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Reading have been forced into a late change to their pre-season schedule after concerns over the condition of the Select Car Leasing Stadium pitch.
The decision comes just a week before the Royals begin the 2026/27 campaign.
Reading pitch concerns arise just a week before 2026/27 season
The League One outfit have relocated their final pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic after deciding the playing surface at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is not yet ready for action.
The fixture had been due to take place in front of supporters on Saturday but will now be played behind closed doors at Charlton's Valley Stadium, with both clubs instead streaming the match free of charge.
The Royals have recently installed a new pitch, but an extended spell of hot and dry weather has slowed its development during the crucial establishment period.
Chief executive Joe Jacobson said the club had made the difficult decision after taking expert advice, stressing that protecting the new surface now gives it the best chance of being ready for the start of the League One season.
Jacobson also thanked Charlton for their cooperation in rearranging the fixture and apologised to supporters, who had been due to return to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the first time this summer.
Reading begin their competitive campaign away to Bromley in the Carabao Cup before hosting Luton Town in League One on August 15th, giving the pitch a little more time to recover before its first competitive outing.
FGG says: A sensible precaution at the Select Car Leasing Stadium
No club wants to move a home fixture, particularly so close to the start of the season, but protecting a newly laid pitch can avoid much bigger problems later in the campaign.
With Reading's first real outing at their long-term home still to come, the club will be hoping the extra time is enough to ensure the surface is in top condition for competitive football.