Opening Day - Real Bedford v Leamington
Four months on from the heartbreak of defeat in the Southern League Premier Central play-off final, the Pirates return to the Ledger Stadium with one goal in mind, to go one better this season.
Opening day promises a fantastic afternoon for the whole family, with plenty of entertainment on and off the pitch. Alongside a host of family activities, the Pirates face a tough test against Leamington in what will be their first opportunity to lay down a marker for the season ahead.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park, Meadow Lane, Bedford, MK44 3LW
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online via the club website here. Tickets are cheaper when bought in advance, so secure yours now and save.
Advance Prices:
Adult: £12
Concession (60+): £7
Youth (13-17): £4
Child (Under 12): £2
Groundhopper: £17
Hospitality (Adult): £40
Hospitality (Under 18): £20
Matchday Prices:
Adult: £14
Concession (60+): £9
Youth (13-17): £6
Child (Under 12): £3
Groundhopper: £17
Groundhopper tickets include a general admisson into the ground, a matchday programme, and a free hot drink or cold soft drink.
Enjoy an advanced matchday experience with access to our exclusive Matchday Hospitality Lounge, which includes a reserved lounge seat and match seat, a shared pre-match buffet, complimentary soft drinks and one alcoholic drink, half-time refreshments, and more.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
Leamington arrive at the Ledger Stadium looking to bounce back following relegation from the National League North last season. The Brakes finished bottom of the table, bringing an end to their two-year stay at Step 2, and will be aiming to challenge near the top of the Southern League Premier Central this campaign.
Despite the disappointment of relegation, the club has retained plenty of experience, with manager Paul Holleran continuing at the helm. Holleran is one of non-league football’s longest-serving managers and has previously guided Leamington to multiple promotions during his time with the club.
The Brakes have refreshed their squad over the summer with a number of new additions, including goalkeeper Eddie Brearey from Oxford United, midfielder Ethan Hill from Barwell, winger Luke Shaw, and defender Max Ram as they look to mount an immediate promotion challenge.
GETTING TO THE LEDGER STADIUM
Fans travelling via the M1 should leave the motorway at Junction 13 before joining the A421 Bedford Bypass. Continue on the A421 before taking the A603 Sandy exit. The Ledger Stadium is approximately 200 yards on the left-hand side of Meadow Lane. Follow the Real Bedford signage upon turning onto Meadow Lane. Sat Nav: MK44 3LW
PARKING
Limited parking is available immediately before the Ledger Stadium on the left-hand side. An overflow car park is also available immediately on the right as you enter Meadow Lane. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early or travel together where possible.
FOOD, DRINK & Entertainment
Make the most of our opening day with plenty of food, drink and family entertainment available throughout the afternoon.
Our food and drink outlets will be open all day, serving a range of hot food, snacks and refreshments. Fans can also enjoy beers from our partners at Brew Point, including Supernova Helles Lager, Genesis Stout, Foghorn Hazy Session IPA, Lodestar Pacific Pale Ale, and much more.
The popular Pirate Burger will be available, alongside a selection of hot and cold food, while our BBQ next to the food kiosk will be firing up throughout the afternoon, serving all your favourites including burgers, hot dogs and more.
As we celebrate the start of a new season, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. An ice cream truck will be on site, while younger supporters can have fun on the bouncy castle, try their luck with our Lucky Dip, and enjoy a range of games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Whether you’re coming for the football, the food or the family fun, there’s something for everyone as the Pirates kick off the new campaign at the Ledger Stadium.
REAL COFFEE CART
The Real Coffee Cart will be open opposite the pitch, serving a wide range of freshly prepared coffees, teas and hot drinks from our very own Real Coffee.
CLUB SHOP
The Real Bedford Club Shop will be open, throughout the afternoon. Supporters can purchase: 2026/27 replica kits, Hoodies & t-shirts, Accessories, Official club merchandise and much more.
ACCESSIBILITY
Two disabled parking bays are available outside the stadium. A designated accessible viewing area is located at the front of the main stand. For any accessibility enquiries, please contact: hello@realbedford.com
LIVE STREAM
This fixture will be livestreamed for all international supporters. Subject to opposition approval.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Can’t make it to the Ledger Stadium? You can follow the action live via our X account, with key match updates throughout the afternoon. Half-time and full-time updates will also be shared across all our social media channels.
A full match report will be available on the website shortly after the final whistle, while match highlights will be uploaded to our YouTube channel in the days following the fixture.
Follow @realbedford on X and Instagram.
