There are a number of changes you may like to be aware of this evening.
Events
Our pre-match video remains the same this season. You may have noticed the music is now being used by Sky Sports News. The full story behind the song is as follows - It is based on a piece called Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell, which featured in the film Requiem For A Dream.
It was originally featured in the trailer to Lord Of The Rings II, but not used in the film itself and therefore not on that soundtrack CD. This version takes on the name 'Requiem For A Tower.' It is however available on a CD called Requiem For A Tower on which more information can be found here. This CD is also on iTunes. The version used on the screen combines the three movements on this CD.
The pizza giveaway will not take place at half time this season.
Play Your Shirts Right is our new half time entertainment.
The Golden Gamble will continue, and is now a fundraiser for our Football In The Community scheme.
Stadium
The new reception is now open in the Millennium Madejski Hotel. This is the only entrance. The bedrooms are not yet available but are on plan for the end of this month.
There is a new mini-roundabout at the top of Hurst Way. Please approach with care.
We are currently building a new block outside the former players' entrance, so that entrance is not in use. Press entry is now at the south end of the lower west concourse.
We have a new photographers' room located inside the lower west concourse.
The players will temporarily enter through the hotel good entrance.
Hospitality
We would like to take the opportunity to remind you that a smart casual dress code applies this season. Any person wearing denim jeans, trainers, tracksuits or football shirts will be denied entrance.
Directors' Lounge and Trophy Room guests require jacket and tie for men and smart dress for ladies.
Please could you ensure that this information is passed on to your guests.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in this matter and look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a very exciting season.
Megastore sale
Our Megastore unit will be open outside the East Stand from 6:30pm tonight.
Everything is less than £10, with t-shirts from just £2, flags at £2 and many, many more bargains.
Parking
The Worton Grange car park (former HP Invent) is open again this season. 1000 spaces available at £7. Please note there is no right turn into this facility, you must turn left after approaching from Basingstoke Road.
The Greyhound Stadium is now £10 per car.
The Old Depot parking facility (near Courage) is no longer available.
Parking at Lime Square has been sold for the season.
Further parking is available as follows:
Foster Wheeler, Shinfield Park, 500 spaces
Free to park
This involves a short bus ride to and from the stadium. Fares on return bus shuttle are £3 adult return and £1.50 child return. Free parking.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) and follow yellow signs to "Match Reading FC Park & Ride ". This is the best option for away supporters.
Greyhound Stadium, 500 spaces
£10 per car
Three minutes walk to the stadium.
Directions: from J11, M4, proceed towards Reading along the A33 dual carriageway, past the Madejski Stadium and past B&Q retail park. Straight ahead at traffic lights on gyratory roundabout, past Green Park turning and take the next left. Normally full 1 hour before kick off.
Terranova Crane, Bennet Road, 200 spaces
£10 per car
Five minutes walk to the stadium. The car park is on Bennet Road, opposite the Jaguar garage
Town Centre car parks
Parking available within town centre car parks (appropriate parking fee applies). Reading Station return shuttle buses depart from stop SQ Buses - frequent service starts two hours prior to kick off. £3 adult and £1.50 child return.
Bus information
Reading buses
The routes and service numbers of Reading Buses' services are:
70 Sonning Common - Emmer Green
71 Emmer Green - Caversham Church Street
71A Emmer Green - Caversham Library
72 Woodley - Three Tuns
72A Twyford - Charvil - Woodley - Earley
72B Woodley Airfield - Bulmershe Sports Centre
73 Lower Earley - Christchurch Green
73A Riseley - Spencers Wood
74 CavershamPark - Star Inn
74A Henley-on-Thames - Dunsden Green - Star Inn
75 Purley - Tilehurst Triangle - Southcote Road
75A Pangbourne - GoodliffeGardens - Southcote Road
76 Tilehurst Circular - Sutherland Grove
76A Tilehurst Circular - Waverley Road
77 ShinfieldPark (Park & Ride Shuttle)
78 Newbury Bus Station - Thatcham - Woolhampton
79 Reading Station (Shuttle)
Full timetables and fare details are available by clicking here.
More information can be obtained from Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline).
Outside Reading buses
950 Tadley - Mortimer - Burghfield Common
951 Brighton Hill - Basingrstoke - Popley
952 Farnborough - Camberley - Yateley - Sandhurst - Crowthorne
953 Wokingham - Winnersh
954 Bracknell
955 Birch Hill - Hanworth - Great Hollands
Full timetables are available by clicking here for the .pdf file (201Kb)
Fares are £5 for adult return, and £2.50 for concessions.
Please note all the new bus services will stop en route at every pick up point until the last one named before reaching the stadium.
More information can be obtained from Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline).
