Ahead of the 2026/27 season, key improvements have been made to enhance the matchday experience for supporters, including new fan engagement activities and changes to the food and beverage operations at The Valley.
A number of renovations have been made around the ground including outside the Covered End and West Stand, where creative brand and production studio Out of Nothing Studio have provided illustrated artwork depicting the club's historic achievements, while improvements have also been made within the Family Stand and the Alan Curbishley Stand ahead of the upcoming campaign, to give them a new look and feel.
The Valley Superstore has also undergone renovation and will be open on Saturday, fully stocked with the new Reebok home and third kits.
The Fan Engagement team have created a range of new activations and activities for home matchdays, designed to ensure that supporters have an engaging and memorable experience.
SLO Desk
For this season, there will be a new 'SLO Desk' found in Valley Central. For a 3pm kick-off on a Saturday, between 12pm and 12.30pm, fans can drop in and meet with the club's Supporter Liaison Officer for any questions, queries or general chat.
These sessions are focused on supporter experience and fan engagement, giving fans the opportunity to provide feedback and share ideas directly with the club.
Matchday Passports
For our younger supporters, men's matchday passports have been introduced for the upcoming season. Head down to the SLO desk in Valley Central and collect your passport, and be sure to get your stamp to say that "you were there." The more games you attend, the more prizes can be won. CAWFC matchday passports will also be available at Women's team fixtures.
First-Time Visitors
If you are a first-time visitor to The Valley, collect a First-Time Visitor lanyard from the SLO desk which will show our staff members that it is your first trip to The Valley and we will strive to make their first matchday experience one to remember.
New pre-match activations
There are two new football activations at the stadium, as well as our SOCKGOAL inflatable in the Fan Zone. Be on the lookout for our new activities which will be located in either the Fan Zone or Alan Curbishley Stand concourse.
Free facepainting will also be available in the Fan Zone.
Activity in the Alan Curbishley Stand
The Alan Curbishley Stand will also boast a range of new activities in conjunction with the Schools Partnership Scheme, that includes inflatable football darts, kick-up challenges, craft decorating and a spin to win challenge that allows supporters to share their 2026/27 predictions.
The concourse of the Alan Curbishley Stand has also received a lick of paint as well as engaging artwork on the walls with activities for young supporters to engage with.
*Please note Alan Curbishley Stand activities are only accessible if you have tickets in the Family or Alan Curbishley Stand*
Food and drink
There has also been a keen focus improve food and beverage service at The Valley. There are new plans to deliver on speed of service, quality, innovation, sustainability and the supporter experience.
In order to do so, a wide range of changes have been made to the food and beverage retail across the stadium and the outdoor Fan Zone, including the introduction of new food vendors.
Supporters can now enjoy a new selection of food stands at The Valley.
Fan Zone
- Only Jerkin’ – Jerk chicken with chips
- Gamekeeper – Famous venison burger.
West Stand
- BBQ Dept – A new BBQ-focused offer featuring pulled pork and brisket.
Fans Bar
In the Meantime Fans Bar, a new way to order food to your table has been implemented. Web-based table offering will now be available, to help give supporters greater choice and convenience to order food to their tables, should they wish to avoid the queues. Food will be available on the app.
Food and drink retail operations have been assessed, and changes have been made in order to increase the efficiency of service across the stadium.
- Enhanced beer offer – Improved refrigeration and draught technology to support the quality, consistency and speed of service of draught beer.
- Faster service – Optimised kiosks, back-pour and fast-pour technology, upgraded beer infrastructure and new Fast Service Bars to reduce queuing times.
- Improved EPOS – A new till system to speed up transactions and improve the customer journey and experience.
- New food offerings – A new homemade sausage roll, improved hot dogs, increased choice of menu and the return of the Bahji Burger.
- Sustainability – Drinks will be served in new club-branded Nopla packaging, that is 100% recyclable, to help the club be as sustainable as possible.
- Seasonal range – An expanded offering across the concourses, including an enhanced winter menu.
