Carlisle United are to show their first game of the season on the big screen at Brunton Park.

The Blues have announced that the trip to Gillingham next Saturday will be screened live at a fan zone event.

United are charging £5 entry and say they expect a 2,500 sell-out for the event.

The game in Kent, for which Carlisle have been allocated an initial 600 tickets, is being shown live on Sky Sports +.

United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens told the club website: “When we saw how the Sky TV deal was developing, we saw an opportunity for fans to watch away games at Brunton Park in a way they were unable to before.

“This was before the takeover - I didn’t envisage we would be in a position to have a new big screen and a much-improved fan zone, allowing us to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.

“We wanted to test the concept during the Euros to see if the potential was really there. After the second England game, it was clear we had to go for it, starting with the first game of the season if it was away.

“Our away support is always brilliant given our geographical location. It's extraordinary to see the number of fans that travel every week.

“Due to the cost of travel and difficulty of public transport, many fans want to back the Blues, but can’t physically get to away games. This will give them the opportunity to support and be part of something special altogether. 

"With the fantastic success of the Euro 2024 fan zone, the first game of the season could be absolutely amazing to be a part of watching back at Brunton Park.”

United plan to open the fan zone at 12.30pm next Saturday, August 10, ahead of the 3pm kick-off, and they are urging fans to buy tickets in advance.

The club are also offering VIP packages and table reservations. Tickets are available HERE.

United's Euro 2024 big screen fan zone events were initially charged at £2 entry, before Carlisle cited "fan behaviour issues" for a rise to £5 later in the tournament.