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MATCH FOCUS | Battle of Bedfordshire on Boxing Day
Bedford Blues will be looking to sign off 2022 in the perfect manner when local rivals Ampthill make the trip to a sell-out Goldington Road on Boxing Day (Gates open 12pm, KO 3pm).
This fixture is completely SOLD OUT. Please do not arrive at Goldington Road without a match ticket as you will not be permitted entrance into the ground under any circumstance.
Big Game Preview
Following two tough outings against the league leaders in recent weeks, Mike Rayer’s side will be looking to defend their unbeaten home record this season and return to winning ways.
Blues currently occupy 4th position, but that could all change with fixtures to be played on Christmas Eve and teams below holding games in hand.
Paul Turner’s Ampthill have made a mixed start to the campaign, but possess a strong recent record at Goldington Road, including festive successes in 2018 and 2019.
Goldington Road Health and Safety – Please Arrive Early
With 5,000 spectators heading through the turnstiles and queues expected, we are encouraging everyone to arrive as early as possible to alleviate an onrush in the period directly before kick-off and to ensure everyone’s safety.
We will be fully opening the hospital gate to ensure more ticket scanners and entry points than ever before, alongside all booths at the main gate on Goldington Road and the Bushmead Gate.
The health and safety of everyone inside the ground is of paramount importance to us and we will have additional matchday stewards and safety staff on site to offer guidance and directions. If you possess Eagle Stand tickets, please make sure you sit in your correct seats for the match.
If you require any assistance on matchday, please do not hesitate to ask any member of staff who will be able to help with your enquiry.
Food, Drink and Entertainment – Additional facilities installed
Gates will open from midday, and there’s plenty of reason to head down early and sample everything we have to offer! Why not grab a programme and visit one of our 10 public bars, as we install more facilities on site to cater for a sell-out attendance.
As well as the usual favourites, an extra bar and food catering facility have been put in place next to the club offices near the top of the ground, alongside an additional second Chalet Bar adjacent to the Burrow at the Blues to keep supporters refreshed this festive season!
The mini fan village remains ever popular with accompanying Cabin Bar, Coffee & Cake Horsebox and The Burger & Sausage Hut. Additional catering outlets are available next to the GR entrance, Taylor’s Kitchen from the Scrum Hall and Peckish Festival Food at the Burrow serving hatches.
Post-match, much-acclaimed local singer-songwriter Joe Bygraves returns to The CMC Marquee to play you into the evening!
PLEASE NOTE: The Eagle Bar will be an additional hospitality venue and will be closed to the public until after 2:15pm. From then, it will be back open and serving this week’s guest ale, Bah Humbug.
Swipestation will be unavailable for this match only.
Car Parking
Unfortunately, there will be no parking facilites on site at Goldington Road unless priorly arranged.
However, with Boxing Day as a bank holiday, FREE parking facilities can be found at the following locations: Bedford Hospital North Wing off Kimbolton Road, residential areas around Goldington Road as well as the Lurke Street and St Peter's Street Car Parks in Bedford town centre.
Blues Foundation Activation
The Community Guard of Honour, sponsored by Bellway Homes, will be Bedford Junior Blues U6s. Make sure to give them a cheer as they step out onto the pitch to form the pre-match tunnel.
To support the Foundation further, why not donate your Eco Cup in the charity bin outside The CMC Marquee.
Club Shop
Missed something on your Christmas list? Look no further than the Club Shop with a range of options; from replica shirts to rucksacks, books to beanies. Open from one hour before kick-off, at half-time and full-time.
Match Sponsor: Burman Plant
Match Ball Sponsor: Greenwood & Partners
Man of the Match Sponsor: Fire Response UK
Rugby’s not just for Christmas…
We’ve been sold out for this fixture for more than two weeks so please don’t miss out again, book tickets early with all matches in 2023 now on sale!
With visits from table toppers Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey Reds as part of eight games remaining at Goldington Road, there’s never been a better time to support the Blues. Book tickets here.
