Brentford Football Club are currently trialling a new plan for supporters entering Griffin Park via the New Road turnstiles.
The Bill Axbey Stand, on the New Road side of the ground, holds just under 4,000 supporters and nearly 1,000 seats are reserved for Season Ticket Holders
It also houses the Club’s Family Area and is used for community groups attending on tickets bought through Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust.
On Saturday, March 8, when Brentford hosted Bradford City in a Sky Bet League One match, new entry arrangements were put in place for the New Road entrance.
Four of the eight turnstiles were designated ‘Ticket Only’, an increase on previous levels, while the four turnstiles furthest from the gate were for cash sales.
These turnstiles would also accept tickets when required.
In order to make life easier for all attending, a queuing system was put in place with barriers to ensure those who arrive first get through the turnstiles first.
It is planned that these arrangements will be in place for the rest of the 2013/14 season, including the game against Tranmere Rovers tonight, Tuesday March 11.
Alan Walsh, Brentford FC Operations Manager, said: “Entry on the New Road side of the ground has been a concern.
“It is necessary to make it safe for all with a proper queue in place and designated turnstiles for ticket holders.
“We have lots of Season Ticket Holders in this area and many others who buy in advance so it is right they can get through in an orderly manner.
“On Saturday a very high proportion of New Road ticket holders arrived in the 20 minutes before kick-off.
“This meant there was not enough time to get everyone in by 3pm and some supporters, unfortunately, were delayed.
“I would ask Bees fans to try and arrive at least 30 minutes before kick-off to ensure we can get them in to the ground in good time.
“We will look at how this trial progresses and maybe change the number of turnstiles for ticket holders as the season progresses.
“Being a Season Ticket Holder does not guarantee exceptional fast track access to the ground and it’s only fair that all spectators who arrive near kick-off join the queue in order to gain access.
“The restrictions of residential buildings prevent us having an independent access point for season tickets or VIP’s, so we can only work with the space available.
“For the Tranmere game tonight we will have six out of eight turnstiles available for Season Ticket and pre-paid ticket holders.
“If Brentford becomes an established Championship club, big crowds at Griffin Park will be a regular occurrence and we have to be ready for it.
“This is another step we are taking to make Brentford a good place for all supporters to visit.”