KEIGHLEY Cougars have announced they will be allowed spectators once more at Cougar Park, with nearly 1,000 allowed in for next week’s Betfred League 1 match with the Rochdale Hornets.

Their fixture against the Hornets has been chosen by Bradford Metropolitan District Council to be held as a test event for the return of spectators to events within the district.

The council will allow a total of 850 spectators to attend the game, and this will be on an all-ticket basis, with tickets to be purchased either online or at an allotted time at the ground prior to the fixture.

All tickets will need to be pre-purchased and no on the gate sales will be allowed. Life members will also need a ticket prior to any event even if they are not paying.

A ticketing system is being implemented on the club website, with details to be announced later this week.

If customers cannot access the website, tickets can be purchased in advance at the club office. This will be by appointment only to avoid queuing and crowds in conjunction with Covid-19 guidelines.

Within the guidelines given to Keighley to allow spectators to attend this fixture by both the council and the safety advisory group, there will be no bar or hospitality facilities opened within Cougar Park for the Rochdale fixture.

The sale of alcohol is temporarily forbidden within the vicinity for the meantime as a result of the restrictions placed on us for this fixture, with a decision on the outside sales of food and soft drinks to be made prior to the day of the event.

The club would also actively encourage supporters to carry out a home Covid-19 lateral flow test prior to the event for their own safety and peace of mind, as well as the safety of those also attending, however this is not mandatory to attend the game.

As a part of the organisation of this event, and prior to tickets going on sale for the fixture later in the week, the club has issued a copy of its ticketing and spectator communication protocol which you can read here.

If this event goes ahead successfully, Cougars will be allowed to continue hosting supporters, and more concessions and services will be allowed to open within the ground for future home matches.