We want to make sure you have a brilliant time with us on Lightning matchdays. 

To get your experience off to a flying start, we’ve pulled together all the essential information you’ll need below.

🎟 MATCH TICKETS

Lightning have introduced Digital Ticketing to make matchday entry at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens quicker, more convenient and more secure for supporters.

Season Tickets and Match Tickets can now be accessed directly through the mobile App of our partner club, Northampton Saints – allowing supporters to manage, save and share tickets from their mobile devices. Match Tickets will still also be sent via email after purchase.

If you haven’t received them and it’s within five days of the fixture, please contact ticketoffice@northamptonsaints.co.uk and a member of the team will assist you.

On matchday, if you experience any ticket issues, please visit the Ticket Office windows opposite Gate 1 (what3words///bronze.guises.exist), as the ticketing inbox will not be monitored during this time.

🕒 OPENING HOURS

DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens will open one-and-a-half hours before kick-off on matchdays, with car parks opening at least one hour prior to the gates opening.

The Saints Store and Ticket Office will both be open on a matchday so you'll have plenty of time to get kitted-out before the start of the game – alternatively Lightning TICKETS and MERCHANDISE can be purchased online at any time.

Look out for specific opening times in our Guide to the Gardens, a matchday guide that can be found on our website, which outlines everything there is to know about the upcoming fixture.

🚗 PARKING

We offer over 1,500 parking spaces across six car parks, all within walking distance of the stadium.

• Car Park D: £4.00 on Lightning matchdays (postcode: NN5 5JT). Tickets not available in advance.
• Blue Badge holders: Available from £4 in Car Park A (NN5 5AX). Please contact the Ticket Office in advance to organise your parking.

Please note: DPD Stadium is 100% cashless – card payments only.

As the stadium is in a residential area, we strongly encourage supporters to use the Club’s car parks and to park respectfully if choosing alternative options.

🏟️ STADIUM ACCESS

Supporters arriving via Car Park D should enter the stadium through Gate 2, located at the south-east corner, by following the passage around the Supporter Village.

Once inside, the south-east vomitory provides direct access to the DPD Stand, where all tickets for Loughborough Lightning matches are allocated.

♿ DISABLED ACCESS

DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is a fully accessible stadium with provisions in place to ensure disabled supporters and their carers are well catered for.

There is ample seating available both pitchside and at a higher level within the stadium, as well as disabled toilet facilities.

To enquire about booking a wheelchair accessible seat or companion tickets, please email ticketoffice@northamptonsaints.co.uk.

You can download the Club’s Disabled Access Policy HERE. And you can find out more information about the disabled facilities at DPD Stadium Franklin’s Gardens HERE.

🧩 SENSORY ROOM

Box 1 in the East Stand is available as a Sensory Room on Lightning matchdays.

This is a designated space to help people, regardless of age, who have sensory processing needs. Its purpose is to provide a safe and calming environment for those with neurodivergent needs who may be finding the match atmosphere overwhelming.

The Sensory Room includes:

• Ear defenders
• Fidget toys
• Colouring activities
• Feelings cards
• Calming sound and light features

Its purpose is to ensure everyone can enjoy their matchday experience in a way that feels comfortable and supportive.

🍔🥤 FOOD & DRINK

The Lightning Fan Village is open on all Lightning matchdays, with plenty of food and beverage offerings available.

Please remember that we are a 100% cashless stadium so only card payments will be accepted.

🛍️ STORE 

The store is located just inside Gate 2 in the Fan Village (what3words///cabin.sunk.craft) on Loughborough Lightning matchdays.

The store will be open from one-and-a-half hours before kick-off, until the end of half-time.

🎨 ACTIVITIES

There will be a range of activities available on matchday in the Family Zone including a passing cage, arts and crafts, and face painting.

Make sure to stay until the end of the match too, as signed rugby balls may be handed out by Lightning’s players pitchside!

🚭 SMOKING

DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is a NO SMOKING stadium. Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere in the stadium pre, during or post-match. Please note the use of e-cigarettes is also prohibited.

Supporters wishing to smoke on matchdays will be allowed to exit the stadium during half-time to use one of the designated smoking areas outside Gates 1 and 2 – stewards will be on hand to direct you and will manage exit and re-entry into the stadium.

COMMUNITY

🏆 MATCHDAY FESTIVALS

Local rugby clubs can book their places at Loughborough Lightning matchday festivals throughout the season.

The Lightning Clubs Cup will see teams face off to be crowned the champions of that festival event – with the under-12s age group upwards playing competitively, and under-7s to under-11s judged on their embodiment of the Community SPIRIT values throughout their matches.

The leading sides will raise a new Lightning Clubs Cup trophy, lead a parade of clubs within the stadium bowl at half-time during that day’s Lightning match, and have their photo taken under the posts with the trophy and a Loughborough Lightning player.

For more information, and to apply for a place at one of our matchday festivals, please CLICK HERE.

🏉 MATCHDAY COACHING

If you’re a junior rugby club, school or community group, you can receive coaching from the Saints Community team before the big match.

Availability may be limited due to tournament activity, but we will try to accommodate everyone as far as possible. Email the Community team on community@northamptonsaints.co.uk to get involved!

If there’s anything else you’d like to ask us, or if you’re going to be celebrating a special event at this fixture, please do get in touch using the form below.