With a return to Championship football, and the success that the team have had on the pitch, it is understandable that the crowds at The Falkirk Stadium have increased significantly.
This is testament to everyone’s efforts, on and off the pitch, not least of which are those of the supporters.In line with observations that have been made by some matchday officials and SPFL delegates, it has become necessary for the club to update some procedures in keeping with the expected standards and requirements of a Championship club.
Some supporters may have noticed these changes already being introduced, so this message is to reinforce the reasons for these changes as well as informing all supporters going forward, allowing for your own plans to arrive and leave the ground to be adapted with as little disruption as possible.
Vehicular Traffic
Access to The Falkirk Stadium will only be permitted as follows:
Fire Station Road – Home coaches, Permit Holders, Hospitality guests and Club/Match officials
Grangemouth Road – Away coaches, and paid for car-parking
In regard to the paid parking, spaces will be limited so as to avoid over-crowding, and ease congestion post-match, and will be separated into home and away sections. If you intend making use of this facility, please ensure that you arrive early as the car park will be closed when full.
Egress from the stadium will continue to be a dual lane process on Fire Station Road, as well as the single file exit from Grangemouth Road. Whilst there is frustration around the length of time it takes to leave the footprint of the stadium, the club are cognisant of that and are exploring what can be done to lessen any delays. Stewards will be briefed to assist with this process, but it is also reliant on drivers’ consideration and attention. We ask supporters to please remain respectful to stewards at all times.
Pedestrian Traffic
Many patrons walk to and from The Falkirk Stadium, and the club would ask that you please remain on the allocated walkways. There are several pavements leading away from the stadium, and with more inclimate weather as well as darker nights approaching, staying on the allocated paths/walkways would maximise pedestrian safety.
Whilst perhaps not as convenient, the temporary walkways that Balfour Beatty have put in place are there for safety reasons, so please make use of them rather than walking on the roadway itself, which is busier with vehicles leaving the stadium.
Within the Stadium (Main Stand)
A process of ‘exit the way you entered’ will be adopted, with an immediate halt on exiting from the Main Stand via the walkway beside the pitch. There will be no access permitted to this area post-match until all players and match officials have left the field of play.
As much as this will be disappointing news for some supporters, this is a requirement to ensure the safety of those participating in the match itself. To this end, we would ask that you leave via the internal concourse, and out by the turnstile exits.
Anyone with mobility issues who accesses their seat, in the Main Stand, from the front of the stand (pitch side) will be permitted to leave this way too but only when the players and match officials have left the field of play. Similarly, any supporters who have remained within the Main Stand, to acknowledge the team at the end of the game, can then leave from the front when the pitch is clear.
The current processes for the North and South (Kevin McAllister) Stands remain unchanged.
Spectator, player and officials’ safety is paramount to everyone involved with the club, including the supporters. Our ask is that you take note of these changes and assist the Stewarding team who will provide direction for your own safety.
By embraces these changes, this will ensure that everyone enjoys their experiences within The Falkirk Stadium and, more importantly, continue supporting our team.
