On the occasion of the season opener against Coventry CityStoke City fans got the first glimpse of a transformed bet365 Stadium. What's new in store for the ‘Potters’ fans? Here are details of the changes that await supporters of the team for the 2024/25 season.

New season tickets - must for every supporter

For the upcoming season, season ticket holders will need to ensure they have their new season cards, which are essential for entry to the stadium. The club has sent out the new cards to all regular and new holders over the past few weeks. It is important to note that season cards from the previous season will no longer be honoured. If anyone has not yet received their card, they should contact the ticket office as soon as possible, which is open from 9am, or call 01782 367599.

Stadium admission and new traffic arrangements

Supporters have been asked to arrive early for Saturday's match against Coventry to allow for the appropriate security checks to be carried out. In order to ensure maximum comfort and safety for spectators, detailed searches have been implemented within the stadium. The club notes that this is necessary to ensure peace and quiet during the game.

Due to the summer reconfiguration of bet365 Stadium, the way in which both home and away fans will move around the stadium on match days has been changed. The new traffic arrangements are designed to streamline the flow of people and improve safety. Fans are advised to familiarise themselves with the new route scheme to avoid any potential inconvenience. The relevant graphic with the new organisation can be found on the club's website.

© Ronnie Mcdonald (cc: by)

Licensed standing areas - new at bet365 Stadium

One of the most significant new features at the stadium is the licensed standing areas, which were launched for the first time during Saturday's game. The new seats, located in the Caldwell Construction (South) Stand and the south-east corner of the stadium, have been introduced as part of the club's plans to improve the atmosphere at matches. Fans with tickets for these sectors will be able to watch the game standing up, which is expected to further intensify the excitement of cheering.

For fans with tickets for the upper tier of the Caldwell Construction stand, which has been designated as a licensed standing area, the club has prepared a number of rules to ensure safety. Although fans will be assigned seating, standing areas should expect to be used to watch the match standing up, especially in situations where those in front of you also choose to cheer in this way. Fans are also asked to follow the rules on how to move around the zone and to avoid climbing the barriers.

Stadium entertainment - new level of excitement

To get fans in the right mood before the game, the club has prepared a refreshed range of stadium entertainment. Just 15 minutes before kick-off, fans will be able to enjoy new video content, including a countdown video to the first whistle based on fan feedback. In addition, the nostalgic pre-match video, which was extremely popular in previous seasons, has been retained at the request of fans.

A new fan zone, the Boothen Quarter, opened its doors at 10am on Saturday, August 10. It is a venue that is sure to become a hub of entertainment for Stoke City supporters. The zone will offer fans a variety of activities including live performances, new dining options and unique matchday information. The Boothen Quarter is the perfect place to start a day full of sporting excitement.

© Chris Homer

Improved dining options

Another new feature fans can look forward to are changes to the food and beverage offering at bet365 Stadium. The club is introducing new street food options in response to fan suggestions made during last year's consultation and at the match experience meeting in July. This will enable every fan to find something to their liking and enjoy an even better matchday dining experience.

Fans in the Franklyn Stand will notice the new click and collect kiosks installed by Platinum Partners Foodhub. These kiosks are designed to streamline the process of ordering and collecting snacks, allowing for faster service and reduced waiting times.

© Ben Sutherland (cc: by)

New club shop and fewer betting shops

Stoke City's shop will be open from 9:00, offering a range of club clothing and goodies. The new retail outlet, located behind the Boothen End, will be open from 10:00 until kick-off and for 30 minutes after the match.

Following the summer refurbishment of the stadium, the club has decided to withdraw betting shops from the public sectors of the stadium, leaving them only in the corporate areas.