Watford supporters will be able to attend matches at Vicarage Road again from next month as national lockdown restrictions move back to the regional tiered system put in place to stem the spread of coronavirus.
From December 2 outdoor venues in tier one areas – those considered lowest risk – will be permitted to admit up to 4,000 spectators to an event or allow 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower.
Outdoor venues in tier two would be permitted to admit up to 2,000 fans or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, while the caps were 2,000 and 1,000 respectively for indoor venues in tiers one and two.
The Hornets will not know until Thursday which tier they are in and in turn how many supporters they can accommodate.
The Watford Observer understands they are awaiting further government detail on social bubbles before they start the ballot communications process later this week.
However, what is known is that tickets will be allocated via a ballot system that prioritises season ticket holders and match ticket buyers.
Fans will be asked to indicate ahead of games whether or not they wish to attend upcoming fixtures and, from those who have responded positively, tickets will be allocated via the ballot.
Tickets will be priced at £20 for season ticket holders and £25 for match ticket buyers, while concessions will be cheaper.
Information released by the club in August states: "When safety guidelines allow the return of supporters to Vicarage Road Stadium, it’s certain that this will initially be on a reduced-capacity basis.
A ‘Match Ballot’ will allocate places for those who come to support us here most regularly; prioritising STH (Season Ticket Holders) and also including MTB (Match Ticket Buyers) whenever possible.
"Due to the potential for change in guidelines from match to match, supporters will be asked before each game to indicate if they – accompanied by those in their social bubble – would wish to attend a forthcoming match.
"Supporters will be allocated seats across the stadium. No seat selection guarantees are possible. Match prices will be £20 for STH adults and £25 for MTB adults (concession prices lower in both cases). Reservations will be created by the club’s Ticket Office Team, which supporters will then access to purchase their tickets."
In an attempt to make the ballot fairer, the club have limited eligibility to the two groups stated above, which will be take into account 2019/20 season ticket holder status and match ticket buyer status.
The club said they aim to prioritise "supporters who have attended matches at The Vic most regularly" adding "There will be two Ballot Groups: Season Ticket Holders 2019/20 and Match Ticket Buyers.
"Eligibility will be based upon 2019/20 Season Ticket Holder status and Match Ticket Buyer Home Grouping. Refundable deposits in respect of 2020/21 Season Ticket renewals are not relevant to this ‘Match Ballot’ process."
According to the information released in August, allocated tickets will be delivered digitally to the club's mobile app, which the club urged people to download if they intend on applying for tickets.
"Tickets will be delivered to the ticketing section of the club’s free-to-use mobile app," they stated. "Paper tickets will only be issued in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of staff.
"It is therefore very important for supporters with a smartphone yet to download the mobile app please do so ahead of their visit."
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