Today we stage our first home league fixture WITH FANS(!) for 16 months as we host Tranmere Rovers at Vale Park.

We want the game to be a celebration for the whole Port Vale family – that’s the theme.

By the same token, the club would like to stress that your safety – and the safety of our staff – remains paramount in our thinking following the relaxation of Covid restrictions on July 19.

We encourage all visitors to Vale Park to act responsibly and with caution. This will not only protect you and others, but it will also help to protect your club from restrictions which may limit attendance or capacity in the future.

Port Vale will remain in constant dialogue with health professionals and local authorities in order to closely monitor the situation locally with regard to infection rates, while prioritising the all-round matchday experience for supporters.

A number of clubs across the EFL have been forced to postpone pre-season fixtures and scheduled open days due to the recent rise in national and regional COVID infections.

With this in mind, we recommend the use of face-coverings while on the stadium footprint as well as regular hand sanitising via the numerous stations around the stadium.

FanZone

Today's home game against Tranmere marks the launch of our new FanZone sponsored by Staffordshire University.

Supporters can enjoy refreshments, music and pre-match entertainment from the new FanZone which is located on the car park area outside the Club Shop and will be open from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Admission is free to the FanZone which includes:

• DJ and music
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Rapido Coffee
• Smash Burger (plus other hot food options)
• Ice cream van
• Staffordshire University stand
• Port Vale Foundation activities (plus Boomer!)
• Picnic tables
• Portaloos

Half time entertainment

We are delighted to announce, that in partnership with one of our main sponsors, we will tomorrow be launching the Autonet Insurance half time game.

We will be picking three lucky participants from the crowd on every match day. They will attempt to kick a ball into the Autonet Insurance ‘target’ in the centre circle and try to score as many points as possible.

Every game will have a winner from the three contestants and, at the end of the season, all finalists will come back and have a play-off match.

The winner of this will receive a cash prize of £1,000!

No smoking

Supporters are respectfully reminded that smoking is not permitted on the stadium footprint – as per EFL regulations. This includes e-cigarettes.

Programmes

Match programmes, priced at £3, are on sale from the club shop and can be purchased from sellers in the Railway Stand, Bycars End and Lorne Street. Physical and digital copies of the programme can also be ordered from pvfc-shop.com

Alcohol served in kiosks

Supporters are advised that alcohol served from kiosks will be decanted into plastic glasses.

Club Shop/Ticket Office

The club shop and ticket office will be open from 9am.

Tommy Cheadle’s/Vale Social

Tommy Cheadle’s pub (Vale Social) will be open from 12.30pm.

Car parking – cars held at the end of the game

Supporters are advised that vehicles parked at the stadium may be held back for a few minutes after the final whistle in order to let pedestrian traffic disperse from the stadium footprint.

Come early and please be patient

Much has changed at the club since our last home league fixture. New procedures, processes and technology are in place and there may be delays or issues arising from these changes.

We would ask supporters to please be patient and respectful to club staff.

Fans are also advised to arrive at the ground in plenty of time to have tickets scanned and gain entrance before kick-off. Supporters arriving with just a few minutes to spare may miss some of the game.