NEWS | Card payments at turnstiles for Deva matchdays

Chester FC can announce the introduction of card payments to the Deva Stadium turnstiles for the 2021/22 season. 

From Tuesday’s Vanarama National League North match with Curzon Ashton, home fans will be able to pay using contactless, chip and pin and Apple Pay and Google Pay. 

The streamlined facility will be available in The Gary Talbot (East) Stand and Harry McNally (North) Terrace initially, with plans to extend this to the Swettenham Chemists’ Community (West) Stand and South Stand in the near future. 

There will be no change for season ticket holders, who simply need to present their season ticket card at the relevant turnstile to enter the ground. 

Why are we making these changes? 

The new facility has been introduced to reduce the need for cash handling and protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers, while also providing greater convenience and an improved matchday experience for supporters. 

Can supporters still pay cash on the day? 

Yes, we will continue to accept cash payments on matchdays with sales for all stands being available at the Ticket Office before the game. Cash will no longer be accepted at the turnstiles. 

Can supporters purchase tickets in advance? 

Yes, the quickest and easiest way to buy match tickets is via our online ticketing platform at chesterfc.ktckts.com. Online sales will now be available until kick off and you simply need to present your printed ticket or mobile phone to be scanned at the turnstile.  

How can I buy a ticket for the West Stand? 

You can purchase match tickets online at chesterfc.ktckts.com to be scanned at the turnstile as normal. If you wish to pay via card or cash then you will need to buy your ticket from the Ticket Office before the match.  

What is the process for away fans? 

We encourage visiting supporters to buy their tickets online at chesterfc.ktckts.com in advance. Those wishing to pay via card or cash on matchday will need to obtain a ticket from the Ticket Office before the game. Please note for some fixtures matchday sales may not be available for away supporters but this will be communicated in advance to opposition clubs. 

Jeff Banks, Director of Fan Engagement, said: “I’m pleased that we can announce the introduction of modern payment methods such as contactless and chip and pin at the turnstiles – it’s something we’ve been working on for a while now and have been testing recently to ensure all methods work smoothly.  

“Reducing cash handling around the ground has been a major focus given the Covid-19 pandemic, and with most people now having a contactless bank card, this is an option that is long overdue. 

“While the new payment method has been introduced, we continue to encourage fans to purchase tickets online ahead of matches, allowing a speedy entry into the ground. 

“We have invested in improving the IT infrastructure at the Deva Stadium so online tickets can now be purchased right up to kick off and thank Kieron Shiel and Obsidian Networks for ensuring these upgrades were completed in time for the start of the season. 

“We would also like to thank Barrie Hipkiss, our volunteer turnstile operators and our supporters for the cooperation with the new payment methods, which we believe will provide a safer and improved process for all.” 

Further details relating to matchday at the Deva Stadium will be announced in the coming days.