News
FRIDAY | Champ Semi-Final v Coventry
Knockout rugby returns as Goldington Road prepares to stage its biggest game for a decade as old rivals Bedford Blues and Coventry battle it out in an Elior Champ Rugby Play-Off Semi-Final this Friday (Gates Open 5pm; Kick Off 7:45pm).
Tickets still available with the usual £5 discount in advance online by clicking here.
Big Game Preview
While this is the 193rd battle between the sides, this one means more, with a spot in the showpiece Champ final next weekend on the line. Both teams come into this one having won four of the last five in the regular season, and traded home wins against each other.
There is a lot of familiarity within the two clubs, including the sorcerer hosting the apprentice as Mike Rayer and former Blues coach, Alex Rae send their sides into battle. Many players have worn both shirts, but which shade of blue will progress!
The two sides do have previous experience of meeting in a semi-final, with Bedford triumphing 13-6 back in 1975 on their way to lift the RFU Club Competition Shield at Twickenham.
Hospitality – FINAL CALL
Only three tables in the CMC Marquee remain. Upgrade your matchday experience this Friday, contact us ASAP to book.
Champ Showcase Fixture
For the ninth time this season, and fourth at Goldington Road, Bedford are involved in a Clubber TV showcase fixture, with the semi-final bringing about a four-camera set-up. See if you can spot the Elior Champ Rugby trophy as it takes a tour around some of our venues before the game!
Make sure to get in position in advance of kick-off for the pre-match show featuring a community flag display, flames and pyrotechnics to welcome the two sides to the pitch.
Food and Drink
We’re pulling out all the stops to ensure the best possible matchday experience with an off-field spectacle befitting of a semi-final.
Head to GR early to avoid queues and sample all we have to offer! Why not grab a programme on arrival and visit any of our seven public bars. Checkout the ground map below for updated locations, including where to find our Bars and Hot Food kiosks, and take a wander round.
The Genesis Fan Zone remains the place to visit, located in the northeast corner, near the scoreboard, housing No.7 Coffee House, Cabin Bar, Burger Unit and an Eat Gelato Ice Cream Van. Elsewhere, try cosier surroundings of the Legends Bar or Scrum Bar.
This game we welcome a Pecoro Pizza Van for increased hot food provision, located adjacent to the Club Shop, and joining the familiar favourites including an outlet by the main entrance on Goldington Road, Taylor’s Kitchen at the Scrum Bar or Chicken George from The Burrow hatch.
Post Match Entertainment
Kickstart your Bank Holiday festivities with us in the CMC Marquee following the final whistle, where you can enjoy live music from local artist Bea Casey, before the players enter at 10pm.
Elsewhere, the upstairs Legends Bar hosts the familiar Final Whistle interview with the game’s Man of the Match, and as always, we welcome you to step out onto the hallowed turf to join the players post-match for autographs and selfies.
Blues Foundation Activation
As well as assisting with the pre-game flag display, representatives from Hazeldene Primary School and Junior Blues U11s & U12s will also be composing the Bellway Homes Guard of Honour. Make sure to give them a cheer as they step out onto the pitch to form the tunnel.
Fancy supporting our charitable arm in the easiest of ways? There are several Eco Cup collection bins now dotted around GR as part of our sustainability initiative so drop yours on departure to raise vital funds.
Please respect and support our pitchside ball team as the action gets underway, allowing for a great evening of fast, entertaining rugby.
Club Shop
There’s something for everyone inside the Club Shop this matchday from replica shirts to hoodies, rucksacks to beanies, and even some new sale items! Open from the usual times of two hours before kick-off, half-time and after the final whistle.
First time visitor to Goldington Road?
One of the most historic fixtures in club history, but new visitors are once again expected to pack through the turnstiles. Click below to read our ‘Guide to GR’ with all the additional information you might need for this stellar fixture.
Ticketing and Programmes
Take advantage of our online discounts in advance of matchday. Click here to purchase.
The Goldington Road Ticket Office remains a cashless facility, so if buying on matchday, be aware we cannot accept cash. Programmes will be on sale throughout the day from the Ticket Office, Shop or Bars.
Match Sponsors: Dovecote Park
Match Ball Sponsors: Projector Lifting
Man of the Match Sponsors: Intqual Pro
