Everyone at West Ham United is eagerly anticipating our opening home Premier League match of the 2021/22 season, against Leicester City on Monday 23 August, which will mark the first time since February 2020 that London Stadium has been full to capacity at 60,000.
The return of our supporters to matches has been a magnificent and welcome sight, and we are fully prepared and excited for the return of a full London Stadium as David Moyes’ side look to continue their fantastic form on a special night under the lights.
The Club has worked hard throughout the pandemic to ensure the safe return of our supporters as soon as we were able to welcome them back. By now, everyone is familiar with what is required to keep one another safe and, as supporters have done so at the lower-capacity games, the Club knows all will continue to act responsibly.
Continuing to work in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders and the Independent Supporters’ Committee, as well as adhering to evolving Government and Premier League guidance, the Club has put an efficient and effective plan in place, including the continuation of a Code of Conduct which can be read in full here, to ensure the health, safety and comfort of all of our supporters at London Stadium. To help us and your fellow supporters, please do familiarise yourself with all of the information you need for this first full capacity match.
All ticket holders will receive direct email and SMS from the Club with further information today, while we would also encourage supporters to visit the Hammers Hub ahead of the game to ensure you’re fully prepared for matchday.
We look forward to welcoming our loyal Season Ticket Holders, Club London and Claret Members, as well as match-attending supporters back to London Stadium on Monday, and thank for your continued co-operation and assistance in helping us to ensure the matchday experience is as safe as possible for everyone present.
Saïd Benrahma said: “I’ve been waiting for the fans. When the fans are there it’s different, it pushes you on. Your adrenaline is boosted when the fans are there. It’s just amazing. I’m impatiently waiting for playing at home in front of a full stadium. It was still cool at Newcastle despite being away from home and we could hear their voices loudly. I’m now waiting impatiently for our first home match of the season!”
It promises to be an emotional night with the Hammers supporters back, Bubbles ringing around at London Stadium, 60,000 in attendance and an exciting fixture too – limited tickets remain so get yours now.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF MONDAY’S GAME?
PROOF OF COVID STATUS
In line with Premier League guidance, supporters should be prepared to show proof that they are either fully vaccinated or have returned a negative Covid test no more than 48 hours before kick-off as spot checks will be taking place.
How do I show I’m fully vaccinated or I have a negative test?
All supporters over the age of 18 should be prepared to demonstrate their Covid status, including via the NHS COVID Pass, generated by the NHS app, on their smartphone when entering London Stadium, confirming that they are either fully vaccinated or have returned a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 48 hours before kick-off.
Whilst this should happen very quickly, please allow time for the approval process for the NHS Covid Pass, so please ensure that you have downloaded the NHS app well in advance of the fixture.
Supporters who have received their second COVID-19 vaccine within the two weeks prior to the fixture will be required to take either a PCR or rapid lateral flow test no more than 48 hours before kick-off.
Where can I get a lateral flow test?
Rapid lateral flow tests are available free from local NHS providers and some pharmacies. They can also be ordered online here.
HOW DO I DOWNLOAD MY E-TICKET?
As previously communicated and in place for a minimum of our first two home fixtures, against Leicester City and Crystal Palace, Season Ticket Holders, along with match ticket holders, will receive an email from the Club in the days before the match with their ticket(s) included. All tickets are sent to the lead booker by email, so please ensure you check with the person who renewed or purchased your Season Ticket or match ticket on your behalf. Supporters will be able to access London Stadium via the following ways which cater for all:
- To help the Club and fellow supporters, download your e-ticket to your smartphone and have it open and ready as you approach your turnstile for scanning upon entry
- Print your e-ticket at home on A4 sized paper from any computer or device, fold it and have it ready as you approach your turnstile for scanning upon entry
- Head to a clearly designated and exclusive window at the Ticket Office at London Stadium 90 mins before kick-off to receive a paper ticket printed by the Club. These can also be collected during normal Ticket Office opening hours prior to matchday or from 10am on Monday
- Special arrangements will be in place for any supporters who are not able to utilise one of the methods above. Simply contact the Ticket Office on 0333 030 1966, select ‘Option 2’ and the Club will personally ensure that your individual needs are met
Should you wish to take up either of the final two options above, please arrive early at London Stadium and the Club will endeavour to print your ticket as quickly as possible to ensure your smooth entry to the Stadium.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
In line with guidance for all major stadiums and venues, supporters are encouraged to arrive at London Stadium as early as possible. If using public transport to travel to London Stadium, please ensure you follow all the guidelines for your chosen transport provider. For the latest travel advice visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.tfl.gov.uk. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the transport operators’ website directly.
Supporters are encouraged to wear a face covering on all forms of public transport while travelling to and from London Stadium. Stadium staff will be wearing face coverings and we would encourage you to continue to do so, unless medically exempt, in line with Public Health guidance for crowded places.
Please plan your journey in advance and check timetables to ensure you arrive early at the Stadium and at least 60 minutes before kick-off.
To assist with queueing times and social distancing we recommend that supporters arrive via the bridge closest to your turnstile. Click here to view a map of the stadium.
ARE YOU MATCH READY? CHECKLIST
- Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have your matchday e-ticket, either downloaded to your smartphone or printed out, ready to scan upon entry as you approach your turnstile. For more information on ticketing options, click here.
- Plan your journey to London Stadium and ensure you arrive early and at least one hour before kick-off
- Follow the Supporter Code of Conduct when at the stadium
- Ensure you have proof of your COVID-19 status: that you have been fully vaccinated or have a negative lateral flow test result in the previous 48 hours
- Do not travel to the stadium if you feel unwell or display COVID-19 symptoms
Please take time to read the FAQs, particularly about arriving for the match and having your tickets ready.
We are pleased to confirm that changes to the recent guidance means that we are able to implement this facility and, therefore, supporters who cannot make the match can forward their e-tickets to family and friends.
If in the event the entire group is forwarding ALL of its tickets, please email the Ticket Office via [email protected] with the name and address of one of the supporters who will be using your tickets, as contact details are required in line with guidance.
We are pleased to confirm that West Ham United’s Ticket Exchange will open for fans to buy tickets once the game has sold out, which will be announced, alongside the relevant information, via whufc.com.
You can receive a paper copy of your COVID-19 status. More details are available here.
Please carry this with you so you can show your COVID-19 status when attending a match.
There are now fewer than 500 tickets remaining for Monday's home Premier League opener against Leicester City. Don't miss out - purchase now by clicking here!