Match Day Info Pack: Kent Spitfires vs. Birmingham Bears

Monday 23rd August 2021

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence for our Vitality Blast Quarter Final against Birmingham Bears on Friday 27 August.

Please find below:

A pre-match information pack for those attending the game
Confirmation of the parking process for this match for our Spitfire Ground Car Parking Pass Holders and Life Members

We want your visit to be as safe and comfortable as possible. As Covid-19 remains a part of our lives everyone – including the players, officials, staff, stewards, Members and supporters – will need to adhere to some Covid-19 protocols.

It is important to understand that we have been operating a bio-secure ground and are governed by elite sport guidelines.

We have to make specific arrangements for managing large crowds and have been working with local Public Health officials, the Sports Ground Safety Authority and the Safety Advisory Group in order to do so.

All this impacts the space we have available in the ground for parking, toilets and moving around.

If someone has claimed or purchased tickets on your behalf, you should keep in contact with them and be aware that you will need to use an e-ticket, which you should print at home or download on your smart phone, to enter the ground on matchday.

Please find your Match Day Pack below, with all you need to prepare and plan for when you’re at Kent Cricket.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE GROUND

What do I need to do before I come to the match?

Print or download your match day ticket
This is downloadable via the Club’s Ticket Portal here
- Please click on ‘VIEW ALL TICKETS CLAIMED’ – ‘SEE DETAILS’ – ‘PRINT’
If you are a Member, your 2021 Membership Card
If your Membership Card does not contain a photo, please also bring a form of ID with you as ID checks will take place prior to entrance
The name on the match day ticket must match the ID
An umbrella, warm clothes and sunscreen to protect against the changeable British weather
Your bank card for cashless payments: Please remember The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence is a cashless venue.
- The Kent Cricket Shop, Membership and Ticket sales, sales of Scorecards and food and beverage payments at all outlets will now be conducted without cash
Check you have read, understand and can comply with the COVID-19 Code of Conduct

What ID will be accepted for entrance?

Driving licence
Passport
Previous Kent Cricket Membership card (in the unlikely event that your new card has not arrived)
Bank card

GETTING TO THE GROUND

What should I think about when I plan my journey to and from the ground?

Private travel will reduce the COVID risk and you should take a common-sense approach to your journey to and from the match
Keep your journey as simple as possible – avoiding unnecessary stops on the way to the venue or on the way home – and adhere to latest Government guidance around social distancing and wearing a face covering while you travel
We don’t want you to miss a minute of the match action so give yourself plenty of time; gates will open at two hours before the start of play at 17:00
Entry to the ground may take longer than normal and you should keep updated with any travel information that may affect your journey to avoid delays

PARKING – CARS, MOTORCYCLES & BICYCLES

Which parking options are available for this match?

Car parking at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence is extremely limited.
- Bicycles are permitted, but must be locked and stored at the owner’s risk.
Parking is available in the following locations:
- Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
  - This is available for free for all Spitfire Ground Car Parking Pass holders and Kent Life Members. Follow this link to secure your tickets. Please log in to remove the payment charge from this option
    - Other Members/supporters can also secure a space for £10, first come first served, via the link above
- New Dover Road Park & Ride:
  - For more information on this service, please click here. Charges apply
    - Additional services will be running for this event after its scheduled 19:30 end of timetable.
- On-street parking
  - Charges/restrictions may apply

Is there Blue Badge accessible parking available?

Limited parking at The Spitfire Ground is available for accessible parking for blue badge holders only
Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and will not be available to purchase on the day – call 01227 456 886 to reserve
Blue badge holders with a valid Spitfire Ground Car Parking Pass will not be charged to park – but must book a space in advance via the number above
Blue badge holders without a Spitfire Ground Car Parking Pass will be charged a daily rate of £15 – and must book a space in advance via the number above

ON ARRIVAL

What time do gates open?

Gates will open at 17:00, two hours before the start of play.
To reduce queuing times at the gate, please have your ticket, Membership card and/or a form of ID ready to show our team when you arrive.

Can I change the name of my friend/guest on my ticket?

For the purposes of NHS Test and Trace, it is essential that tickets carry the name of the individual who is attending the match.
In order to rename a ticket, you will need to click PRINT which will take you to the ticket showing the original name and when you close the ticket, a RENAME button will appear
Please contact us ahead of time if you have any issues renaming a ticket.

What should I do if I feel ill on the day of the match?

If you, or anyone in your match day bubble, is feeling ill or has COVID symptoms on the day of the match then you should not attend the match. Please stay at home and follow NHS and PHE guidance on self-isolation.

Do I need to do a Lateral Flow Test before arriving at the ground?

No. In line with Government guidance, lateral flow tests are NOT required although we do recommend taking a test at home before you travel in the interests of your own safety and your fellow spectators.

Will I be temperature-checked on arrival?

No. In line with Government guidance, temperature checks are not required although we do recommend in the interest of your safety and your fellow supporters that you take your temperature before you leave for the ground.

AT THE GROUND

Do I need to stay where I am seated/stood on my ticket?

For the purposes of Test and Trace, we ask that you stay in your allocated area, be that a specific seat or standing zone.

Will I need a face covering when inside the ground?

You are encouraged to wear a mask when queuing; whether this is to enter the ground, for food and drink or use the toilet facilities.
Inside all buildings including any hospitality areas, masks are encouraged to be worn except when eating or drinking at your table.

Will hand sanitisers be available at the ground?

Hand sanitiser stations will be available for your use, provided by Club Partners, Defender Labs.

What is the Kent Cricket Spectator COVID-19 Code of Conduct?

We all want to enjoy a day out at the cricket again as safely as possible and so respecting everyone around you is important
Taking a common-sense approach to how you behave and ensuring that you adhere to social distancing when inside and outside the ground will ensure everyone can feel safe and enjoy themselves.
View the code of conduct here.

Will I be able to use cash and/or cards inside the venue?

All match day payments at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence are now cashless. The Kent Cricket Shop, Membership and Ticket sales, sales of Scorecards and food and beverage payments at all outlets will now be conducted without cash.
Simply use your credit/debit card or smart device for payment. The move to cashless transactions is all part of the Club’s work to safely allow as many people as possible to watch live cricket this season.

Will I be able to move freely around the ground?

If you need to move around the venue please adhere to any two-way systems, practice appropriate social distancing, respect others and preferably, wear a face mask. You will be allocated a seat if you are seated to ensure you, and everyone around you, can safely enjoy all of the match action.

Can I leave the ground and come back?

No – for Vitality Blast matches, re-admittance once you have left the ground is not permitted.

Where am I allowed to smoke in the ground?

Smoking is not permitted in any of the seated or covered areas, including e-cigarettes
You may smoke in designated areas.

What should I do if I feel unwell when I am inside the ground?

If you feel unwell, please speak to a Steward. There is also a trained medical team on-site.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

No alcohol is permitted into the ground for Vitality Blast matches.

Will I be able to buy food and drink at the ground?

Food and drink options are available. We want to make this process as simple and safe for you so there will be measures in place and it will be a take-away service only.
As we all want to avoid large gatherings you will only be able to consume food and drink once you have returned to your allocated seat.
If you are queuing for food and/or drinks we recommend you wear a mask, maintain social distancing and respect other supporters and match day staff.

What food outlets will there be?

There will be outlets serving a range of food and drink and refreshments. Vegetarian options will be available. Food and drinks must be consumed outside.
We will continue to review our food and drink options on a match-by-match basis, and options on the day will be confirmed via the in-ground announcer.

Can I bring food and drink into the ground?

You are allowed to bring food and sealed soft drinks into the ground in a small bag.
We reserve the right to search bags.

Can I bring my own chair?

No. The ground is operating under a limited capacity, and all seats must be allocated.
- This means that you will be unable to bring your own chair into the ground.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, dogs will not be allowed into the ground with the exception of trained Assistance dogs. With restricted movement around the ground and pre-allocated seating, there is reduced space and it is impossible to balance the needs of the dog, their owners and fellow supporters.
We will continue to review this policy through the season.

Can I bring in an Under 5 for free?

Yes, however all seats must be allocated and therefore under 5s will require a valid match day ticket in their name to enter.

If it rains, where can I go?

If rain is forecast, you should be aware that under-covered areas are all restricted. We need to avoid large groups and you will not be allowed to gather together.
Please bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella.

Can we get an autograph or a picture with the players?

Sadly, that is not possible this Summer. The players, team staff and officials will be adhering to their own COVID-19 protocols and must remain in their own team and staff environment.
Supporters must respect those team environments which will help us ensure safety and allow us to play a full summer of cricket in front of spectators.

What do I do if the ball is hit over the boundary fence near me?

If the ball is hit to you and you do pick it up, do not let other crowd members touch the ball. You should return the ball to the field of play immediately, but do not hand it to a player or official.
Protocols are in place to ensure the ball is sanitised should it be hit into the crowd which will allow play to continue.

Finally, we would like to reassure you that everyone is working hard to make things as safe and comfortable as possible to allow all Members and supporters to The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, to enjoy their visit.

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