue between the EFL and the Premier League.
When will fans be allowed back inside the ground to watch games?
The Government have indicated that spectators might be able to watch games from 1st October. There is a lot of guidance to consider in respect of this and that guidance is continually being updated as things change. The club is working towards being ready to have fans in as soon as allowed and safe to do so. It is very likely that entry to and from the stadium and the movement of people within the stadium will be different. The capacity will be reduced to a level where social distancing is possible and season ticket holders will be given priority should this reduced capacity dictate the need to limit spectators.
We know that we will need to communicate out plans clearly to all fans and are likely to require further information from supporters ahead of crowds returning, so please make sure that the ticket office has the correct contact details for you including email address to enable us to communicate with you in this way. Please email sufctickets@scunthorpe-united.co.uk with your latest email address.
We expect that face masks will need to be worn by those that can. Personalised face masks can be purchased from our officially licensed partner here while the club shop will also have some in stock very soon.
We expect the stadium to be cashless and all ticket sales will need to be done in advance, in line with the current guidelines being issued.
Will programmes be available?
The current guidance states that printed programmes should not be issued. The club is considering alternative arrangements.
Will catering points be open?
We are looking into how we can manage the flow of people around the catering points, if it is possible to use the current facilities safely we will do so, otherwise we will look to offer an alternative.
Will hospitality be open?
We are hopeful that matchday hospitality will be available at games where crowds are permitted. The club will need to make adjustments to the hospitality areas to make this possible.
When will the 2020-21 league season start?
League Two is scheduled to start on Saturday 12th September.
How will fans be able to watch games where crowds are not allowed in?
It looks likely the season will start without fans, and that the team will play a handful of home and away games behind closed doors. We would like to be able to offer access to these games in another way like streaming but we await more information from the EFL.
Will away fans be allowed in?
At this moment, we are unsure if crowds from away teams will be allowed to attend and if the club can safely accommodate this. We are also unsure if Iron fans will be allowed to travel to other stadiums.
When will the academy restart?
The scholars will return w/c 3rd August. The schoolboys are expected to return to training in early September.