In recent weeks, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic has become more apparent, the Ticket Office have been receiving enquiries on a daily basis about plans for tickets that have already been purchased for 2019-20 matches that will now be played behind closed doors.
Following Sunday’s surprise announcement from the EFL that a provisional date of 20th June has been proposed for a return to playing matches in the Sky Bet Championship, finishing the season by 18th July, we would like to advise supporters of the position we are currently at.
Firstly, we should point out that there are continuing discussions with the EFL that require clarification and confirmation of those dates along with an indication on the Return To Play protocol and broadcasting arrangements.
The dates and protocols are not yet set in stone, as you will have seen from media reports in the last 24 hours, and until these dates are confirmed we are unable to give definitive instructions about how potential refunds or alternatives for tickets already purchased for 2019-20 matches.
This includes season tickets, individual matchday tickets for the remaining five home matches and the away fixtures at Leeds United and Swansea City, for which we are in amicable discussions with those host clubs about the process to follow.
We are very confident that we will be able to provide an alternative package for all of our supporters who would be happy to donate their remaining tickets, and are actively seeking instructions from the EFL as to how potential streaming of the matches via iFollow into season ticket holders’ homes may or may not be included as part of this package.
Internally, we are also working on additional benefits that will provide value to our loyal supporters in return and will advise as soon as we are able what will be included in this package.
CEO Gary Sweet said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of supporters who have already contacted us to say that they do not wish to receive a refund, or would like to donate to the club either by purchasing a virtual season ticket or other means.
“The effect of the pandemic on the club’s cashflow has been severe and we are so grateful to all supporters who have made a pledge, however big or small. They have helped pay vital bills and the wages of staff to keep the club running in such difficult circumstances.
“We do feel, however, that those donations deserve some form of value by return and we are working on a package that we hope will provide exactly that for season ticket holders, those who have purchased individual match tickets and our hospitality bookings.
“We know these are testing times financially for many of our supporters too, and fully understand and sympathise with those who are unable to give that money up.
“If we can just ask for a bit more patience as the calendar for matches becomes clearer in the coming days, it would be greatly appreciated by us all at the club, especially in the ticket office where a skeleton staff is working tirelessly to deal with all enquiries.
“Once again, we’d like to thank every single supporter for the understanding they have shown in recent weeks and we hope that everyone is keeping safe and well, while looking forward to seeing the team back in action very soon.”