Following a fantastic recent run in the league, attentions turn to English football's jewel in the crown...
Reading vs Blackpool
Emirates FA Cup, Third Round
Saturday 4th January 2020, 3.01pm
Madejski Stadium
Reading's involvement in the Emirates FA Cup will begin at the Third Round stage on Saturday afternoon, as League One side Blackpool make the journey south to battle it out for a place in the last 32 of the grand old knockout competition.
This will be the first time that the two sides have ever met in the FA Cup, and it will be a tie of particular interest to the Royals' own Charlie Adam, having enjoyed plenty of success in the past as a Blackpool player between 2009 and 2011.
Since Reading's last meeting with Blackpool in the Championship back in 2015, the Seasiders have had a tough time with on and off-pitch issues seeing them relegated twice in a row.
However, under new ownership and now in their third season back in League One, Simon Grayson's side are progressing well and still harbour ambitions of returning to the second tier come season's end.
While Grayson's side are without a win in five in the league, they still sit near the Play-Off places and will fancy their chances of a cup upset on Saturday afternoon.
Reading, meanwhile, are aiming for their fifth win in a row in all competitions, after a pair of well-earned away wins in the past week.
It's all set up to be a cracking cup tie at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and with discounted ticket prices for this weekend's game, we'd love to see you here in RG2 to back the boys.
Tickets
We are offering superb ticket prices for Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie, with Adult tickets costing just £10 before 12noon on matchday.
Prices will rise from midday on Saturday, so make sure you contact our Ticket Office and buy your tickets soon to get the best value for the weekend's cup tie.
For full ticket information, including prices and how you can buy online, head here.
You can also visit our Ticket Office during opening hours or ring 0118 968 1313.
Heads Up
You might have noticed that this Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Blackpool kicks off at a rather unusual time: at 3.01pm.
That’s because, across the country, all 32 FA Cup ties this weekend will kick off a minute later than usual to encourage fans to ‘Take A Minute’ to think about looking after their mental health, as part of the Heads Up campaign.
To find out more, click here.
Pre-match chat
Travel
Parking paid on site on arrival on a first-come first-served basis at the cost of £10. There are also other options off site for our fans including buses and Park & Ride.
Please note that contactless payments are now being accepted for matchday parking at Madejski Stadium and the Old Greyhound Stadium.
For details on your full range of travel options, head here.
Match officials
John Brooks will take charge of proceedings at Madejski Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in his first Emirates FA Cup tie of the season.
Mr Brooks has overseen 15 Championship matches this season, with one clash in League One - a 1-1 draw between Accrington Stanley and Saturday's opponents, Blackpool back in September.
Steven Meredith and Michael Webb will be manning the touchlines on Saturday at Madejski Stadium, with Scott Jackson in reserve as fourth official.
Weather
Food & Drink
Make sure you follow @bluecollarfood on Twitter to find out their latest news, where they’ll be announcing what fantastic food outlets will be located where for the first fixture.
Also, please note that for the 2019-20 season, we are prioritising contactless card payments on kiosks within the concourses at Madejski Stadium - meaning quicker service for all. There will be only one cash till per kiosk so please ensure you have card payment if possible.
EFL clubs united in tackling discrimination
The EFL and EFL Clubs are united in tackling discrimination and prejudiced behaviour in all its forms and are reminding supporters that no forms of abuse will be tolerated ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Everyone attending or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe, valued and included and supporters are therefore being reminded of the positive steps that can be taken on matchdays.
The EFL have suggested a protocol for supporters to follow if you ever find yourself needing to report discrimination of any form at a match, which you can find by clicking here.
Matchday itinerary and opening times
Fanstore - 9am - 5.45pm (approx.)
Ticket Office - 9am - half-time
Hospitality - 12.30pm - 6.15pm
Jazz Café - 12pm - 6pm
Fan Zone and Fun Zone open - 1pm onwards
Gates open - 1.30pm
Teams announced - 2pm
Kick-off - 3.01pm
Full-time - 4.45pm (approx.)
Final F1 bus to Reading Station - 5.41pm
Reminder
We wish to politely remind supporters that the football club is responsible for their conduct at all matches (home or away) and any person committing a football-related offence or involved in serious misconduct at any match will result in a club ban. Examples of serious misconduct include discriminatory, offensive or abusive chanting, entering the pitch, persistent standing and throwing a missile. Supporters witnessing any incidents of serious misconduct are encouraged to report this to the football club by texting 80800, beginning your message with the word SAFE.
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