It's a year ago today since Blackpool last played in front of fans at a full capacity Bloomfield Road

It was on this day in 2020 that 8,235 fans packed out the ground to watch Blackpool take on Tranmere Rovers.

Despite a spirited second-half display in Neil Critchley’s first home game in charge, the Seasiders lost 2-1 to a resurgent Tranmere side that were fighting to survive relegation.

With the global pandemic still in its infancy in the UK, little did Pool fans know this would be their last visit to Bloomfield Road in a year.

Just two days later, the season was temporarily suspended and Blackpool’s upcoming match against Sunderland, who were expecting to bring 4,300 fans to the Fylde coast, was postponed.

The 2019/20 campaign would later be scrapped for good after clubs voted in favour of curtailment.

Since that night against Tranmere, the Seasiders have played 15 home games behind closed doors.

The only game to have fans in attendance, albeit capped at 1,000, came back in September when Blackpool hosted a pilot event for the safe return of supporters.

Those fortunate enough to attend witnessed Critchley’s side claim their first win of the season in a 2-0 victory against Swindon Town, both goals coming from CJ Hamilton.

Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out plans for spectators to return to sporting events from May 17.

Unless the Seasiders reach the League One play-offs, this would mean Blackpool fans will have to wait until next season to make their return.

Dates for the play-off semi-finals are yet to be confirmed but they would be around May 17.

The PM did, however, reveal a selected number of stadiums will be used to host test events from April.

From May 17, attendances will be capped at 10,000 or 25 per cent of the stadium’s capacity, whichever is lower.

In Blackpool's case, that would mean a capacity of around 4,300 at Bloomfield Road.

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