Southend vs Oldham: Everything you need to know
A record number of fans are expected to flood through the gates at Wembley Stadium this Sunday for the National League play-off final.Southend United and Oldham Athletic will fight for a return to the English Football League.A 50,000 capacity crowd is expected, which would break the record for the largest attendance at a National League play-off final match.It has been a rollercoaster few years for Blues fans, whose team were relegated from League Two in 2021, before being threatened with administration.We have compiled a list of everything you need to know ahead of the game.
When do doors open?
General admission is from 13:00 BST, although hospitality guests can enter from 12:00. The final kicks off at 15:00.A spokesperson from Southend advised people to arrive in good time to help with security protocols.According to BBC Weather, it is going to reach highs of 19C on matchday.The existing record attendance for a National League play-off final was the 47,029 people who watched Bristol Rovers beat Grimsby Town on penalties in 2015.
How do I get there?
Wembley Park station is closed on Sunday due to engineering works, which was one of the reasons given when Wembley Stadium initially limited capacity to 40,000.There will also be no service on the Metropolitan line between Aldgate and Harrow-on-the-Hill or Watford, and no service on the Jubilee line between Waterloo and Stanmore.Railway users have been advised to use the Bakerloo and Lioness overground lines to get to Wembley Central station, or Chiltern Railways services to Wembley Stadium station.Rail operator c2c said it would run a full Sunday timetable from Essex into London Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street.Train users have been urged to leave extra time for their journey as services are expected to be extremely busy.
Car parking
Event day parking at Wembley Stadium is limited and people have been urged to book in advance via the Wembley official parking website.Any vehicles that have not pre-booked might not be able to get access into the stadium car parks.Blue badge parking is available for ticket holders with accessibility needs and it can also be booked through the parking website.
Disabled supporters
There are 310 spaces for wheelchair users across level one, two and three at Wembley Stadium.A return shuttle service runs from:Wembley Central station to the stadium's West Gate from 10:00 until two hours after full-timeFryent Country Park to Rutherford Way operating from 06:00 until two hours after full-timePink car park to the stadium's East Gate operating from 10:00 until two hours after full-time
Park and walk
Due to the closure of Wembley Park station, an additional park and walk operation has been set up at nearby Fryent Park (NW9 9SG).The park can hold about 1,000 cars, but does not have capacity for coaches or minibuses. It will cost £25 per car and spaces must be booked in advance.It will be open from 06:00 until 20:00 and is about a 25-minute walk from the stadium.There will be a shuttle for people with reduced mobility.
Can I bring a bag?
Wembley Stadium operates a restricted bag policy. Each person can only bring one small bag into the stadium, and it must not be bigger than an A4 size.Anyone carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will not be allowed into the stadium, a club spokesperson says.A bag drop facility is available outside the Ibis Hotel, but there is a charge for this service.
Where can I get a drink?
The following pubs are designated venues for matchday The Blue Check – 12-13 Empire Way, Wembley, HA9 0RQWembley Tavern – 121 Wembley Park Dr, Wembley Park, HA9 8HGStadium Sports Bar – 125 Wembley Park Dr, Wembley Park, HA9 8HQThe Torch – 1-5 Bridge Rd, Wembley Park, HA9 9ABCrock of Gold – 23 Bridge Road, Wembley, HA9 9ABBlack Sheep – 2 Olympic Way, HA9 0GUFeed The Yak – 51 Olympic Way, HA9 0EGBox Park – 18 Olympic Way, HA9 0JTBrent Council has enforced a no-street drinking zone on Olympic Way and surrounding areas for all events at the stadium.People who want to drink before the game should head to licensed bars and restaurants or make their way to the dedicated fan zone outside the stadium.Fans drinking on Olympic Way and the surrounding streets will be asked to hand over their alcohol and enforcement action may be considered.
Offensive chanting
The stadium says it has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of anti-social and discriminatory behaviour. If fans witness any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour on the day, they can text HELP to 66566 or contact the nearest steward.Wembley said offensive tragedy-related chanting, gesturing and displaying of abusive messages was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.People who are found to have done this face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution.
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