Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s season opener
The opening league game of the 2026/27 season is here – and it’s set to be a huge day at the Brentwood Centre Arena.
Whether you’re a regular at The Arena or joining us for the first time, here’s everything you need to know ahead of our opening day clash with Burgess Hill Town.
Match preview
With pre-season preparations complete, The Blues are ready to get their 2026/27 Isthmian League Premier Division season underway.
Their first game sees them face a side that were promoted alongside them last year, Burgess Hill Town, who gave Keith Rowland’s side a tough test in both meetings during the previous campaign.
The Blues
Brentwood Town finished 5th last season, reached the play-off final and narrowly missed out on a second successive promotion, which would have seen them playing National League South football. However, the Blues will be looking to go one step further this year and challenge right at the top of the table once again.
They may have lost attacking star Danny Ogunleye, along with other key players such as Kymani Thomas, Louie Johnson and Alejandro Machado, but Keith Rowland and his management team have recruited a number of exciting additions.
The Blues’ new signings include Malachi Linton, Ben Steward, Harry Gibbs, Tommy Davis, Mikey Berry, Sid Walker, Luke Read, Charlee Adams and Nat Mardell. These additions bring plenty of quality to the squad, and with ten players retained from last season, it promises to be a strong blend of fresh faces and players who understand what it means to wear the sky blue shirt.
Following the success of last season, it is an exciting time for the club, particularly after the recently announced five-year partnership with Matchroom. Burgess Hill Town will provide a tough opening day test, but Brentwood will be looking to start the season with three points on home soil.
The Hillians
Burgess Hill Town were also highly competitive last season, finishing just 11 points behind the Blues and narrowly missing out on the play-offs. With a number of new signings themselves, they could be one of the teams to watch in the play-off race.
Their new additions include Nicky Wheeler, Brad Barry, Luther Williams, Shamir Fenelon, Yoan Marc Olivier, Luca Cocoracchio, Joel Daly and Josh Rusoke. Manager Gary Mansell has also retained much of last season’s squad, including former EFL players Chris Whelpdale and Glen Rea.
Brentwood came out on top at The Arena last season, but when the Blues travelled to Leylands Park later in the campaign, it was Burgess Hill who claimed the victory – a reminder of the quality they possess and their ability to challenge any side in the division.
Final word
We’re set for a fantastic opening day encounter between two ambitious clubs entering their second season at Step 3 after rising through the divisions together.
Both teams took three points from each other last season, and both will be determined to make a strong start as they begin another campaign with play-off ambitions.
Match details
Fixture: Brentwood Town vs Burgess Hill Town
Competition: Isthmian League Premier Division
Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
Venue: Brentwood Centre Arena, CM15 9NN
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Tickets
Admission is available on the turnstiles for the 2026/27 season, with both cash and card accepted.
Turnstiles open from 1:00pm.
- Adults: £14
- Concessions: £10
- Next Generation (17–18): £5
- Under 17s: FREE*
Under 17s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Matchday programme & 50/50
The brand-new Brentwood Town matchday programme is available this Saturday.
Packed with everything you need ahead of the new season, including:
- A club update from Chairman Jez Dickinson
- Get to know the 2026/27 squad
- An opposition review of Burgess Hill Town
- Away Day Food Reviews
Programmes will be available from the turnstiles and the Merch Hut, while stocks last.
Our 50/50 raffle will also be on sale around the ground.
MERCH SALE!
Don’t miss our huge matchday sale, with up to 50% off selected merchandise.
The Merch Hut and Stall will be located at the Arena entrance, so arrive early and grab yourself a bargain before kick-off.
Travel & parking
Brentwood Centre Arena
Doddinghurst Road
Brentwood
Essex
CM15 9NN
Parking
Free parking is available on-site, including overflow parking, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please be considerate of local residents if parking in surrounding roads.
By train
Brentwood Station (Elizabeth Line) offers direct services into Central London and connections via Shenfield. The station is less than 10 minutes away by taxi.
By bus
The 60 bus runs from Brentwood Station and the High Street, stopping directly outside the Brentwood Centre.
Food & drink
Hot food will be available from the Blues Snack Bar.
Alcoholic and soft drinks will be available from:
- The ERB Lounge (main bar)
- BOBS (outside bar)
Hot drinks will be available from both the Snack Bar and the ERB Lounge.
Weather watch
The forecast looks ideal for football, with sunny intervals, a gentle breeze and temperatures reaching around 28°C.
Please stay hydrated and take care in the heat.
Ground information
- Dogs are permitted in the ground (except inside the ERB Lounge, unless they are assistance dogs)
- All dogs must be kept on leads and under control
- The stadium is smoke-free
- No bikes, scooters or e-scooters are permitted inside the ground
- Please do not bring outside footballs into the stadium
Let’s pack The Arena
This is the start of a brand-new season, and we want The Arena rocking from the first whistle.
Bring your family, bring your friends, spread the word and help us create a fantastic atmosphere for the opening day of the 2026/27 campaign.
Back the Blues. Let’s pack The Arena.
