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Supporters returned to the grounds, many for the first time in nearly nine months, across the EFL on Wednesday night following changes to UK Covid-19 restrictions.
Barring a small sample of pilot events in August and September, this was the first time fans have been allowed to watch professional league football in England since the game was suspended due to the coronavirus on March 13.
The new tier system in England went into effect on Wednesday, and with six Football League-wide matches taking place in tier two regions, up to 2,000 fans were able to enter the stadiums to watch the beautiful game live. once again.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to be nostalgic for the turnstiles, entrances, and applause.
Luton versus Norwich, the leader of the table, was one of two Championship matches played in front of the fans, with up to 1,000 fans allowed in Kenilworth for the clash.
It was the first time the couple had met in the same division in 13 years.
The fans are back on Kenilworth Road! ?#Welcome #COYH pic.twitter.com/b13FkZUZ3A
– @LutonTown (@LutonTown) December 2, 2020
? Fans and players ready …
2️⃣0️⃣ minutes until we are up and running. #Welcome | #COYH pic.twitter.com/RdQGJ5iDMg
– @LutonTown (@LutonTown) December 2, 2020
Luton (A) – It’s been a while since I walked to an away game behind a fan making the same trip. #NCFC pic.twitter.com/bCfdcs431T
– Michael Bailey (@michaeljbailey) December 2, 2020
? 1,000 Luton fans will be in attendance tonight! pic.twitter.com/AN4v9kLTgm
– Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) December 2, 2020
Wednesday was especially emotional for Wycombe fans, as 1,000 lucky people were able to see their team live in the second division of English football for the first time.
Much has happened to the club since the last time fans were at Adams Park, with the Chairboys securing a famous promotion through the playoffs at Wembley in July to reserve their place in the Championship for the first time in their history.
The club paid tribute to the fans on the team sheet, and coach Gareth Ainsworth completed a lap of the field before starting to applaud the Wycombe faithful.
Nice touch on the Wycombe Wanderers roster tonight celebrating the return of the fans for tonight’s Stoke City game. The first time they will see their team in the @EFL Championship pic.twitter.com/TGwWqLniGl
– Johnny Phillips (@SkyJohnnyP) December 2, 2020
Special scenes at Adams Park!#WYCvSTO pic.twitter.com/p44AMzjrj8
– Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 2, 2020
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth applauds the 1,000 fans in attendance before tonight’s game against Stoke City. It’s been 40 weeks and four days since the fans were last here. pic.twitter.com/GR4FBT6lXm
– Johnny Phillips (@SkyJohnnyP) December 2, 2020
Well then!#WYCvSTO pic.twitter.com/DN8mFhzAgy
– Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 2, 2020
We are back !! @wwfcofficial @ OliverBrady10 pic.twitter.com/hiHeah4tta
– Sharon Brady (@ bradys2003) December 2, 2020
Charlton was one of a selection of clubs to welcome supporters at the start of the season in short-lived pilot events, and became the first London team to host fans for their League One clash with MK. Dons.
The Addicks could move on to the auto-promotion venues with a win as they attempt to return to the Championship the first time they ask.
? The first fans are leaking into …
Welcome home! ? #cafc pic.twitter.com/2Gh84iGDvo
Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) December 2, 2020
In Charlton and there are fans! It is really uplifting and almost strange. pic.twitter.com/mYpnyLfkmq
– Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) December 2, 2020
The fans are back in The Valley! Charlton becomes the first London club to welcome fans since new level 2 regulations are in place @BBCLondonSport #cafc pic.twitter.com/B3yFgyNo7z
– Louis Méndez (@LouisMend) December 2, 2020
I’m not sure if you can tell, but those specks are human! In the crowd!
Beautiful frosty night for that!#cafc pic.twitter.com/hmPPdV1q4w
– Benjy Nurick (@BenjyNurick) December 2, 2020
The second League One match that allowed fans to return was Accrington Stanley’s visit to the Shrewsbury fight in New Meadow.
A total of 2,000 fans were allowed to attend, with mandatory masks.
Let’s go to the city! ? #Salop pic.twitter.com/Ke7iKEaQJ9
– Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsweb) December 2, 2020
Here we go! pic.twitter.com/ovhZUOul3b
– Shrewsbury City OSC (@STFCOSC) December 2, 2020
The 2,000 fans were also able to enter Abbey Stadium for the League 2 clash between high-flying Cambridge and Mansfield.
Things you love to see? pic.twitter.com/kYsz30K5XL
Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) December 2, 2020
9 long months and we’re finally coming home @CambridgeUtdFC pic.twitter.com/AdLbMEzjis
– Jon Mansfield (@jon_mansfield) December 2, 2020
What a moment #CamUTD pic.twitter.com/cBJ51AUN7Z
– Alex Jones (@AlexJCambs) December 2, 2020
The early start in League Two was the first game of the night to welcome fans as playoff contenders Carlisle and Salford went head-to-head.
The 2,000 supporters were allowed in Brunton Park for the fourth-level clash.
Is it so good to have you back? #cufc pic.twitter.com/lTsXmsLH5S
– Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) December 2, 2020
@officialcufc You love to see it. Can’t wait LET’S GO BLUES !! ? ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ggo3f0ivsI
– The CUFC Stand (@CufcThe) December 2, 2020