Leeds United fixture change confirmed as Elland Road clash coincides with Leeds Festival
Leeds United’s first home game of the season will coincide with Leeds Festival despite new kick-off date
Leeds United will play their first home game of the 2026/27 season over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the same weekend that thousands of revellers will descend on the city for Leeds Festival.
News that the Whites would kick off their campaign at Elland Road during the festival emerged last month when the fixtures for the new season were confirmed.
However, after being selected for live television coverage, Leeds' first two home matches – against Brentford and Newcastle United – have both been rescheduled.
Daniel Farke's side will welcome Brentford to Elland Road for their second game of the season, with kick-off now set for 2pm on Sunday, August 30. The match had originally been scheduled for Saturday, August 29.
The revised date means Leeds' first home fixture will now coincide with the final day of this year's Leeds Festival, which takes place at Bramham Park from Thursday, August 27 to Sunday, August 30.
The match is one of three Premier League fixtures being shown live on Sky Sports at the same time, alongside Chelsea vs Brighton and Sunderland vs Fulham.
The fixture against Newcastle United is now scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Monday, September 14. However, the date and time of that fixture could still be changed again.
Significant traffic delays are expected throughout the Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of festivalgoers travel to and from Bramham Park, particularly on the A1(M) and A64.
West Yorkshire Police said it is "highly experienced" in policing major events and has plans in place for a busy August Bank Holiday weekend, which will also see the Leeds West Indian Carnival take place.
A spokesperson said: “The August Bank Holiday weekend is always a significant date in the calendar with Leeds Festival, the West Indian Carnival and other events, which this year will include Leeds United’s first home game of the season.
“West Yorkshire Police is highly experienced at managing such large events and works closely with Leeds United Football Club, Festival Republic, Leeds City Council and other partners to make sure there are suitable plans to keep people safe.