Brighton v Manchester United Emirates FA Cup semi-final supporters guide

Brighton v Manchester United: Emirates FA Cup semi-final supporters guide

Supporters advice for Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United, The Emirates FA Cup semi-final 2, 23 April 2023

Wembley Stadium has issued some key information for all supporters planning on attending this year’s Semi-Final on 23 April.

Following this advice will ensure Wembley is a safe environment for all visitors on the day and give fans the opportunity to make the most of their visit.

Emergency Text Test Alert

At 3pm on 23 April the government will be sending an Emergency Test Text Alert to all mobile phones in the UK.

Your mobile phone will make a loud siren-like sound, even if it is set on silent. It will also vibrate or read out the alert. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

This is a test of the Emergency Alerts system across the UK, and not in any way linked to your attendance at the fixture. You do not need to take any action.

To watch the full video on this - please click here.

Tickets

Tickets for this fixture are expected to sell out. Anyone without a ticket should not travel to the game. All tickets are strictly non-transferable and are not available to distribute to other supporters.

Fans with tickets are advised to check they are seated in the appropriate area of the stadium. Any supporter who is identified in opposition areas will be ejected from the stadium for breaching the FA’s ground regulations and be subject to their own club sanctions process.

No-street-drinking zone

Since 2022 Brent Council, and its partners, have enforced a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and the surrounding area for ALL events at Wembley Stadium. This is part of the current Public Space Order Protection in place around the stadium on event days. More information on the order can be found here.

Fans drinking on Olympic Way and the surrounding streets ahead of the final will be asked to hand over their alcohol and enforcement action may be considered.

Supporters wanting alcohol before the game should head for the licensed bars or restaurants in the area or make their way to the dedicated fan zones outside the stadium.

Fan Zones

The Manchester United Fan Zone is located on the East Concourse area of the stadium.

The Brighton & Hove Albion Fan Zone is located to the west of the stadium on the event pad.

Fan Zones offer supporters the chance to enjoy a drink, including alcohol, food, a DJ and are the perfect place to soak up the pre-match party atmosphere.

The fan zones will be open from 12.30 – 16.00 and stop serving alcohol one hour before kick-off (16.30).

Supporters will need to present a valid stadium ticket to enter the area which has a limited capacity. The stadium’s bag policy (see below) also applies to anyone visiting the fan zone.

Restricted bag policy

Wembley Stadium operates a restricted bag policy. Each person can only bring one small bag into the stadium, and it must not be bigger than A4 size:

Height – 297mm (11.7 inches) - Width – 210mm (8.27 inches) - Depth – 210mm (8.27 inches)

Please note, this means the overall bag size – bags that are half-full and folded over to reduce their size will not be accepted. Anyone carrying bags that do not meet the criteria above will not be allowed into the stadium. A full list of prohibited items can be found here.

Pyrotechnics

The use of pyrotechnics, flares and smoke devices inside or outside Wembley Stadium is illegal and prohibited. Anyone caught carrying or using pyrotechnical equipment inside the stadium will be immediately ejected from the stadium, banned from future events and dealt with by police. Those caught using pyrotechnic equipment anywhere outside of the stadium will be in breach of the PSPO order and face enforcement action.

Persistent standing

Persistent standing during a match at Wembley Stadium is strictly forbidden (unless with a ticket for the safe standing area) and may result in ejection from the ground. Persistent standing not only compromises crowd safety, but also affects the matchday experience of fellow spectators, especially children and elderly people.

Anti-social and discriminatory behaviour

Wembley Stadium operates a zero-tolerance policy on any form of anti-social and discriminatory behaviour, in line with the Love Football, Protect the Game campaign

If you witness any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour on the day, text HELP to 66566 or contact your nearest steward.

Stadium access

Please arrive early at the stadium to allow enough time for necessary security checks, including enhanced searches and bag checks.

In a change to traditional opening hours turnstiles will open one hour earlier. Therefore, general admission to the stadium will open three hours before kick-off at 13.30. Hospitality turnstiles will also be open three hours before kick-off at 13.30.

Children (14 years and under) must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of two will not be permitted into the stadium.

Travel advice

By National Rail

Supporters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid disappointment or delay to their travel.

Heading to the game:. Supporters can interchange at central London stations for London Underground and bus services to Wembley Stadium. Please factor additional travel across London into your travel time /costs.

Travelling home: Fans are asked to leave the ground promptly and avoid opting for the last train of the day. Please check National Rail Enquiries for the latest up-to-date information.

Please allow for longer journey times from Wembley Stadium to central London stations due to crowd safety controls for safe station access.

London Underground

Wembley Stadium benefits from easy access to three rail / London Underground stations. These are:

Wembley Stadium station
Wembley Central station
Wembley Park station

Supporters should plan to arrive at Wembley stations no later than one hour prior to kick-off, to allow sufficient time to walk to and enter the stadium. Spectators are advised to check the National Rail Enquiries and TfL websites on event day for real-time travel information and status updates.

By Car

Event day parking at Wembley Stadium is limited and must be booked in advance via the Wembley Official Parking website. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Any vehicles which do not pre-book will not be granted access to the stadium car parks. Customers are advised to park via the official car parks only.

Blue badge parking is available for ticketholders with accessibility needs and this can also be booked directly through the Wembley Official Parking website. For any further accessibility requirements, please review Wembley Stadium’s Access Information page, or visit the Guest support portal.

By Coach

National Express is the official coach partner to Wembley Stadium. National Express drop off at the stadium from over 50 locations around the UK making it the easiest and most convenient way to travel to Wembley. To book a National Express service for the Final visit the National Express website or call 08717 81 81 81.