The countdown is on to this year's Papa Johns Trophy Final! Here is all you need to know ahead of Sunday's showdown...
When and where is the Final taking place?
The Papa Johns Trophy Final 2023 takes place at Wembley Stadium this weekend on Sunday 2 April with a 3.00pm kick-off time, contested between Sky Bet League One rivals Bolton Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle.
🏆 The countdown is on! ⏳@OfficialBWFC 🆚 @Argyle #EFL | #PapaJohnsTrophy pic.twitter.com/2ABlwvC7b0
— Papa Johns Trophy (@PapaJohnsTrophy) February 24, 2023
The order of events is as follows:
- 1:00pm: Turnstiles open
- 2:00pm: Team news
- 2:10pm: Players warm-up
- 2:53pm: Players enter the pitch
- 2:56pm: National anthem performed by Lily-Day Scott and BSL Interpreter
- 3:00pm: Kick-off
- 3:45pm: Half-time
- 4:45pm: Full-time*
*In the event of the scores remaining level after 90 minutes, half an hour of extra-time will be played. Should the scores remain level at the end of extra-time, the winner will be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark at an end of the stadium to be determined by the referee.
Will there be any pre-match entertainment?
The Bolton Wanderers Fan Zone is located on the East Concourse area of the stadium. The fan zone area offers supporters the chance to enjoy a drink, including alcohol, food, a DJ and are the perfect place to soak up the pre-match party atmosphere.
The Plymouth Argle Fan Zone is located to the west side of the stadium on the event pad. The fan zone area offers supporters the chance to enjoy a drink, including alcohol, food, a DJ and are the perfect place to soak up the pre-match party atmosphere.
The fan zones will be open from 11.00 and stop serving alcohol one hour before kick-off (15.00). Supporters will need to present a valid stadium ticket to enter the area which has a limited capacity.
What do I need to know before travelling?
A large crowd is expected. Anyone without a ticket should not travel to the game. Fans with tickets are advised to check they are seated in the appropriate area of the stadium.
Heading to the game: Avanti West Coast, NorthernRailway and East Midlands Railway all operate services from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. The average train journey from Manchester takes around 2 hours 30 minutes direct. Supporters can interchange at London Euston for London Underground and bus services to Wembley Stadium. Please factor additional travel across London into your travel time /costs.
CrossCountry and GWR operate services from Plymouth to London Paddington. The average train journey from Plymouth takes around 3 hours 40 minutes direct. Supporters can interchange at London Paddington for London Underground and bus services to Wembley Stadium. Please factor additional travel across London into your travel time /costs.
Travelling home: There are likely to be limited services back to Manchester after the game, with the last, current, scheduled departure from London Euston at 21.49. Additional services may be added in the run up to the final, but please do check National Rail Enquiries for the latest up-to-date information.
There are likely to be limited services back to Plymouth after the game, with the last, current, scheduled departure from London Paddington at 20.03. Additional services may be added in the run up to the final, but please do check National Rail Enquiries for the latest up-to-date information.
Wembley Stadium benefits from easy access to three rail / London Underground stations. These are:
- Wembley Stadium station
- Wembley Central station
- Wembley Park station
Supporters should plan to arrive at Wembley stations no later than one hour prior to kick-off, to allow sufficient time to walk to and enter the stadium. Spectators are advised to check the National Rail Enquiries and TfL websites on event day for real-time travel information and status updates.
Event day parking at Wembley Stadium is limited and must be booked in advance via the Wembley Official Parking website. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Blue badge parking is available for ticketholders with accessibility needs and this can also be booked directly through the Wembley Official Parking website.
National Express is the official coach partner to Wembley Stadium. National Express drop off at the stadium from over 50 locations around the UK making it the easiest and most convenient way to travel to Wembley.
Will the Final be televised?
The Final will be aired live on Sky Sports, with viewers able to tune into coverage from 2.30pm on Sky Sports Football.
Presenter Michelle Owen will be joined by guests Aaron McLean, Jobi McAnuff and Jamie Mackie. Commentator David Stowell and co-commentator Lee Hendrie will be on hand to provide in-game analysis, alongside reporter Jon Oaks.
- READ | Every word Ian Evatt has said ahead of the Final
- READ | What has Steven Schumacher said on the Final?
Who are the match officials?
Match officials for the Final have been confirmed as follows:
Referee: Ben Toner
Assistant Referees: Graeme Fyvie & Dean Treleaven
Fourth Official: Darren Drysdale
Reserve AR: Mark Cunliffe
How can I purchase an official matchday programme?
You can reserve your copy of this 116-page A4 size spine-bound commemorative publication for £10, plus £2.75 postage and packaging to a UK address. Overseas deliveries will incur an additional P+P charge, which will be calculated based on the delivery address provided.
The publication will also be available to purchase on the day at Wembley Stadium and via both Bolton and Plymouth Club stores later this week.
