We can confirm that our Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie against Harrogate Town on Saturday 17th October 2026 has been selected for television coverage on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer.
As a result of the fixture being selected for broadcast, kick-off at Gigg Lane will now take place at 12:30pm.
The occasion promises to be another memorable FA Cup day at Salford Van Hire Stadium, with the Shakers looking to book their place in the First Round Proper.
Supporters attending the game should, however, be aware of a number of important changes to our usual matchday arrangements as a result of the BBC television broadcast and the regulations which apply to this fixture.
Matchday Timings
With the earlier kick-off time, our matchday opening times will also change.
Hospitality areas will open from 10am, with turnstiles opening at 11am ahead of the 12:30pm kick-off.
We strongly encourage all supporters to arrive at Gigg Lane in good time. The earlier kick-off, combined with the anticipated attendance and changes to areas of the stadium, may result in a busier than usual build-up to the game. Supporters are encouraged to book in advance on Fanbase to make entry to the ground as smooth as possible. Remember, there are no hidden fees with Fanbase!
South Stand Changes
The South Stand will be significantly affected by the requirements of the BBC’s broadcast operation, with a television scaffold being installed within the stand to accommodate the coverage of the fixture.
As a result, Blocks E and F will be fully closed for this game.
There will also be partial closures in the surrounding blocks due to restricted views created by the television scaffold:
- Block D: Rows L onwards closed
- Block G: Rows E onwards closed
- Block H: Rows L onwards closed
The Wheelchair Enclosure will remain unaffected by the broadcast arrangements and will operate as normal.
We appreciate that these changes will affect supporters who would usually watch the game from these areas and thank fans for their patience and understanding as we accommodate the requirements of the live television coverage.
Alcohol Regulations
Supporters should also be aware of a change to the usual arrangements regarding the consumption of alcohol inside Gigg Lane.
Due to Harrogate Town’s participation at Step 1 of the National League System, Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 regulations apply to this fixture, meaning that alcohol cannot be consumed within sight of the pitch, including in the stands.
Alcohol will still be available from designated kiosks and hospitality areas that are not in pitch view, but supporters purchasing alcoholic drinks will be required to consume them in the permitted areas and will not be able to take alcohol to their seats or into the stands.
- The kiosks will close for alcohol sales at 12pm. Kiosks will remain open for food and non-alcoholic drinks only, including tea, coffee and soft drinks.
- Shakers Bar in the South Stand will be fully closed for this fixture.
- We expect to operate a can bar on the approach between the South Stand turnstiles. Further details will be confirmed ahead of the fixture.
This differs from our usual matchday arrangements at Gigg Lane, and we ask supporters to cooperate with stewards and stadium staff throughout the afternoon.
Segregation
Full segregation is in place for the fixture, with Harrogate Town fans utilising the Cemetery End.
Unreserved Seating
Unreserved seating is in place for this fixture, as is the usual case for Cup matches at Gigg Lane. Getting into the ground early will help you secure your preferred seat. This will be even more important for this tie with the reduced capacity in the South Stand of 2,000.
A Big FA Cup Day at Gigg Lane
The Fourth Qualifying Round represents the final hurdle before the First Round Proper, and the visit of Harrogate Town provides the Shakers with another exciting FA Cup occasion at Gigg Lane.
Selection for BBC coverage also provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bury FC, Gigg Lane and our supporters to a national audience, while giving those unable to attend the opportunity to follow the action via BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer.
For those joining us at Gigg Lane, please make a note of the revised 12:30pm kick-off and altered stadium arrangements, and arrive early to help ensure a smooth entry into the ground.
We appreciate that a change to the kick-off time can create challenges for supporters, particularly those who have already made travel arrangements or have other commitments around the original fixture time, and we thank everyone for their understanding.
Your support can make a huge difference. The backing the players receive from the stands at Gigg Lane is incredibly important to them, and that is felt even more on the big occasions. With a place in the First Round Proper at stake, we hope as many Shakers as possible can join us, get behind the team and help create another special FA Cup atmosphere at Gigg Lane.
Bury FC v Harrogate Town
Emirates FA Cup – Fourth Qualifying Round
Kick-off: 12:30pm
Live on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer
We look forward to welcoming you to Gigg Lane for another huge FA Cup afternoon.
Up the Shakers!