The Club and Lancashire Police have issued a number of pieces of advice ahead of Saturday’s big derby clash with Blackburn Rovers.
A crowd of around 20,000 is expected at Deepdale for the first league encounter between the sides for almost 15 years. The away end and all corporate seats are completely sold out, with home areas also starting to fill quickly.
Fans are advised to book early, with tickets in home areas on sale right up to kick-off at the ground, subject to availability.
Supporters attending the game should note that there will be additional searching at the turnstiles including the use of dogs to detect any pyrotechnic devices, flares, fireworks etc. After recent FA charges and warnings any use of pyros could cost the Club a fine, so fans are advised to ensure they are not risking themselves, their fellow fans or the Club by trying to bring these devices to the stadium.
With a large crowd expected and the increased searching there may be a delay for fans to access the stadium, therefore, all supporters are asked to allow extra time and to arrive early.
Any tickets that require collecting should be collected as soon as possible, where possible the day before or the morning of the match.
Should any Blackburn supporters attend without tickets they will be turned away from the stadium. Both stewards and the police will be conducting ticket checks around the stadium vicinity,
At the end of the match in order to facilitate a safe dispersal of all supporters from the stadium Lancashire Constabulary and Preston North End would ask all Blackburn supporters to remain in their seats for ten minutes after final whistle whilst the Preston supporters disperse.
For all those using the Club car parks, you will be asked to remain in your parking space for a short time as there will be a ten minute delay before vehicles are allowed off the car parks.
Additionally for North End supporters, at the end of the match, Lowthorpe Road at its junction with Lowthorpe Crescent - towards Blackpool Road - will be closed to spectators wishing to walk or drive towards Blackpool Road. It is expected that once the Blackburn coaches have left, supporters on foot or in vehicles should be able to use this route.
All in all, as big a crowd as possible is wanted at Deepdale and we want everyone to enjoy their afternoon with us, with the above meant as advance warning to ensure that is the case.