West Ham United is looking forward to welcoming our supporters back to London Stadium for the first time in nine months when we host Manchester United in the Premier League.
Following the Government’s placing of London in Tier 2 of COVID-19 restrictions from Wednesday 2 December, 2,000 spectators will be able to attend in person as the Hammers face Manchester United on Saturday 5 December at 5.30pm, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Club has been working in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders to put an efficient and effective plan in place, with the main aim of giving supporters a safe and enjoyable matchday experience at London Stadium.
We continue to plan and prepare with the hope of attendances increasing at matches to more substantial levels as soon as safely possible, in line with Government guidelines, so that more of our loyal Season Ticket Holders and Club London Members can return to back the team at London Stadium. It has simply not been the same without you.
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: “We have greatly missed the supporters at our matches and we are hugely looking forward to having them back. With our supporters in mind, David Moyes and the team have started the season strongly, while we would also like to thank our staff who have worked and continue to work extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure our readiness for the moment we were able to welcome supporters back in a safe and enjoyable environment for all. Of course, we would like to have many more of our supporters in person to back the team, but this is an important and positive first step towards that goal. We’d also like to thank our loyal and dedicated Season Ticket Holders for their continued support co-operation and understanding.”
Club captain Mark Noble added: “It’s good news that we will have some of our supporters back alongside us next weekend, for the first time in nine months. There is huge positivity around the Club and Rush Green and having the fans back will only spur us all on. For the players, it hasn’t been the same without our fans – we can’t wait for the day when we are able to walk out in front of 60,000 at London Stadium again, but this is a really positive sign that we are getting closer to that moment, and it will give everyone a further lift to see the West Ham fans cheering us on again.”
Who will be eligible to enter into the ballot?
Season Ticket Holders who have paid in full for the 2020/21 season will be automatically entered into a ballot for the opportunity to obtain tickets for the Manchester United fixture.
Who will be exempt?
In line with Public Health guidance, those supporters whose address is currently in a location under Tier 3 restrictions, or is overseas, will sadly be automatically exempt from attending this fixture, but we look forward to welcoming back those fans to London Stadium as soon as possible, or when their local area tier changes. Those who do not want to enter into the ballot because they are shielding or self-isolating, are requested to fill in an exemption form by clicking here by 11am on Monday 30 November.
How will you know if you have been successful in the ballot?
Supporters will be informed via email whether they have been successful in the ballot or not by Thursday 3 December – so please check your email folders. If you do not receive an email regarding the ballot, please contact the Ticket Office on 0333 030 1966.
How do I get my ticket if I am successful in the ballot?
Successful supporters will be sent their ticket via email to be downloaded onto a mobile device or printed at home. For this fixture, there will be no opportunity to forward or exchange the ticket, while no paper tickets will be printed, in line with Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) guidance.
What can I expect when I get to the stadium?
Supporters will be sat in the Billy Bonds Stand lower tier, as well as the West Stand. In line with SGSA guidance and to maximise the opportunity to see fans back at London Stadium, seats must be socially distanced, even if supporters attend with someone from their household or support bubble.
What happens if I am not successful on this ballot?
In order to make the process as fair as possible to all Season Ticket Holders, any successful applicants for this fixture will not be eligible to enter the ballot again until every other Season Ticket Holder wishing to attend has been given the opportunity to do so while attendances remain restricted.
The Club can confirm the following key matchday information for the Manchester United fixture below, while full details and a link to FAQs will be sent to the match-attending supporters in advance of the fixture.
Key matchday information
Continuing to follow SGSA and the relevant authorities’ guidelines, fans attending will need to agree to a Code of Conduct, which will be sent by email, including the need to carry Photo ID, wear a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking, and respect social distancing at all times.
Supporters will also be required to complete and sign a COVID-19 health questionnaire, as well as download the NHS Track and Trace App before scanning the relevant QR code on arrival. Tickets will not be issued until your health questionnaire has been received by the Club.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at London Stadium a minimum of 30 minutes before kick-off. Due to social-distancing measures, limited food and drink will be available via cashless-only kiosks, while Official Programmes will also be available to purchase, but alcohol will not be on sale at the Manchester United match. The Stadium Store will be open, but the number of supporters allowed in at any one time will be limited. Full details will be sent by email in due course while FAQs will be available via whufc.com.
Supporters should note that all of the above is subject to change and approval from the relevant authorities.
West Ham United is looking forward to welcoming some of our loyal supporters back to London Stadium and we hope to be able to have a larger number of fans in attendance in the near future, in accordance with Government guidelines.
The Club’s intention is to also welcome fans back at a reduced capacity for the West Ham United women’s fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday 20 December – more details will be shared in due course.
It’s been a unique and challenging time for everyone. The Club would like to thank every member of the Claret and Blue Army for your continued understanding, cooperation and support.
