Bristol City will welcome their largest opening home crowd in 44 years when Sunderland visit Ashton Gate in tomorrow's highly-anticipated fixture.
The Robins have sold their full ticket allocation for the contest, around 23,000 in total, with the atmosphere set to be raucous in BS3 as supporters take advantage of the discounted ticket prices on offer.
As is the same with all opening home matches of the campaign, there will be a sense of excitement and optimism around Ashton Gate despite Nigel Pearson's side being on the receiving end of a controversial 2-1 defeat against Hull last weekend.
Sunderland have been offered an away allocation of 3,338 and are also expected to be close to a sell-out. Unfortunately, any unsold tickets cannot be handed to home supporters as it would raise safety concerns with opposing fans sitting in the Atyeo Stand.
The total is a considerable increase on the 18,729 who were inside Ashton Gate 12 months ago for the opening day draw with Blackpool. According to City's official site, the number will be the largest opening home crowd since the Division One game against Wolves back in 1977 when 25,291 were in attendance.
Chairman Jon Lansdown said: "Thank you to everyone who has bought Season Tickets or match tickets. To sell out the Gate is a great achievement and a credit to our supporters, especially in a tough financial climate.
"It’ll be a great atmosphere against Sunderland as our fans continue to show their strong support for the team."
City introduced a 'mates rates' offer for the game which allowed season ticket holders to bring up to two friends for £12.50 in any area of the stadium while club members were also able to purchase tickets for £15 in the South Stand, Family Area and the Dolman Wings.
Manager Nigel Pearson was asked about City's attendance in the build-up to the contest and said: "It's always really important that your fanbase, no matter how big or small backs the team and that's what it's really about.
"We're always very thankful that our fans show patience with us but for them to show patience with us they have to believe in what we're trying to do. "
The game also falls on the annual Bristol City Flag Day with thousands expected to line the streets outside the Three Lions pub in Bedminster. The event, which has been going on for 20 years, will pay tribute to legendary fan Stoney Garnett who died last month.
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