West Bromwich Albion have introduced new stadium entry procedures for their Championship clash with Charlton Athletic on Wednesday night. The changes, which include nine extra turnstiles and altered ticket scanning, come in response to a new criminal law targeting concession ticket misuse, the club confirmed on its official website.
According to the club's announcement, the measures follow discussions with the Fan Advisory Board and Independent Supporters' Trust after queues formed at the first home game of the season. Stewards will now be more proactive in managing lines outside The Hawthorns, with turnstiles opening at 6.15pm for the 7.45pm kick-off. Supporters are being urged to arrive early to ensure smooth entry.
What are the new entry rules?
The club has added nine 'adult and concession' turnstiles at The Hawthorns. These are specifically for fans using concession tickets or entering with someone who holds one. Concession categories include under-14s, under-17s, under-20s, 20-25s, seniors over 65, and disabled tickets within those age groups. Adults attending without a concession ticket holder must use the 'Adult Only' turnstiles as before.
Ticket scanning has also been adjusted. At the new concession turnstiles, a steward will scan tickets before fans push through the gate. At adult-only turnstiles, supporters will continue to self-scan their own tickets. The club has covered fixed readers at concession gates to prevent double-scanning.
Why has the club made these changes?
West Bromwich Albion stated the primary driver is the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026, which came into force in March. This law makes it a criminal offence to enter a stadium with the incorrect category of ticket. "Albion remain proud of the pricing on offer at The Hawthorns, where some of the best value concessionary tickets in English football are available," the club said. However, it argues that keeping prices affordable depends on correct ticket purchases, and misuse is unfair to the majority of paying supporters.
The club has identified concession ticket misuse at both home and away turnstiles. If stewards find someone using the wrong ticket, entry will be blocked and the fan directed to the East Stand Ticket Office to upgrade. A second offence will result in a suspended ticket account. Fans can check the full squad list to see who they might be watching under the new rules.
How do disabled supporters enter?
West Bromwich Albion emphasized its commitment to accessibility. Disabled adults and their Personal Assistants can enter via any 'adult only' or 'adult and concession' turnstile, or through dedicated accessibility entrances in each stand. Disabled supporters who purchase a concession ticket, such as children, should use an 'adult and concession' turnstile. The club stated these measures are designed to protect ticketing integrity, not to deter or disadvantage disabled fans.
What happens if I have the wrong ticket?
Supporters are encouraged to verify their ticket category before traveling to the ground. To upgrade a season ticket, visit the Ticket Office or call 0121 227 2227. Match-by-match upgrades can also be done online. The club's ticketing staff are available to help with quick corrections. Failing to upgrade before reaching the turnstile will cause delays, as seen in the early season fixture which contributed to these changes. You can view all upcoming dates, including this midweek fixture, on the club's fixtures page.
James Morrison's side currently sit mid-table in the Championship and will be looking to build momentum against Charlton. The new entry procedures will be in effect for this 7.45pm kick-off on Wednesday at The Hawthorns.
