Fan Experience Upgrades at Oakwell

The Club would like to notify supporters of a number of adaptations to the matchday experience at Oakwell.

Following feedback from supporters, via our recent fan survey and at numerous engagement events, we are pleased to announce these changes will be implemented throughout Oakwell to further enhance the supporter experience when coming to watch the Reds in action.

When we welcome Cambridge United in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, we will have a ‘Happy Hour’ running from 1:30pm to 2:30pm – with all items sold in our kiosks available on a ‘3 for 2’ basis. Enjoy the offers in the concourse whilst watching the lunchtime action on the flat-screen TVs prior to kick-off. Musicians will also be playing in the East Stand concourse before the game to add to the atmosphere in the build-up to kick off.

‘Happy Hour’ will also be available in our FanZone on Saturday, situated outside the East Stand prior to kick-off. With food, drink and live music, the space offers a dynamic build up to kick-off amongst fellow Reds’ supporters.

‘Meet and greet’ staff will now be situated around the turnstiles of each stand and will be on-hand to answer any questions you may have, regardless of whether it is your first visit to Oakwell or you are a regular.

The East Stand lower will have a guest food vendor until the end of the season, with ‘Get Wurst’ bringing you the best of Berlin street food, including ‘Proper Currywurst’, ‘Banging Bratwurst’ and vegan options.

‘SALT’ will also have a bar situated in the CK Beckett South Stand, as well as being available on draught in Rimmington’s. Based in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, the brewery started in 2018 and will be on hand to provide their delicious craft beers at Oakwell.

For supporters situated in our hospitality settings, more staff will be present to ensure that your needs are catered for with maximum efficiency and care. Our East Stand hospitality reception will be open from 12pm, where you will be greeted by Chief Revenue Officer, Jon Flatman and Business Development Executive, George Johnston. A host will then show you to your table on our Executive floor.

Our MC, Jason Thelwell and Legends Suite host, Chris Ridyard will welcome you beforethe superb dining experience begins, with a range of starters, main courses and delicious desserts to choose from.

At 2pm, either a current Barnsley player or Club legend will be interviewed, as well as an opportunity to win Barnsley FC gifts which is exclusive to Legends Suite guests before the big kick off!

Freshly brewed Yorkshire Tea and Taylors of Harrogate coffee will be served alongside the Legends Suite Bar offerings, ahead of the second half action.

These refreshments continue following the full-time whistle, where you can enjoy the post-match thoughts of the Player of the Match and can have the opportunity to grab photos and autographs.

A significant investment has already been made in the installation of our EPOS system, which has reduced queuing times in the concourses of the stadium. The opening of Rimmington’s provided an alternative option to the hospitality already available at Oakwell, with the upgrade costing just £5 for comfort, both pre- and post-match on
gameday.

Furthermore, in our previous fixture at Oakwell against Accrington Stanley, we introduced the opportunity for supporters to display all compliant flags in the DX West Stand. There were also adjustments to the music played over the PA system to help build the occasion of gameday at Oakwell.

In the near future, our Family Zone will undergo a major revamp, with interactive games being installed. The area, found in the upper tier of the East Stand, will provide entertainment for our young Reds and families in the stadium and make the experience greater and more accessible for the future generations of Reds fans!

These are just some of the initial improvements planned to enhance your experience at Oakwell in the coming weeks as we approach the final fixtures of the 22/23 season here at home. We appreciate your fantastic support across the campaign so far and look forward to welcoming you back home, starting with the Cambridge game on Saturday!