Bristol City’s Ashton Gate to host high-profile match despite postponement

Sports will be played at Ashton Gate this weekend, though it won’t be Bristol City after their match with Preston North End was postponed.

The English Football League took the decision to cancel their weekend fixtures as a ‘mark of respect’ for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The EFL Championship match was set to be the second of two sporting fixtures played at the 27,000 seater stadia this weekend with City riding high in English football’s second tier.

Despite the Department for Culture, Media and Sport saying there is no obligation to postpone fixtures, football matches across various levels were called off.

The Premier League first announced matches of English football’s top flight were off which was later followed by its feeder divisions in a uniformed approach.

It leaves travelling Lilywhites fans potentially out of pocket for travel and accomodation for the near 400-mile round trip whilst clubs secretaries will now be tasked with finding a suitable date for the rearranged fixture.

A refund however will be offered to Preston and any City fans affected by the match being rearranged for another date, which is likely to be in a midweek slot.

Despite the Queen’s passing, professional rugby however will continue and tomorrow’s Premiership Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Bath, at Ashton Gate will go ahead.

It was due to be played on Friday evening to kick off the new rugby season, but instead they will lock horns at 17:30 on Saturday night after Premiership Rugby chose to postpone the Friday night fixtures.

The Bears play at the same stadium as City as part of a groundshare with both sporting teams part of Bristol Sport, which is owned by Steve Lansdown.

In a statement confirming the fixture had been moved, it read: “Bristol Bears can confirm that tonight’s Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath Rugby has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 10th (5.30pm KO).

Following the decision from the Premiership Rugby Board to postpone Friday night fixtures, tickets for Friday night remain valid for the rescheduled date. The occasion will pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

“Further information to match purchasers will be communicated shortly. We thank supporters for their continued patience. We continue to send our thoughts and condolences to The Royal Family at the loss of Her Majesty.”

The Bears are offering a refund to supporters who may be unable to attend the rearranged fixture at such a short notice.