CLUB STATEMENT | Season Ticket Update 2020/21

    With the Vanarama National League North season kicking off behind closed doors, Chester FC is now able to provide the following update to season ticket holders.

    Over recent months our fans have once again demonstrated their incredible and unwavering passion for our club and the board of directors wishes to place on record its appreciation for your continued support.

    The coronavirus pandemic has presented our club with unprecedented challenges and it is clear the financial future for non-league football remains extremely uncertain.

    Matchday revenue is our club’s primary source of income and as a board we are disappointed and frustrated for our supporters that the return of crowds has not been permitted, particularly as we have made significant investments to ensure we could safely welcome back supporters.

    While we welcome the efforts of the National League and The FA in securing financial support from the Government for the next three months to compensate member clubs for the lost revenue from fans not returning, until confirmation of how this grant aid will be allocated, what we will receive and when, has been received, it is impossible for clubs to be confident in their ability to complete the season without spectators.

    With this in mind, we can now confirm two options for season ticket holders who wish to keep their season tickets in order to return to the Deva Stadium as soon as crowds are allowed. Both of these options will also provide our club with crucial financial certainty for the months ahead.

    We will be announcing a new live streaming service later this week offering unrivalled coverage for every home league match and supporters who retain their season ticket will receive free access to this service as part of a package of benefits as a reward for your commitment. You will also be able to collect your new season ticket card from the club so you are ready to start attending matches as soon as crowds are allowed.

    We are acutely aware the pandemic means many in our community are struggling so if you are not able to continue with your season ticket for any reason, you can request a refund.

    Option A: Retain your Season Ticket

    • Keep your season ticket so you can return as soon as crowd restrictions have been lifted
    • Priority access back to the Deva Stadium when crowds are able to return (this may be via a ballot in the event the number of season ticket holders is greater than the number of fans we are allowed to admit)
    • Free access to live streaming for all home league fixtures
    • Free digital match programme for all home league fixtures
    • Free digital team sheet for all home league fixtures
    • Keep your chosen seat (where applicable) once restrictions have been lifted
    • Invite to an exclusive Zoom forum with the first-team managers
    • ‘Bring a Friend’ – introduce your friends to the club and help build our fanbase with three match tickets for the 2021/22 season
    • Your name will feature on a ‘Wall of Appreciation’ in the Blues Bar to recognise your fantastic commitment
    • Your name will feature on a limited edition training top to be worn by the players in 2021/22

    Option B: Pro rata rebate

    • Retain your season ticket so you can return as soon as crowd restrictions have been lifted
    • Receive a pro rata rebate for any games played behind closed doors until crowds are permitted to return (rebates will be processed at the end of the season for administrative purposes)
    • Keep your chosen seat (where applicable) once restrictions have been lifted

    Option C: Relinquish your Season Ticket

    • If your circumstances have changed and you wish to relinquish your season ticket, you can request a full refund

    Please note season ticket holders aged under 18 can choose any of these options but will not be eligible for free access to live streaming, digital programmes and team sheets or the ‘Bring a Friend’ initiative.

    Supporters who purchased a parking pass for the 2020/21 season will be contacted shortly to confirm the arrangements for these.

    Please select your preferred option before Friday 16th October 2020 by emailing fans@chesterfc.com. If you do not confirm your preferred choice before this date, the club will assume you wish to retain your season ticket and will not require a pro rata rebate.

    The board of Chester FC would like to reiterate its thanks to our fans for their patience and support during what has been an extremely difficult period for everyone.

    Keep safe, keep well and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Deva Stadium at the earliest opportunity.