Season Card Q&A

Season Card Q&A

Following last week’s Season Card announcement, we have received many questions on social media regarding Covid restrictions and their impact on attending a match at the Crown Oil Arena.

We’ve put together a Q&A based on those questions. Please note that these are correct at the time of writing, however, information is changing on a daily basis. Our Covid plan is being monitored and reviewed in line with any changes, therefore, we will endeavour to update supporters as quickly as possible should there be any changes.

When will supporters be allowed back inside the Crown Oil Arena?

The Government has announced that supporters will be allowed back into football stadiums from October 1st, however, capacity will be reduced due to social distancing.

What capacity restrictions will be in place at the Crown Oil Arena once fans are allowed back in matches?

The capacity of the Crown Oil Arena will be reduced to around 2,100 under the Covid-19 restrictions. There will be 365 spaces in the Main Stand, 624 in the Smith Metals Family Stand, 283 in the Sandy Lane Stand and 828 in the Reside Estate Agency Stand. You must remain in the seat allocated to you.

I am an existing Season Ticket holder. Can I claim my current seat?

We will endeavour to get you as close to your current seat as possible. However, due to our approved Covid seating plan, we will, unfortunately, be unable to guarantee your usual seat / stand for season ticket holders wanting to renew, but as soon as restrictions are lifted we will reallocate your original seat.

The Reside Estate Agency Stand (Willbutts Lane Stand)

The away end – The Reside Estate Agency Stand – will be made available to home supporters as an alternative only, when fans are unable to be housed in their usual stand. You will pay the same price as per your chosen stand.

The capacity is less than the number of existing Season Ticket holders. How will the Club accommodate this?

Season Cards will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, we advise supporters to purchase their Season Cards as soon as possible to secure entry into the Crown Oil Arena.

Will there be any away supporters?

There will be no away supporters during the restrictions, and there will be no scouts or free tickets available to allow as many Dale fans as possible to attend matches.

If home games are played behind closed doors, will I be entitled to a refund for any game that I can’t gain entry to?

Season Card holders will receive an iFollow pass for any home game played behind closed doors. Should the Government retract its guidance on allowing supporters into the ground from October 1^st onwards, then the Club will look to offer a refund on Season Cards.

Can I sit with my friends?

Due to the local lockdown restrictions currently in place, only supporters from the same household/ support bubble can sit together. Our approved Covid seating plan allows seats to be allocated in up to groups of four.

How will social distancing work in the Sandy Lane?

Whilst social distancing measures are in place, the capacity of the Sandy Lane will be restricted to 283. Floor markers will be in place and social distancing will be upheld by stewards. We are also relying on supporters to take responsibility for their own actions.

Will I have to wear a facemask?

We recommend that supporters bring a mask with them for times when they feel it is required – ie) At times when they are indoors (kiosk and toilet) or where social distancing may be difficult/ you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

What will the matchday experience look like?

There will be no music played throughout the day. Supporters, under the current guidance, will not be allowed to sing, chant or shout.

Kiosks and toilets will be open, with distancing measures in operation.

I have opted to receive a refund for the six unplayed matches in 2019/20, when will I receive my refund?

The Club will begin the process of paying out refunds at the end of the week. Supporters who have requested a refund and have since provided the Club with their bank details, will have their refund paid directly into their account. Please note that all refunds will be paid back to the supporter directly, therefore, you cannot request money off your new 2020/21 Season Card at the point of sale. This is due to a new ticketing system being in place.

Is it worthwhile purchasing a Family Rewards Card even although I may not be able to attend a match due to capacity restrictions?

100 tickets for Dale Family Rewards Card holders will be made available for every home game. These will be sold on a first come, first served basis, and must be purchased in advance of matchday. More details will follow in due course.

The price is £25. Members will receive a physical card and the following exclusive member benefits:

£5 discount on match tickets for home league games;

Priority purchase for cup games;

Discounted iFollow match passes.

Monthly rewards such as;

Bring a friend vouchers;

Half-price hospitality;

10% discount in the Club Shop;

Local business offers.

Season Card holders will also receive all of the above monthly rewards!

Can I purchase online?

The new RAFC ticketing site www.rafctickets.co.uk will be live from 9am on Saturday 15 August.

Supporters will be able to purchase Season Cards for the Sandy Lane Stand and Dale Family Reward Cards only.

Unfortunately, due to strict Covid-19 seating enforcements, we are unable to currently sell Season Cards for the Main Stand or the Smith Metals Family Stand online. We sincerely apologise to our supporters for this inconvenience.

I am buying a Season Card this season but not an existing Season Ticket Holder, when can I purchase?

Season Cards are initially only available to purchase by existing Season Ticket Holders. Season Cards will go on General Sale from 01 September 2020.

How long will it take to process my Season Card purchase if I chose to visit the Ticket Office in person?

Due to a new ticketing system being in place, as well the introduction of the Covid safe seating plan that must be strictly adhered to, it is expected that you Season Card purchase may take longer than it did in previous years. We ask for your patience and understanding on this matter. Our staff will process your order as quickly as possible.

When will I receive my Season Card?

Please note that you will not receive you Season Card at the point sale. All cards need to be individually printed and data loaded onto them, therefore, they will be available to collect at a later date, or available to receive by post (postage fee applies). We will communicate in due course when they will be available.

I am a Dale Lotto Agent - do I still receive a discounted Season Card?

All Dale Lotto Agents have received a letter regarding 2020/21 Season Cards. If you are an Agent and have not received your letter, please contact the club on Tel: 01706 644648 or Email: office@rochdaleafc.co.uk

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