Bristol City fans will have the chance to mingle with their Wembley heroes – and get up close to the famous Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – at a special event in the city.
Members of the Robins first-team will be on hand to meet and greet supporters at Cabot Circus Shopping Centre on Wednesday 11th March as the countdown to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final between Bristol City and Walsall gathers pace.Fans will have the chance to have their picture taken with the coveted trophy at the free celebration event, while there will be competitions aplenty to win replica balls and Johnstone’s Paint goodies. The event runs from 3.30pm and 5.30pm, with City’s players in attendance between 4pm and 5pm.
The Cabot Circus Shopping Centre event will be one of the highlights as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy team visit for an action-packed Trophy Tour ahead of Bristol City’s eagerly-anticipated trip to Wembley Stadium on Sunday 22nd March.
Earlier on 11th March, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy will also be on display at the Bristol Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, on Albert Road in St Philips (BS2 0XA) from 7.30am to 9am.
On Thursday 12th March the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy team will hit the streets of Bristol to take in local efforts to ‘paint the city red’ to back City ahead of their big day.
Businesses, schools and charity shops are being encouraged to get behind their local club by decorating their buildings in City red using banners, flags and bunting.
On the same day the trophy will be on display at the Johnstone’s Decorating Centre on Tower Lane in Warmley (BS30 8XT) between 7.30am and 10am, and at The Range, in Imperial Park (BS13 7TJ), between 11am and 1pm.
Johnstone’s Paint brand and sponsorship manager Ben Wilde said: “We are looking forward to a fantastic two days in Bristol and, judging by the excellent rate of ticket sales, the City fans are extremely excited about the prospect of the club going to Wembley.
“Throughout the nine years of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, there has been a very strong commitment to engaging with fans and communities at every opportunity.
“There is no better way than hitting the road and meeting up with the supporters of a club who have reached the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final.
“Wembley fever has well and truly struck for Bristol City and these events will add to the excitement around the club and the city. It would be fantastic to see as many fans as possible come and join the fun.”
Before heading to Bristol, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Tour will be in Walsall on Monday 9th March and Tuesday 10th March.
Johnstone’s Paint, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary as a leading paint manufacturer in 2015, has sponsored the Football League Trophy for the last nine years.