Covid - 19 - Bamber Bridge - 20
We are back !! But we weren't for very long !!
So much tireless
work has gone into producing Covid-19 Risk Assessments for players,
fans and staff alike, and making the clubhouse and Stadium a safe
and welcoming environment..July 2020 After
a long long wait, when at times it looked like it may never happen,
football returned to Bamber Bridge, with 300 happy to be back
supporters of both Brig and Chorley, along with a few neutrals pouring in to the stadium. A pre
season friendly against local rivals Chortley was on offer, but the work involved in getting this game
played by the fantastic staff and volunteers of the club gave it an air
of a cup final. New rules and guidelines to be adhered to with posters
and floor markings directing fans around the ground.
 Ok, so on the pitch on the day, Bamber Bridge were well beaten by an impressive Chorley outfit But with all due respect to the players on the pitch today, There was a bigger picture to paint and Bamber Bridge FC painted a Masterpiece Six Months after fans last attended a game at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium, todays pre-season friendly marked a new begining. A sell out 300 spectators in the ground for a "phase 1" fixture. 300 being 15% of the Northern Premier League's minimum Capacity requirement of 1,950.  Game underway
All the planning was put in to practice. Selling tickets in advance worked a treat, something the football club are likely to continue with, hopefully online sales will soon be available. Entry in to the ground went as smooth as silk, with fans depositing their tickets, each containting name and contact details, directly into a large plastic tub. Hand sanitizing despensers were available and used by all supporters coming into the staidium. Fans were given flyers indicating their own responsibilty for social distancing whilst inside the ground.  Along with the "flyers" Posters and markings all around the ground reminded patrons to socially distance and keep to their social bubbles of no more than 6 people. This seems to have been observed impecabily by all who attended. The clubhouse was restricted to 70 customers who all had to be seated, an outside bar available next to the main stand meant queues were kept to acceptable and comfortable levels. Similarly with the queues for food at "Mays Place". The co-operation of supporters is paramount in making ourt return to football work and this afternoon everyone who attended did themeselves credit.  Fans watching football..... At last !
Behind the scenes so many people have put in so much effort to make today happen, they cannot be praised highly enough. A review of today's game will be held later in the week and a decision made as to whether we can, and more importantly, should, move on to "Phase 2". This will enable the club to allow a capacity of up to 600 supporters. The next home game for the club will be a week on tuesday when Southport FC pay us a visit.  So, As the football fans left, hopefully having enjoyed their "Matchday Experience" The Club welcomed in the music fans, here to see the latest Brig outdoor gig, The gazebo was set up on the pitch and "April Moon" set up ready to entertain the crowd. Let's hope the weather stays dry.  Ready for the next outdoor gig   Popcorn was also available !!!!  |
