Bradford City Fixture Change on Sat, April 18

Big news for football fans, especially those following the Bantams. If anyone had plans pencilled in for the afternoon of Saturday, 18th April, it might be time to grab an eraser. The much-anticipated Bradford City AFC away game against their Yorkshire rivals, Barnsley, has had a bit of a shake-up. The kick-off time for the Sky Bet League One clash at Oakwell has been moved forward to a lunchtime slot of 12:30 PM. So, any plans for a leisurely Saturday morning before heading to the match are now officially out the window. It’s an early start for what promises to be a fantastic derby day.

What’s behind the derby day change?

The first question on everyone's lips is usually, "Why the change?". In this case, it’s all down to the magic of television. The Bradford City AFC trip to Oakwell has been picked for live TV coverage on Sky Sports+. This is brilliant news for the profile of the club and for fans who can't make it to the game, as they can now watch all the action unfold from the comfort of their own sofa. Having a match selected for TV coverage is a real nod to the excitement surrounding the fixture. It shows that broadcasters recognise the passion and rivalry that comes with a Yorkshire derby in the Sky Bet League One, and they want to share that atmosphere with a national audience.

Of course, for the fans who already have their tickets, a 12:30 PM kick-off means a change of routine. The pre-match pint and pie might have to be swapped for a bacon butty and a flask of tea. Travel plans will need to be adjusted, with earlier trains and car journeys now a necessity for the trip to see Barnsley. It’s a small price to pay for being part of a televised event, and the atmosphere inside the ground on Saturday, April 18 is bound to be electric, perhaps even more so with the cameras rolling. This change affects everyone's schedule, but the prospect of a thrilling match with extensive TV coverage adds another layer of excitement.

Tickets for the game are SOLD OUT - 5,051 of you will be backing the Bantams in Barnsley!

Planning for the early kick-off at Oakwell

With the new 12:30 PM start time confirmed for the Sky Bet League One fixture, a bit of forward planning will go a long way. The journey to Oakwell from Bradford isn't the longest, but setting off earlier than usual is a must to avoid any last-minute rush. Whether travelling by car, coach, or train, it’s wise to check schedules and traffic updates before leaving home. An early kick-off often means that public transport can be busier than for a standard 3:00 PM game, so giving yourself plenty of time is key.