Premiership rugby returns to Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday as Leicester Tigers host Exeter Chiefs. Our matchday guide contains everything you need to know about your day at the stadium.

After playing for so long behind closed doors or in front of reduced crowds, we urge everyone to travel to the stadium as early as possible as everyone comes to terms with their matchday routine again as well as changes to car-parking, entry points and regulations around the impact of Covid-19.

Tickets

Admission to all 12 home games in the Gallagher Premiership and pool-stage fixtures in the Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup is included in season tickets. If you were a 2020/21 season ticket holder, your payments have been transferred to the new season and all home games have already been loaded on to your existing cards. 

Only supporters who have changed seats or category are issued with new cards. If you have not yet received a new card, check your email inbox (it is worth checking junk mail or spam folders too) for an update from the Tigers ticket office. You will be issued with tickets via email for this game and can print at home or show your smartphone at the turnstiles to gain entry. Your new card will be with you as soon as possible.

Ticket office

There are now matchday ticket units located in three points around the stadium for ticket sales and assistance. These units are on Welford Road at the back of the Mattioli Woods Stand, at the back of the Beehive Money Stand next to Aylestone Walk/Crumbie Car Park and on the plaza outside the North Stand between the shop and reception.

You can also phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or book online any time. Tickets will still be available to purchase on matchday

The previous ticket office at the Aylestone Road end will now operate as a ticket point only on non-matchdays.

Wellbeing and Safety

In returning to the stadium, please think of the wellbeing and safety of yourself and those around you, while helping us all to minimise risks from the pandemic.

Take extra care over hygiene and sanitisation, consider wearing a facemask in areas around other people, and follow directions of signage and stewards regarding entry and exit. You may not be able to enter at your normal turnstile.

There are some restrictions around movement in the Breedon Stand due to the Red Zone and information has been emailed to ticket holders in that area. It is important that you enter/exit at the correct points because crossing the Red Zone is not permitted.

Supporters are unable to gather close to the players and officials in the tunnel area before or after the game.

The ABC and Crumbie Bars in the Breedon Stand are not open to the public and the toilets near the tunnel will be closed. There are drinks and food outlets, and toilets, available at each end of the stand and portable toilets available on Aylestone Walk.

If a ball is kicked to you in the team warm-up or in the game, please do not return it direct to the players or to the pitch. Instead, return to the ball boy team or a steward so it can be sanitised first.

Your support is always appreciated and the players will acknowledge the crowd from the pitch at full-tine. They cannot, though, join supporters on the touchline. Please do not wait and gather at the front of the stands as we aim to reduce congestion and close contact in those areas.

Stadium entry

Bars, kiosks and turnstiles open from 1.30pm.

The club encourages supporters not to bring bags into the stadium in order to help minimise delays and contact due to searches at the turnstiles.

We ask you to arrive as early as possible to avoid congestion.

Please be patient with staff in bars and kiosks, many of whom will be new to their roles after the restrictions on crowds and capacity over the last 18 months.

For more information, click here.

Making payments

The stadium runs cashless payments only.

Travel

After such a long period without a regular matchdays, please plan your route and find your correct turnstile in good time ahead of kick-off, especially if you are in different seats for this game or if you are located in the Breedon Stand where some restrictions remain in place.

There are changes to matchday parking this season with spaces available on Freeman’s Common at a cost of £8. These are pre-book only. There is no matchday availability at the King Power Stadium. Click here for more details.

Matchday bus services are in operation from Loughborough, Market Bosworth, Market Harborough and Oakham. Places must be booked in advance, with all fares costing £4 return. Click here for details.

Club Shops

The shop in the North Stand and the extended unit at the Aylestone Road end will be open all day, including after the game. Replica kit is back in stock alongside a range of training kit, leisurewear and souvenirs.

Season ticket holders receive a discount on shop purchases.

Supporters can use any Credit on their Tigers account to spend on shop purchases.

Ahead of kick-off

The 100-page printed matchday programme returns this week and is available from kiosks around the stadium and inside the club shops, price £3. Please note the programme booths operate cashless payments only.

The programme this week includes an introduction to the new faces in the squad, images from summer events and off the field, a full guide to the Premiership Rugby season including law trials and news of how you can help the Tigers Foundation’s work in the community.

There will be a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off in tribute to those who have passed away during the period of the pandemic – including a number of past players – and to acknowledge the continuing role of key workers in our community. The silence will begin and end on the signal of the match referee.

Club partners from the Nottingham Building Society are putting flags on seats in the Beehive Money Stand.

Post-match

Stewards will direct you to the appropriate exit when it is time to leave.

The Final Whistle and Droglites bars will remain open at the end of the game.

Resident band Rock Bottom will provide the entertainment in Final Whistle.

Follow the action

The Matchday Live service on the club app and website returns on Saturday. There will also be updates on the club’s social media.

Supporters can use the app to vote for a Fans’ Favourite and to send photos and messages to the stadium’s big screens courtesy of club partners Yodel. Open the Leicester Tigers app, click ‘Send A Photo’ and select ‘Big Screen’ option. 

There is build-up to the game on the club website, app and social media, with team announcements at noon on Friday and full reaction afterwards.

If you are unable to attend the game, there is live coverage with broadcasters BT Sport.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mattioli Woods Welford Road – see you on Saturday!