West Brom Fans Given Fresh Hawthorns Warning Before Charlton After Queue Problems

James Morrison's side host the Addicks in a 7.45pm kick-off, with turnstiles opening from 6.15pm.

The club has been working with its Fan Advisory Board and Independent Supporters' Trust since the opening home fixture, when extended queues followed the introduction of measures designed to tackle concession ticket misuse.

Albion are now making further changes in an attempt to get supporters into the stadium more smoothly.

Nine new turnstiles added at The Hawthorns

The biggest change for Wednesday is the introduction of nine extra “adult and concession” turnstiles.

They are specifically designed for supporters using concession tickets, as well as adults attending alongside somebody with a concession ticket.

The relevant concession categories include:

• Under-14s

• Under-17s

• Under-20s

• 20-25s

• Seniors aged 65+

• Disabled tickets within those concession categories

Disabled adult supporters, together with their Personal Assistants, can use either an “adult only” or “adult and concession” turnstile.

Adults attending without a concession ticket holder should continue to use the “Adult Only” entrances.

What supporters need to know before arriving

Albion are encouraging fans to arrive as early as possible to reduce the likelihood of queues.

There will also be a more proactive stewarding presence outside the stadium, with stewards expected to provide clearer guidance and help manage queues.

Another change concerns the ticket readers themselves.

The fixed readers at the “adult and concession” turnstiles have been covered, meaning supporters using those entrances will no longer scan their tickets themselves at the turnstile.

Instead, a steward positioned in front of the entrance will scan the ticket.

Once it has been scanned, supporters should simply move forward, push the turnstile and enter.

Those using an “adult only” turnstile will continue to self-scan their ticket as they have in previous seasons.

West Brom warn supporters about incorrect tickets

The changes come as Albion continue their crackdown on concession ticket misuse.

Supporters are being urged to check that they have purchased the correct ticket category before travelling to The Hawthorns.

Anyone found attempting to enter using an incorrect concession ticket will be refused entry and directed to the East Stand Ticket Office, where they can upgrade to the correct category before entering.

But there is a further consequence for repeat offenders.

If the same issue occurs for a second time, the supporter's ticket account will be suspended.

The measures are also being introduced at away turnstiles after the club identified concession ticket misuse there too.

Why West Brom are tightening the rules

Albion say the changes are designed to protect the club's concession pricing structure and ensure supporters are treated fairly.

The club continues to promote what it considers to be affordable concession pricing at The Hawthorns, but says those prices depend on supporters purchasing tickets in the correct category.

The club considers misuse unfair to supporters who pay the appropriate price.

Albion also point to the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026, which came into force in March and made it a criminal offence to enter The Hawthorns using an incorrect ticket category.

That makes the issue more significant than simply a stadium-entry policy.

What disabled supporters need to know

Albion have stressed that the new measures are not intended to disadvantage disabled supporters.

Disabled supporters and their Personal Assistants can continue to use accessibility entrances at each stand.

Where appropriate, disabled supporters can also enter through the standard turnstiles.

Adult disabled supporters can use either an “adult only” or “adult and concession” turnstile.

Disabled supporters who have purchased a concession ticket, including children in the relevant categories, should use an “adult and concession” entrance.

The club says its commitment to accessibility and inclusion remains unchanged.

What happens before the Charlton game?

The immediate priority is getting Wednesday night's supporters into the stadium without a repeat of the lengthy queues experienced earlier in the season.

Albion are therefore asking fans to arrive early, check their ticket category before travelling and follow steward instructions when entering.

For concession-ticket holders, the key change is particularly simple:

Look for the “adult and concession” turnstiles and allow the steward to scan your ticket before you enter.

The extra entrances should provide greater capacity, while the revised scanning process is intended to make the system clearer and reduce unnecessary delays.

With kick-off at 7.45pm, supporters have been given plenty of advance notice.

Now the test is whether the changes can deliver the smoother matchday experience Albion are promising.