Supporters heading to Blackwell Meadows for Saturday’s openng game against Chorley will notice some big changes to our matchday food and drink offer — introduced in partnership with Darlington Rugby Football Club.

Key changes for 2025/26:

• Early clubhouse opening from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, with a pie, pint and programme deal for £11

• New menu items in the clubhouse: Chinese curry with chips and chicken balls, crispy chicken wraps with sauces, loaded fries, nachos and jacket potatoes (cheese or beans)

• Pizza outlet serving stone baked Margherita and Pepperoni by the slice or whole pizza

• Tin Shed favourites — Taylors pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and hot and cold drinks

Early bar opening and matchday deal

The clubhouse bar will now open from 12.30pm on matchdays, giving supporters an extra hour to enjoy a drink and some food before the usual pre-match opening.

Between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, fans can take advantage of our new pie, pint and programme deal for just £11. During this time, access to the bar is via the main reception. After 1.30pm, the bar continues to serve as normal right across the matchday, with access via the usual turnstiles.

New menu options inside and out

Inside the clubhouse, you’ll now find:

• Chinese curry, chips and chicken balls

• Crispy chicken wraps with a choice of sauces — BBQ, sweet chilli, mayo or spicy mayo

• Loaded fries

• Nachos

• Jacket potatoes with cheese or beans

Outside the clubhouse, the new Pizza Outlet will serve stone baked Margherita and Pepperoni pizzas, available by the slice or as a whole pizza to share.

The Tin Shed food outlet continues to offer matchday favourites — Taylors pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

A full price list will be published ahead of Saturday.

Improving matchdays together

This upgrade to our food and drink offer is the result of a strong partnership between DFC and DRFC, with key input from events coordinator Adam Gallagher and chef Andrew Bickerton at Darlington Rugby Football Club, who have helped develop the new options.

Leanne Thompson, Director at Darlington Rugby Football Club, said:
“We’ve worked closely with Darlington FC over the summer to improve the food and drink choices at Blackwell Meadows. Our goal was to give supporters more variety and better value, and we’re excited for fans to see the changes from the very first game.”

Cheryl Pattison, Operations Manager at Darlington FC, added:
“The early bar opening, new menus and special matchday deals are all about improving the supporter experience. It’s been a real team effort between both clubs and we’re looking forward to hearing what fans think on Saturday.”