ITFC "can't wait" to welcome fans back after lockdown

The club says it doesn't matter that it won't benefit financially by their return

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 30th Nov 2020

Up to 2,000 fans will be able to attend football matches under tier two coronavirus restrictions being put in place after the end lockdown this week.

In tier one areas that number increases to 4,000, but games will remain behind closed doors in tier three locations.

It means, for the first time since March, supporters will be able to cheer on Ipswich on home turf, with the first game being Portsmouth on 12th December.

Club Secretary at ITFC, Stuart Hayton, told us it's something they have been looking forward to for months.

He said: "It isn't making us any money doing this, it's just nice to be able to welcome fans back before Christmas. And it's giving people, who are missing the football, just the chance to come and see some live football which I'm sure they'll be happy with.

"Obviously, we're happy to welcome them back because we miss the fans as well. It's not been great sitting watching matches with no fans in, it doesn't feel like a proper game.

"So at least we'll have some atmosphere, some people cheering on Town and that'll make it bit more like normal, but obviously not fully normal."

How can fans attend home games?

According to Stuart, season ticket holders will be receiving a ballot soon asking whether they want to come to the Portsmouth game, everyone who picks yes will be entered and randomly selected.

Those who are successful should then be given the opportunity to pick a seat which is available following the coronavirus safety measures ITFC is implementing.

Access will only be allowed to certain stands for safety reasons and costs, and supporters will only be able to leave their seat to use the toilet.

While the club is expecting the majority of its season ticket holders to be interested in attending home games, those who are elderly or have health conditions are being urged to think of the risk.

Stuart continued: "There's a lot of time spent outside, particularly for the game against Burton which is a night game, don't put yourself in the ballot or apply if you're going to put your health at risk.

"It is going to be different and you'll spend a lot of time in your seat, you can't go to the concourse at half-time to get a cup of tea and warm up, that isn't on the cards anymore so you do have to wrap up warm and don't come if it's a risk, you can always watch the game on iFollow."

The club expects to use the Portsmouth game as a "trial" and will adapt their approach following each match to ensure fans remain as safe as possible.