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MATCH FOCUS | Blues conclude pre-season v Saracens
While the rest of the Championship begin their campaign this weekend, a bye week for Bedford Blues presents the opportunity to face Saracens Storm at Goldington Road this Saturday (Earlier Kick Off Time of 1pm).
Save £4 and buy tickets online here for the big game.
Big Game Preview
Mike Rayer’s charges head into the game on the back of a narrow victory over Championship neighbours Ampthill. With a final opportunity to stake a claim for a jersey on next weekend’s trip to the Channel Islands, the squad will be eager to impress and cause an upset against their Premiership counterparts.
Saracens Storm are yet to contest a fixture this season, although we anticipate several members of the Sarries squad which played back-to-back fixtures with Ulster in recent weeks to be on show. Following promotion back to the Premiership this season, Mark McCall’s men will be needing strength and depth across every position.
We’ve Met Before
Alongside several pre-season friendlies in recent years, Bedford Blues and Saracens have faced each other on 34 previous occasions. Saracens currently hold the superior head-to-head record with 19 victories to Bedford’s 13, while there have also been two draws.
While this will be Saracens’ first trip to Bedford since 2018, the two sides faced each other just five months ago in Championship action as the European heavyweights ran out convincing winners at The StoneX Stadium on their way to the title.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
Remember it’s a 1pm kick off, so arrive early to gain entry and sample everything the home of Bedford’s Premier Sporting Club has to offer!
The Blues Marquee, Scrum Bar and Former Players Bar will again be open before and after the match for a cold pre or post-match pint, while we also have a new additional bar on the North Terrace to offer all the regular favourites, alongside the Coffee and Cake Horsebox.
There will be two hot food kiosks available; The Bedford Barn on the halfway line and The Burger Hut, just inside the main entrance to Goldington Road. The Scrum Bar serving hatch remains closed this week but will be open for the upcoming Championship season.
Post-match, head to the Blues Marquee for entertainment with Sam Roberts and live music from local Bedfordshire guitarist, Sam Neighbour.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to Red Zone regulations, the Eagle Bar will be closed all day on Saturday to allow the players of both sides to have a secure and safe space after the match. The Burrow at the Blues will also be closed.
Hospitality Offer
LAST CHANCE: Book places in The Dovecote Park Suite at the reduced rate of £55 + VAT and enjoy an afternoon in our premium hospitality venue with brunch and dinner included! Deadline is Thursday 12pm, click the button below to reserve a place.
Blues Foundation Charity Day
Saturday’s fixture affords the perfect opportunity to learn more about our charitable arm, Blues Foundation, after what has been a fantastic year and a half since official launch in April 2020.
Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood and his team will be on hand to divulge on the impact of their work across Bedfordshire as well as opportunities to fundraise throughout the day with raffle tickets and collection buckets available. The raffle will be drawn post game.
The hub for all Foundation activities will be the Blues Marquee, where former Blues second row, Oli Curry will be running some fitness challenges for you to get involved in. The eco-cup charity bin will also make its return with all proceeds going to Blues Foundation.
Safety Briefing
Due to the closure of The Burrow at the Blues, the Bushmead Gate will remain closed on matchday. This means the only two access points into the ground will be the main entrance and hospital gate. Gates open from 11:30am.
All venues around Goldington Road will remain CASHLESS as part of our COVID risk management plan. Further safety precautions including a plentiful supply of hand sanitisers from stewards will be available on match day.
The Blues Club Shop will again open its doors from one hour before kick-off, at half-time and full-time. Please could only one person or household bubble enter at any one time.
Ticketing
Buy tickets online and save a massive £4 on all adult prices, click here to buy.
This fixture is again INCLUDED within all 2021/22 Season Tickets. Season Ticket Cards have now arrived at Goldington Road; all Season Ticket holders will receive communication later this week in regard to collecting their Season Ticket Cards on matchday.
