Fans return to Cambridge United games in EFL pilot scheme

Supporters will be able to make a return to EFL fixtures next week, with two matches confirmed as test events in line with the Government’s pilot scheme.

The two fixtures will take place at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium, starting with their EFL Trophy fixture against Fulham U21s on Tuesday 8th September. Then it’s on to the club’s opening League Two game of the 2020/21 season against Carlisle United on Saturday 12th September.

Cambridge United have been chosen to host the two test events as they were previously part of a joint project by the EFL and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) that looked at the safe application of social distancing at football grounds.

That work was overseen by crowd dynamics consultants Movement Strategies, who will assess the pilot at the Abbey Stadium on behalf of the SGSA and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

“Appropriate measures have been applied at the Abbey Stadium, with both terraces and seating arrangements available. As a result of two fixtures taking place at the same venue in a short period of time, it will allow for any learnings to be implemented quickly under the same conditions,” said the EFL.

The EFL added that “insight received from this initial phase of matches taking place will test the application of the Government’s Stage 5 Guidance and the SGSA’s Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds guidance.”

Fixtures and capacities:

• 8th September 2020 – Cambridge United v Fulham U21 (1,000 capacity)
• 12th September 2020 – Cambridge United v Carlisle United (2,500 capacity)

Cambridge United will confirm ticketing details for both fixtures soon.