Kingsmeadow changes to autograph and photograph opportunities
From the official Chelsea FC website:
Chelsea Women return to Kingsmeadow this weekend for their final pre-season game ahead of the new campaign. With many matches to follow at our main home stadium, we wish to make our supporters aware of alterations to player access for the 2024/25 season and beyond.
The rise in popularity of the women’s game and growth and success of Chelsea Women are causes for celebration but they come with new challenges, and it is no longer safe or sustainable for the players to sign autographs or have selfie photos taken with fans in an uncontrolled way. To balance this up, the club will be staging organised opportunities to meet and greet the Blues stars.
There were occasions last season that led to concerns about the safety and security of both supporters and players, largely due to the rising numbers who are seeking signatures and selfies before and after games.
As a result, players will no longer be able to stop for autographs etc. outside of Kingsmeadow Stadium pre- or post-match. The car parks and roads around the stadium are public land and therefore stewarding has a limited effect there. Preventing overcrowding and ensuring traffic safety are of paramount importance.
In addition, an increased risk of crowding at the front of the stands at Kingsmeadow and the blocking of exits, as well as the need for the players to adhere to elite-level recovery plans after matches, means autographs and photos will not be possible inside the stadium following the final whistle.
Our players love the chance to interact safely with the fans who give them such great support game after game, so look out this season for announcements on an increased number of events for match-going fans. Signing sessions will be included in the range events and season ticket holders and Stamford Bridge Match Package holders will also have priority opportunities to attend.
Chelsea Football Club’s Fan Advisory Board* and the Chelsea Women Supporters Group have reviewed these developments and given their support in light of the safety and security implications.
The Kingsmeadow changes will be in place on Saturday when Chelsea Women host Feyenoord for a midday kick-off. It is Sonia Bompastor’s first home game in charge, there are new players in the squad, and tickets are available
*New for the 2024/25 season, the Fan Advisory Board is working alongside multiple supporter groups in running a number of supporter surveys to ensure the voices and sentiment of supporters is gathered and shared with Chelsea FC, for strategic consultation with the board.
The following survey has been produced independently from Chelsea FC and in consultation with a number of supporter groups and can be accessed by clicking the link below.
‘Chelsea Supporters Group’ can also be found on X and Facebook
