Get your tickets early, that's the message to Notts County fans ahead of this weekend's opening game of the new npower League 1 season against Huddersfield Town.
With a bumper crowd expected at Meadow Lane on Saturday, Notts are asking fans to book their seat for the game during the week or to make sure that they get down to the ground early on the day to avoid disappointment.
Under the terms of the Safety Certificate, issued by Nottingham City Council recently, the maximum capacity at Meadow Lane is restricted to 13,295 seats for Saturday's game and with a large away support expected, the whole of the Jimmy Sirrel Stand has been allocated to travelling fans, due to segregation restrictions.
With this in mind, Notts Chairman Ray Trew has urged fans to get their tickets in advance where possible to avoid disappointment on the day.
"The fact of the matter is that, while we are operating under a restricted capacity, we only have a certain number of seats available to home fans and when they are gone, they are gone," said Mr Trew.
"We have been working with Nottingham City Council to improve our safety rating and to raise the maximum capacity allowed into Meadow Lane but the only way that we can achieve this is with the support and understanding of our fans.
"We have seen over 3,000 season tickets sold during the close season, well up on this time last year and with Saturday's game being so highly anticipated I am expecting a bumper crowd this weekend.
"My message to fans therefore is please book your ticket in advance if you can or get to the ground early on Saturday because once the tickets are sold we will close the turnstiles."
Subject to midweek sales, fans will be able to purchase tickets on the turnstiles on Saturday, but Safety Officer Brian Walton and his staff will be monitoring sales closely and will be on hand to advise where necessary.
Supporters are asked to respect the work of the stewards and to abide by their instructions as we look to ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone in attendance.
Notts have recently installed a new ticketing system at Meadow Lane, which is in the final phases of testing and whilst it won't be in operation for this weekend's game, it should mark a notable increase in the ease with which supporters can book their tickets and get access to the ground on matchdays over the coming season.
However, with Saturday also seeing the popular Riverside Festival taking place in Nottingham over the weekend, the message is clear, get down to Meadow Lane as early as possible to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day.
Any fans who have season tickets in the Jimmy Sirrel Stand are asked to use their alternate seat for Saturday's game, due to the large travelling support. These have been sent in the post and fans can expect to receive them in the next couple of days.
For more information on this, or to find out the best way to book your ticket for the match, please contact the ticket office at ticketoffice@nottscountyfc.co.uk or by phoning 0115 9557 204.
