Full guide to what happens before a game at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Matchdays at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium are far more than the 90 minutes of football played on the pitch.
There’s always plenty going on, so plan your visit with this helpful timetable. Times are for a typical 3pm kick-off, and are subject to change.
9am - Ticket Office and Megastore open
If you haven’t already purchased your ticket in advance by going online at www.gillsshop.co.uk or booking via our customer service centre on (01634) 300000, beat the matchday queues by getting to the ticket office nice and early. Also, if you want the latest replica shirt to wear to the game, or are keen to get a copy of the club’s matchday programme, the megastore will be open and ready for your visit.
11am - Factory opens
Gillingham FC’s Factory bar and restaurant is already a huge hit with families despite in only opening in winter 2016. Join us for our hot breakfast and lunch options, enjoy our wide range of drinks for fans of all ages, and watch the 12.45pm Premier League or EFL fixture on our numerous big HD TV screens. Arrive early to guarantee entry – and to get the comfiest seat!
12.30-1pm - The players arrive
On the autograph hunt? The Gills players will arrive at the stadium before 1pm, entering through their special entrance in the corner of the Medway Stand (opposite end to Factory) – catch them while you can for your chance to meet your heroes!
1.30pm – Turnstiles open
Get your first glimpse of the MEMS Priestfield Stadium from 1.30pm, when our turnstiles into the stadium are opened. Inside the ground you’ll also find plenty of food and drink options, and you may even get to see our club mascot Tommy Trewblu! We’d love to see your matchday selfies – send them into us on Twitter via @TheGillsFC.
2.15pm – Warm-up time
The players start their physical preparations for the forthcoming match around 2.15pm with a 30-minute warm-up. Normally the goalkeepers are first out, so you’ll get to see them practice their kicking and catching. The rest of the team finish their warm-up taking shots in-front of the Rainham End – it’s the perfect place to pick up tips on how to score those amazing goals when you play against your mates!
2.20pm – Team-sheet announcement
Listen out to see if your favourite player is named in the Gills’ starting line-up from 2.20pm, as our PA announcer Doug Hudson runs through the team sheet.
2.55pm – Teams come out
Give the players your biggest cheer as they enter the Priestfield Stadium pitch. Led-out by the club captain, the players will be accompanied by our matchday mascots
3.00pm - Kick-off
The moment you've been waiting for all day: the start of the match. Get behind the team and add to the fantastic atmosphere inside the stadium by learning our many Gills songs!
50pm – Half-time shootout
Watch as children from two local junior schools take on each other in our long-running Half-time Penalty Shootout. Who will you want to win?
4.50pm – Full-time
Hopefully you’ll be celebrating a great result, but make sure you clap the Gills players off the pitch after the game regardless of the result. The Factory will be open again after the match, and will have a dinner menu available.