Charlton Athletic have taken steps to prevent a sales restriction being required for the club’s anniversary game against Portsmouth on December 9th.
The game, against the same opposition that Charlton faced for their first match back in SE7 in December 1992, marks 25 years since the club's return to The Valley and the club have dedicated the day to celebrate the anniversary.
The visitors have sold out the away end and the club has taken the decision to make more than 700 extra tickets available in two blocks of the East Stand, presently segregated on matchdays and have not been used this season.
All revenue raised from the extra 700 tickets, after costs, will be donated to the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and the decision has been taken so the game does not have to go on restricted sale at this stage. A game going on restricted sale would provide an extra barrier for Charlton fans to purchase tickets.
This also means it reduces the likelihood of Portsmouth fans trying to purchase in the home end on a day of celebration for Charlton fans.
Club Secretary Chris Parkes said: “December 9th is about the celebration of the club’s historic return to The Valley. We want to ensure as many Charlton fans as possible can enjoy the game together.
“Portsmouth were our opponents 25 years ago and they graciously accepted a reduced allocation of tickets so that more Charlton fans could attend the first game back at The Valley. It is fitting therefore that 25 years later we can return that favour by allowing an additional 700 Portsmouth fans to see the anniversary game. We hope that it will contribute to a special atmosphere on this important day.”
The additional seats will be located in the East Stand in the two blocks closest to the away end. This causes minimal disruptance to Charlton fans, with no season tickets holders having to be moved. Three Charlton disabled supporters have agreed to move from the position they were initially assigned.
To celebrate the anniversary and 25 years of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, the club is donating 25% of home ticket revenue from the game along with 25% of matchday programme sales to the charity.