Orlando Pirates Football Club has announced a refund process for supporters who were unable to enter Orlando Amstel Arena during Saturday’s Betway Premiership fixture against Milford FC after the stadium gates were closed for safety reasons.
In a statement, the Club extended its sincere apology to affected supporters, acknowledging the inconvenience and disappointment caused to fans who had purchased valid match tickets but were denied entry following the stadium lockdown.
According to Orlando Pirates, the decision to close the stadium gates was taken by the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) in the interest of public safety.
The Club explained that the measure was implemented to protect spectators, players, match officials, staff and all other stakeholders present at the venue.,
The Club said the lockdown was prompted by the ongoing activities of criminal syndicates operating in and around the stadium precinct. These groups are allegedly involved in selling counterfeit match tickets and facilitating the unlawful entry of individuals without valid tickets, creating significant safety and crowd management risks.
Although the decision to close the stadium was beyond the Club’s control, Orlando Pirates said it fully understands the frustration experienced by supporters who held legitimate tickets but could not gain access to the match.
To assist affected supporters, the Club has appointed Open Tickets to manage the refund process. Fans who purchased valid tickets for the fixture but were unable to enter the stadium due to the lockdown are eligible to apply for a refund.
Eligible supporters are encouraged to contact Open Tickets via email at support@opentickets.co.za to begin the refund process.
Orlando Pirates reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Premier Soccer League, stadium management, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen matchday operations, combat criminal activity and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for supporters attending future matches.
