Hearts have introduced stricter entry checks and warned of major road closures ahead of Friday’s friendly with Rayo Vallecano. Fans face new alcohol and security rules, with ticket sales and stadium access times also updated.
Heightened security and travel disruptions are set to affect supporters attending the Hearts pre-season match against Rayo Vallecano this Friday. The club has announced a series of stricter entry measures, including mandatory searches and a zero-tolerance policy on excessive alcohol consumption, as well as a reminder that prohibited items such as pyrotechnics will not be allowed inside Tynecastle Park. Anyone refusing to cooperate with searches or found in breach of conduct rules will be denied entry or ejected, with further sanctions possible under the club’s policy.
Fans are also being urged to plan their journeys carefully due to ongoing roadworks. Gorgie Road remains closed near Saughton Park, and additional closures and diversions are in place on Princes Street. These disruptions are expected to impact travel times to the stadium, and supporters are advised to check the latest updates before setting out.
Key timings for the evening have been confirmed: kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm, with turnstiles opening an hour earlier at 6:45pm. The Ticket Office will operate from 9am until kick-off, while the Clubstore opens at 11am and remains available until the match begins. The Tynie Shop, located in the Wheatfield Stand, will serve fans before the match and during half-time, but only accepts card payments. The Eighteen74 Bar in the Main Stand opens at 5pm exclusively for ticket holders and will close at 11pm.
Tickets for the friendly are still available both online and at the stadium’s Ticket Office. The club has reiterated that all attendees must comply with entry searches and conduct rules. Post-match, supporters are reminded not to gather on Wheatfield Street, as players will no longer stop to interact with fans after the game due to health and safety protocols.
Additional matchday features include the return of the Jambos Jackpot, with a top prize of £5,100 and special jerseys up for grabs. Tickets for the draw can be purchased until kick-off. Stadium kiosks will be open throughout the venue, operating on a card-only basis. To mark 140 years of Tynecastle Park, a special A4 match programme will be on sale for £6 at various points around the ground, in the Clubstore, and at the Tynie Shop, as well as online via Curtis Sport.
For those unable to attend in person, the match will be broadcast live on Hearts TV PPV, with commentary from Laurie Dunsire and Robert Borthwick. Game passes are available for purchase through the club’s official channels.
Tynecastle Park, home to Heart of Midlothian, is one of Scotland’s most historic football venues, celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. The stadium is located in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, a district often affected by city infrastructure works. Pre-season friendlies like this one are a key part of club preparations, offering fans a first look at new signings and team strategies ahead of the competitive season. Road closures and enhanced security measures have become more common at major sporting events across the UK, reflecting a broader trend towards prioritising safety and crowd management. The club’s approach this Friday underscores the balance between fan experience and operational requirements in modern football.
