Return Of Fans - Ballot FAQs

FAQs

Entering into the ballot and how it will operate 

 

How will the ticket ballot work?
How do I enter the ballot?
Can I improve my chances for a specific game by not entering for other games prior?
What is the cut-off date for entering the ticket ballot? 
What is the maximum group size in the ticket ballot? 
Will I be able to sit in my usual Season Ticket seat? 
Do I have to opt-in to the ballot with the person who is the lead customer for my Season Ticket? 
Will I be able to sit with my friends and family? 
How do I update my friends and family in the ticketing system?
What happens if I do not wish to enter the ticket ballot?
How many games are included in the ballot? Or is it game by game?  
If I do not apply for the ballot, does this affect my Season Ticket status?
What about Kid (Under-11) and Junior (Under-18) Season ticket Members? Can they attend?


Results from the ballot 

 

What happens if I am successful in the ballot?
What happens if I am unsuccessful in the ballot?
How will I receive my matchday ticket?  
Are tickets transferrable?  
Can I cancel my ticket if successful in the ballot? 
Will I need to arrive earlier than usual?  
Why have I been allocated an obstructed view seat?

 

Non-Season Ticket Members 

 

Will tickets be available for non-Season Ticket Members?  

 

Refunds 

 

Will I be refunded for games that I do not attend?  
When will I receive my refund?  
Which games are in each refund period?  


Supporters in Tier 3 

 

I live in a tier 3 area – can I still enter the ballot?  
If Liverpool is tier 2 but the supporter is travelling from a tier 3 area, can they attend a game?  


COVID testing  

 

Why are Everton asking fans to take a test before the game?  
Where can fans and staff get a test?   
Do children need to take a test? 
Do parents need to complete a questionnaire on behalf of their children? 
Can fans legitimately object to testing on religious or health grounds?  
If a fan has a negative test but answers ‘Yes’ to a question in the Health Questionnaire, can they enter the stadium?  
Cheshire and Warrington are in Tier 2 – why can’t those residents secure a ticket?  
What should I do if I am vulnerable or at higher risk from COVID-19? 


Disabled Supporters Returning to Goodison  

 

Which accessible seating areas will be open?
I do not want to enter the ballot; can my personal assistant/ companion apply for the ballot to attend without me?  
Will the ballot only be available to supporters living in the Liverpool City Region? 
Will accessible car parking spaces be available?
Will there be drop off zones for disabled fans?
What are the procedures for arrival at the ground for disabled supporters? 
Will catering be available? If not, can supporters bring their own food?
What are the rules for wearing of masks?
Will disabled facilities such as changing places be open? 
Will there be accessible hand sanitising stations located across the ground?  
Will there be specific one-way systems in place? Both inside the ground and outside? 
Does a companion have to be a member of the disabled fan’s household?  
Does a companion/personal assistant have to be named in advance of the match for possible track and trace measures? 
Will supporters be allowed to bring in their own sanitising products i.e. hand gels, wipes?  
Will the signage be clear? 
I do not feel comfortable to opt-in to the ballot at the moment. Could I choose to opt-in for a future match should my feelings change? 
I have a question about accessibility, or my circumstances have changed. Who can I speak to? 



Entering into the ballot and how it will operate 



How will the ticket ballot work? 
The Club has developed a robust plan for the return of supporters which includes restricting ballot entries to Season Ticket Members and Season Hospitality Members who live in the Liverpool City Region. The Liverpool City Region is made up of areas covered by the Combined Authority – Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council, Sefton Council, Knowsley Council, St Helens and Halton.  
 
Eligible supporters will be able to log on to their ticketing account and select the Fan Group Application for the game they wish to attend. In line with Government guidance, you can select a maximum of six people in total that can be seated together.   

Any applications submitted for more than six people will be rejected from the ballot and asked to reapply. When processing your application, you will be prompted to assign a zero-priced ‘ticket’ against each relevant customer number. You can view and modify your Friends & Family here, or you can add Friends & Family in your shopping basket before completing the application. Once the deadline for applications has passed, we will run a randomised process to select the successful applicants for the relevant fixture.   

Successful applicants will be informed via email and provided with information as to how to access their tickets. Applicants who are unsuccessful will be contacted via email.  

 

How do I enter the ballot? 
Supporters will need to log in at ballot.evertonfc.com

You will be presented with a list of the available ballots you can apply for.  

You will need to select a zero-priced 'ticket' for each supporter that you wish to add to your group and assign the 'ticket' to their customer number.  
     
You will be able to receive your ticket(s) as Mobile Ticket(s). If necessary a paper ticket can be provided. We would strongly recommend that all supporters take advantage of using a Mobile Ticket where possible. Please call the Fan Centre on 0151 556 1878 if you are unable to use Mobile Tickets. 
         
If you need to add supporters to your Friends and Family you can do so here, or you can also add them in your shopping basket before completing the application. 
     
Once you have all the correct people assigned against each ticket you can proceed to complete the application.  
     
You will then receive a confirmation email. 

 

Can I improve my chances for a specific game by not entering for other games prior?  
Ballot entrants will be prioritised to those who have attended the least number of games to ensure a fair spread of tickets among supporters. It is strongly advised that supporters enter the ballot for as many games as possible to maximise their chances of attending. Selective balloting will increase the risk of missing out on attending games - as demand is expected to outstrip supply for each ballot. 

 

What is the cut-off date for entering the ticket ballot?  
Up-to-date information on all ballots, including cut-off dates, will be posted on evertonfc.com and the Club's official Twitter channel.

 

What is the maximum group size in the ticket ballot?  
The maximum group size is six people. Any applications submitted for groups over six will be rejected and asked to reapply. Each application is taken as a single group, regardless of the amount of people it contains. Larger groups will not gain an advantage over smaller ballot entries. For example, a group of six counts as one entry for all six members.   

 

Will I be able to sit in my usual Season Ticket seat?  
No, it is highly unlikely you will be able to sit in your usual seat due to the distancing regulations. Only the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street and Top Balcony will be available at present.   

Successful ballot entrants will be allocated a seat in these areas. The Club reserves the right to allocate any available seating in order to ensure as many Season Ticket Members as possible within safety guidelines are able to attend.   

By entering the ballot, you are accepting this policy. 

 

Do I have to opt-in to the ballot with the person who is the lead customer for my Season Ticket?  
No, you can select a maximum of six people in total that can be seated together. You can remove yourself from a family and  friends group if you want to apply separately.  

 

Will I be able to sit with my friends and family?  
Yes, if selected in the ballot you will be able to attend with those in your group. Social distancing rules will apply within the seating allocation up to a maximum of six.   

  

How do I update my friends and family in the ticketing system?  
You can view and modify your Friends & Family information here, or you can add friends and family in your shopping basket before completing the application. 

 

What happens if I do not wish to enter the ticket ballot?  
If you do not wish to be included in the ballot to attend a game, then you simply need to do nothing as the ballot is an ‘opt-in’ process.   

 

How many games are included in the ballot? Or is it game by game?  
Each match will count as a separate ballot application in this process. Each ballot must be entered separately to ensure that the limited number of tickets available are allocated to fans who are actually willing and able to attend each relevant match. It is strongly advised that supporters enter the ballot for as many games as possible to maximise their chances of attending.  

 

If I do not apply for the ballot, does this affect my Season Ticket status? 
If you do not apply for any of the ballots throughout the season, your status as a Season Ticket Member will not be affected. You will receive a refund for every game you are unable to attend and would be eligible to renew your Season Ticket for the 2021/22 season when the renewal window opens.   

 

What about Kid (Under-11) and Junior (Under-18) Season ticket Members? Can they attend?  
Yes, however every ballot entry for supporters aged 11 and under needs to also include a Season Ticket Member with a ticket tariff of either a; Young Adult, Adult or Senior. Supporters aged 12 and over can attend alone. Any ballot entries for fans aged 11 and under that do not contain a Season Ticket Member with the tariffs listed above will be deemed invalid. 

 

Results from the ballot 

What happens if I am successful in the ballot? 
Successful applicants will be informed via email and provided with information as to how to access their tickets.  

 

What happens if I am unsuccessful in the ballot? 
Applicants who are unsuccessful will be contacted via email. 

 

How will I receive my matchday ticket?  
Via email with instructions on how to download your ticket as a Mobile Ticket.

 

Are tickets transferrable?  
No, all tickets allocated via the ballot process are solely for use by that specific Season Ticket Member. Supporters found to be reallocating match tickets will be at risk of action by the Club. ID checks will be completed as part of the entry process.   

 

Can I cancel my ticket if successful in the ballot? 
Yes, you may cancel for suitable reasons but must inform the Club before the fixture date to allow us to reassign the tickets. To cancel, you must call the Fan Centre immediately on 0151 556 1878 (opening hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).   

 

Will I need to arrive earlier than usual?  
Supporters will be provided with an allocated arrival time which will help to manage the flow of supporters and ensure adequate time is given for the necessary checks.

 

Why have I been allocated an obstructed view seat? 
Unfortunately, it is a challenge of the ground. The Park End & Paddock are unavailable so as to maintain the red zones required by the Premier League’s COVID regulations. Our Fan Centre team have done everything possible to minimise the number of allocated seats impacted by restricted views. 

 

Non-Season Ticket Members 


Will tickets be available for non-Season Ticket Members?  
No, at this stage only Season Ticket Members will be allowed to enter the ballot. Seasonal Hospitality Members will be eligible to enter their own dedicated ballot.   

 

Refunds 

Will I be refunded for games that I do not attend?  
Yes. All Season Ticket Members who do not attend a game will be refunded the pro-rata amount of that game.   

 

When will I receive my refund?  
Refund processing will commence after these three points of the season:  

1 November 2020  

1 March 2021  

1 June 2021

 

Which games are in each refund period?  
Up to 1 November: West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool. From 1 November to 1 March: Manchester United, Leeds United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham United, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Fulham. From 1 March to June 1: Southampton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers.   

 

Supporters in Tier 3 

I live in a tier 3 area – can I still enter the ballot?  
No, in line with Premier League guidance and Government guidance. 

  

If Liverpool is tier 2 but the supporter is travelling from a tier 3 area, can they attend a game?  
No, in line with Premier League and Government guidance. Attendees to this game must reside in the Liverpool City Region - areas covered by the Combined Authority: Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council, Sefton Council, Knowsley Council, St Helens and Halton.   

 

COVID testing  

Why are Everton asking fans to take a test before the game?  
It was recommended to us by Public Health Liverpool because it supports the City Region’s push to drive down infection rates by identifying and isolating asymptomatic positive cases to prevent them from further infecting the community.  

The Club is doing this in partnership with, and with the full support of, Public Health Liverpool.  

This will provide the safest possible environment for our players, fans and staff. When our fans enter Goodison Park they can be reassured that everyone they come across has returned a negative COVID test.  

The Club firmly believes that this is the right thing to do.  

 

 

Where can fans and staff get a test?  
It is important that fans obtain their tests from the city’s mass testing facilities, which provide a result within an hour, and not through the NHS booking system, as these tests take 24-48 hours to return a result.  

Public Health Liverpool are confident that there is ample capacity for these tests to take place.  

Everton will accept test results obtained on the day of a fixture – or the day before a fixture. 

Details of test centres across the Liverpool City Region and how to obtain a test can be found here.

 

Do children need to take a test? 
Children 12 years or over need to take a test.

 

Do parents need to complete a questionnaire on behalf of their children? 
Yes – for all children, regardless of age.

 

Can fans legitimately object to testing on religious or health grounds?  
No – the testing requirement is to protect public health, therefore the Club is entitled to deny entry to anyone who is unwilling to take a test for any reason.  

 

If a fan has a negative test but answers ‘Yes’ to a question in the Health Questionnaire, can they enter the stadium?  
No. If a fan has answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, they should be at home isolating, regardless of the test result.  

 

Cheshire and Warrington are in Tier 2 – why can’t those residents secure a ticket?  
Public Health Liverpool have recommended that, for now, tickets are allocated only to people who live in the Liverpool City Region. This is to minimise travel by large numbers of people. This position will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as part of the Club’s regular communication with the local authority.

 

What should I do if I am vulnerable or at higher risk from COVID-19?  
If you do not feel comfortable to return to the stadium for matches, then you can choose to not enter the ballot and you will receive a refund for games you do not attend.  
 

 

Disabled Supporters Returning to Goodison  

Which accessible seating areas will be open? 
Wheelchair positions will be available on the Main Stand North Platform, and in the Howard Kendall Lower Gwladys Street. Dedicated easy access and amenity seating will be available in the usual position in the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street. Disabled supporters who do not need accessible seating will be able to sit in any of the open stands.  

 

I do not want to enter the ballot; can my personal assistant/ companion apply for the ballot to attend without me?  
No, all tickets allocated via the ballot process are solely for use by that specific Season Ticket Member. Supporters found to be reallocating match tickets will be at risk of action by the Club. ID checks will be completed as part of the entry process.  Personal Assistants will not be able to attend without accompanying the associated Season Ticket Member.  

 

Will the ballot only be available to supporters living in the Liverpool City Region? 
Yes, as per local authority guidelines.  

 

Will accessible car parking spaces be available? 
Yes, parking will be available in the Goodison Road car park and in Gwladys Street School. If you are successful in the ballot, the Disability Liaison Team will support the allocation of spaces. Supporters will need to be allocated a space and should not expect to park in one of these spaces without having first been in contact with the Disability Liaison Team.  

 

Will there be drop off zones for disabled fans? 
Drop off zones can be organised on an individual basis if fans notify the Club 24 hours before the match. Please contact accessibility@evertonfc.com or call 0151 556 1878 and ask for the Disability Liaison Team to arrange.

 

What are the procedures for arrival at the ground for disabled supporters? 
Supporters who are accessing the accessible seating areas will enter through gate 20A (next to St Luke’s Church).  

Supporters will be provided with an allocated arrival time which will help to manage the flow of people and ensure adequate time is given for the necessary checks.

 

Will catering be available? If not, can supporters bring their own food? 
Catering will not be available. Supporters are able to bring their own food, this should be brought in a clear plastic bag. Usual matchday searches will be in operation.  

 

What are the rules for wearing of masks?  
Supporters who are able to wear a mask should do so. We understand that some supporters are exempt from wearing a mask and this will be respected.  

 

Will disabled facilities such as changing places be open? 
Yes, lifts, accessible toilets and the changing places facility will be open. Please note that due to the limited number of stands open, access to the changing places may be further than usual. Should you know ahead of time that you will need to use this facility, please get in touch with the Disability Liaison Team.

 

Will there be accessible hand sanitising stations located across the ground?  
Yes, there will be stations available at differing heights and with accessible dispensing options.  

 

Will there be specific one-way systems in place? Both inside the ground and outside?  
Yes, in order to ensure a safe matchday operation, one-way systems will be implemented. We have ensured that all distances to accessible toileting facilities remain within recommended distances.  

   

Does a companion have to be a member of the disabled fan’s household?  
No, it is important that you are able to have a companion/ personal assistant who is able to meet your needs. Your personal assistant must, however, live within the Liverpool City Region, follow the support bubble guidance as per local authority guidelines, and present a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be taken no more than 36 hours before arrival at Goodison Park.

 

Does a companion/personal assistant have to be named in advance of the match for possible track and trace measures?  
Yes, we will need the details of your personal assistant/companion. They will also need to complete a health questionnaire and have proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test. We understand that sometimes a companion may need to change due to circumstances outside your control. If this is the case, you will need to contact the Club as soon as possible to amend the details and ensure your companion is able to complete the necessary testing to gain entry.  

 

Will supporters be allowed to bring in their own sanitising products i.e. hand gels, wipes?  
We want to ensure all supporters feel safe when returning to Goodison Park. Sanitising products will be permitted, but must be no larger than a 50ml bottle.  

 

Will the signage be clear?  
All signage is high contrast and situated at varying points and heights to ensure an easy wayfinding experience. Stewarding teams and accessibility stewards will also be available to help supporters.  

 

I do not feel comfortable to opt-in to the ballot at the moment. Could I choose to opt-in for a future match should my feelings change?  
Yes, each match will count as a separate ballot application in this process. Each ballot must be entered separately to ensure that the limited number of tickets available are allocated as fairly as possible.

 

I have a question about accessibility, or my circumstances have changed. Who can I speak to?  
Please get in touch with Everton’s Disability Liaison Team via email on accessibility@evertonfc.com or by calling the Fan Centre on 0151 556 1878. You can also find us on twitter @accessible_EFC