Spectators:

Q: When will spectators be able to return to Chelmsford?

A: Essex County Cricket Club are being guided by the UK Government’s Roadmap. The UK Government Roadmap states that no spectators will be allowed to enter sporting venues any earlier than Monday 17 May.

Monday 17 May is the current date that the UK Government hopes to move to Stage Three of the Roadmap. Stage Three allows for spectators to return to sporting events, albeit at a very limited number. Essex Members will be given priority during this stage.

Monday 24 June is the current date that the UK Government hopes to move to Stage Four of the Roadmap. Stage Four will see the removal of all legal limits on social contact, paving the way for full crowds to return to sporting events.

Q: Can these dates change?

A: Yes. The Club are being guided by the UK Government Roadmap and all of the above dates are subject to change.

Q: What safety precautions are being put in place to welcome spectators back to The Cloud County Ground?

A: The Club are currently working with both the Local Safety Advisory Group and The ECB to develop the plans for safely getting spectators in, out and around The Cloud County Ground. This includes adherence to the ‘COVID-19 Spectator Code of Conduct’, staggered entry/exit times, a strict face mask policy, socially distanced seating and an increase in stadium facilities such as refreshment areas and toilets. More information on this will be communicated closer to Stage Three.

Q: During Stage Three, how many spectators will be permitted to attend games at The Cloud County Ground?

A: x200 LV= Insurance County Championship Days 1-3 / x600 Vitality Blast

The safe operating capacity of the ground with all social restrictions and COVID-19 protocols as set out by the Government has been worked out in accordance to The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) calculations taking into account the local area and stadium itself. Due to the increased costs of operating in a COVID-19 secure manner, in the region of £15,000 per day, the Club has taken the decision to limit the capacity further to significantly reduce those costs on Championship games and not admit spectators on Day Four. Ticket holders for Stage Three fixtures will be sent details of their entry gate (and time if deemed applicable by the local authority and Safety Advisory Group (SAG)) and details of any other mitigation in place ahead of the matchday.

Q: How much is opening The Cloud County Ground during Stage Three going to cost?

A: The first estimates suggest that spectators returning to Chelmsford during Stage Three will cost £15,000 to £20,000 per day.

Q: How will the spectators be selected during Stage Three?

a: Attendance at Stage Three fixtures will be via a Member-only ballot. By now all Members should have received an email containing the link to the online ballot form. A paper copy has been supplied in the Membership guide

Q: When will we find out results of the ballot?

A: Successful Members will be sent tickets (LV= Insurance County Championship) or details of how to book discounted tickets for Vitality Blast after the Government have given the greenlight for Stage Three out of lockdown. The announcement is due on Monday 10 May and the ballot will be drawn shortly after this. Ballot entries can be made up until this date.

Q: How will social distancing be implemented and policed during Stage Three?

A detailed review of The Cloud County Ground has been carried out by The ECB and Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA), the results of which have been explained to the Club and outline how to operate whilst ensuring that all COVID-19 guidelines are met. Before the 2021 season commences, the Club will be communicating with Members on how to approach The Cloud County Ground on a match day, how to access their seats and use the facilities within the ground and how to safely leave the ground. The same number of stewards that would work during a sold-out game will also work at matches that fall during Stage Three to guarantee that social distancing and rules/regulations are maintained by all in attendance.

Q: Are the Club considering a vaccine passport policy?

A: The Club are currently discussing every possible method of making the ground operational for the 2021 season and will follow the UK Government guidelines regarding this subject. If a vaccine passport is a recommendation from the UK Government, then it will be implemented.

Q: Is there a Code of Conduct policy I can read before attending games?

Yes. You can read the Code of Conduct policy by clicking here. Adherence to the code of conduct is a pre-requisite for attendance at The Cloud County Ground during Stage Three. Before securing tickets, you will be asked if you have read and agree to the code of conduct. Stage Four may see some aspects relaxed in line with government and SGSA guidance and this will be confirmed nearer the time.

Ticketing:

Q: I am a Member, when can I apply to attend an LV= Insurance County Championship fixture that falls in Stage Three?

A: Members will have now received email correspondence regarding entering a ticket ballot for Stage Three fixtures. Information can also be found in the Membership Guide within the 2021 Membership Pack received after purchase.

Q: I am a Member, when can I apply to attend a Royal London Cup fixture that falls in Stage Four?

A: Stage Four guidance suggests that all social restrictions will be lifted in which case we are hopeful that Members can attend this format by producing their Membership card at the gate without need to pre-book. This is however subject to ‘Track and Trace’ protocols being relaxed. Details will be provided to Members once guidance from government and SGSA has been updated.

Q: When are Vitality Blast tickets going on sale?

A: The Club intends to go on sale with Vitality Blast matches that fall into the proposed Stage Four time period (from 21 June) during early April. Members will again receive a priority period for these tickets, and this will be communicated further over the coming weeks.

Q: When are Vitality Blast season tickets available?

A: Due to the capacity restrictions that will be faced for the first part of the competition we will not be selling season tickets for the Vitality Blast games held at Chelmsford for 2021.

Q: What are the groups of priority supporters for buying Vitality Blast tickets?
Priority Group One: 2021 Members
Priority Group Two: 2020 season ticket holders and ticket buyers
Priority Group Three: Over & Out! subscribers

If there are still tickets available after the priority period for Group Three finishes, these will be put on general sale.

Q: Can I select my own seat when buying Vitality Blast tickets?

For matches taking place during Stage Three of the Roadmap, Members will be able to select the stand and block that they are seated in, but not the actual seat itself. This is so the Club can ensure social distancing guidelines are met and maximise the number of ticket holders.

For matches taking place during Stage Four, Members and spectators will be able to use the seating plan to select their own seats. Please note that for all matches during Stage Four, The Cloud County Ground will be operating on an allocated seating policy until further notice.

Q: Can I buy multiple tickets per game?

A: Under Stage Three SGSA guidance all tickets will need to be assigned to an individual with those successful in the Member ballot receiving a ticket directly (Championship) or details of how to book (Vitality Blast).

Fixtures in Stage Four can have multiple tickets under a single purchaser however arrangements for ‘Test and Trace’ are part of the Government review before 21 June so guidelines may change

Q: When will my tickets arrive?

In order to meet government and SGSA guidance the Club will no longer provide paper tickets. All ticket purchases will be fulfilled as a QR code embedded into the booking confirmation email received by the purchase owner, one QR code per ticket. You will be required to scan the QR code at The Cloud County Ground to gain entry, as it will act as your ticket.

Q: What happens if I buy a Vitality Blast ticket for a match that is scheduled for after 21 June, but the lifting of restrictions is delayed?

In the event of a match being played behind closed doors due to COVID-19, Essex Cricket will provide a full refund of ticket(s) affected to the payment owner. Refunds will be made back to the original payment card wherever possible. If this is not possible (for example sales made by other means) the purchase owner will contacted by the Club.

In the event of a match being played with a reduced capacity due to COVID-19, Essex Cricket will prioritise tickets purchased in chronological order up to the maximum capacity possible. All ticket holders will be contacted with further details if this is necessary. Any ticket holder who can no longer be accommodated will receive a full refund. Refunds will be made back to the original payment card wherever possible. If this is not possible (for example sales made by other means) the purchase owner will contacted by the Club.

Q: If the lifting of restrictions is delayed and I can’t attend, when will I be told?

Any operational change to the event will be communicated to the named ticket purchase owner via email. Due to the nature of the pandemic guidelines may change quickly and Essex Cricket will act as swiftly as possible to inform ticket holders of any change.

Q: What happens if I have tickets but either get COVID-19 or have to self-isolate during the dates of the game?

You must not attend any match under any circumstances if you are suffering with COVID-19, self-isolating, shielding or suspect you may have COVID-19