Carabao Cup clash brought forward 24 hours due to unusual reason as statement released

Jul 20, 2026 - 17:45

Bristol City have announced that their Carabao Cup first-round clash with Walsall has been moved forward for a rather bizarre reason.

The two sides had been due to get their seasons underway at Ashton Gate on Friday, August 7, but it will now be played 24 hours earlier to avoid clashing with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Ashton Gate stadium — Ashton Gate will now host Bristol City’s first game of the season 24 hours later than first planned

On the same evening that the Robins and the Saddlers were set to meet, the annual local festival will get underway.

With over 500,000 expected to attend the Bristol spectacle between the Friday and Sunday, Bristol City were advised that the fixture could not take place over the course of the weekend.

The Balloon Fiesta is due to be held at the city’s Ashton Court Estate, located just over two miles from the club’s Ashton Gate stadium.

And after taking the disruption into consideration, the two teams will now kick off at 7:45pm on Thursday, August 6.

Save the date

Announcing the fixture change, Bristol City confirmed fans would be able to use their tickets originally purchased for the Friday night.

A statement read: “Bristol City can announce the Carabao Cup Round One match against Walsall will now take place on Thursday, August 6th at 7:45pm.

“Following discussion with multiple stakeholders, the decision has been made to avoid a clash with the Friday evening night glow at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

“This will ensure easier travel for supporters and allow for attendance at this internationally renowned fiesta.

“We apologise to supporters who have already purchased tickets. All tickets purchased remain valid for the new date.”

Meanwhile, Walsall apologised to supporters for any inconveniences caused, insisting the move was out of the club’s control.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest annual hot-air balloon event

The Saddlers wrote: “Whilst the change is out of our control, we would like to send our apologies to supporters for any inconvenience this may cause.”

New eras

Bristol City and Walsall will both be hoping to get their respective seasons off to a winning start when they meet in the Carabao Cup.

The cup tie comes just over a week before they begin their respective league campaigns on Saturday, August 15.

The Robins kick things off at home to Millwall at 3pm, while the Saddlers are away to Gillingham at the same time.

And both sides will be bidding to mount promotion charges this time around, after the two finishing 12th and 13th respectively last term, falling comfortably short of the play-off places.

Meanwhile for fans, the rescheduled Carabao Cup tie will be their first chance to watch their teams in competitive action under their new managers.

Michael Skubala, head coach of Lincoln City during the Sky Bet League One match between Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers — Bristol City hired Martin Skubala from newly-promoted Championship side Lincoln City

Huddersfield Town manager Lee Grant looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Northampton Town and Huddersfield Town — Lee Grant will begin just his second managerial role at Walsall this season

After Roy Hodgson took interim charge for the season’s run-in, Bristol City then appointed Michael Skubala as their permanent manager.

Skubala swapped Lincoln City for Ashton Gate, after guiding the Imps to promotion to the Championship last term.

A new era will also be beginning at Walsall this season, who named Lee Grant at their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper replaced interim boss Darren Byfield at the Bescot Stadium, with Mat Sadler the previous permanent manager before his sacking in March.

Meanwhile Grant’s appointment as Saddlers’ boss came just five months after he was relieved of his duties at Huddersfield.