Here's an update for supporters ahead of Saturday's first home league game of the season against Alfreton.

First of all, we would like to welcome everyone back for the first home game in front of fans in 532 days! It will be great to see everyone back, please give the players all your encouragement.

Please arrive early for the game to avoid congestion at the turnstiles, which open at 1.30pm

There will be catering units inside the ground, plus matchday programmes and 50/50 tickets will be on sale.

Downstairs bar and beer garden

We are pleased to announce that the downstairs bar will be open from 1.30pm onwards with a revised operating procedure.

It will now be open throughout the first and second halves, with access to the adjoining beer garden. However, please note that you are not allowed to take alcoholic drinks pitchside.

Matchday catering for the 21/22 Season

Darlington are pleased to announce that we are partnering up with local firm First Class Catering to provide matchday catering for the coming season. First Class Catering are a Darlington based firm with extensive experience in all types of catering and events. We have worked closely with both First Class Catering and Darlington Rugby Club to put this new arrangement in place with the aim of providing our fans with an improved range and quality of food and drink and enhancing the matchday experience.

Ian and his team will be operating from two outlets within the ground on Saturday, as well as providing our matchday hospitality catering. They will be located at the open end and also at the catering outlet located to the side of the TinShed. The full menu is listed below including Taylor’s pies. All food is locally sourced and freshly prepared.

As the season progresses, we will work with First Class Catering to expand the range offered including specific offerings for children and will be looking for fan feedback after the game on Saturday.

Fan Zone development: target date mid-September

We are also working on a fanzone concept. The development will be located adjacent to the home turnstiles. To prepare for this involves extending the fence line of the existing ground around the small car park area that usually houses Quaker Retail alongside some other preparatory works. Due to contractor availability we are hoping to complete these works by mid-September.

The fanzone, subject to necessary licensing and safety advisory group approvals, will house an outside bar, food and drink refreshments plus seating alongside Quaker Retail as we work to improve the matchday experience for our supporters.

Quaker Retail unit at Blackwell Meadows

Our Quaker Retail unit is currently undergoing some maintenance works. The unit was scheduled to be back in place ahead of the match tomorrow, however due to covid issues, these works with an external contractor have been delayed. Lynn and her Quaker Retail team will be placed in a marquee near reception.

Quaker TV: upgraded facilities

We have an order placed with Cleveland Containers for a bespoke media unit to house our Darlington FC Media team including Quaker TV. This will be located adjacent to the seated stand and will provide a dedicated space for our commentary, production and video teams. We hope to have this development in place by the York game on 25th September. although timings are dependent on external contractors and potential supply delays.

MATCHDAY FOOD MENU

Taylor’s Pies and sides

Pies (Steak or Pork) - £2

Pie & peas - £3

Pie, chips, peas & gravy - £5.50

Burgers and Hotdogs

6oz/8oz Burger with salad - £4

6oz/8oz Cheese Burger with salad - £5

Jumbo Hotdog - £4

*Kids Meal – Chicken nuggets or sausage + chips + beans + fruit shoot - £4.50

_{*This is only available from the catering trucks & not the Tinshed concession unit at present}

Chips and Sides

Chips - £2.50

Gravy / Curry / Peas - 50p

Drinks

Tea - £1

White coffee - £1.50

Speciality Coffee / Hot Chocolate - £2

Canned Drinks - £1

Bottled Drinks - £2

Darlington FC would like to thank Darlington Rugby Club for their help in developing these ideas and projects.