The Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 Liverpool supporters.
The former chief superintendent, 74, appeared at Preston Crown Court via videolink on Monday.
Duckenfield – wearing a suit with a blue shirt and purple tie – spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.
The names of the 95 people who died when a crush occurred at the Sheffield Wednesday stadium during the 1989 semi-cup final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were read out during the hearing.
Under the law at the time, there can be no prosecution for the death of the 96th victim, Tony Bland, as he died more than a year and a day after his injuries were caused.
Former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell, 68, sitting in the well of the court, pleaded not guilty to one charge of contravening a term or condition of the stadium's safety certificate and one health and safety offence.
About 15 family members were in court for the hearing.
A provisional trial date for both men has been set for 14 January.
In June, judge Sir Peter Openshaw lifted a historical stay - halting further legal proceedings - on Duckenfield, which was put in place in 2000.
During the hearing, which lasted about an hour, a number of administrative matters which cannot be reported were also discussed.
Both defendants remain on unconditional bail.
A further hearing for legal argument is due to be held on 2 October.
