Matchday Info

Loughborough Lightning supporters in Northampton

Matchday Info

We want to make sure you have a brilliant time with us at the game. To get your experience off to a flying start, we’ve pulled together all the essential information you’ll need below.

🎟 MATCH TICKETS

Whether you’ve purchased a Season Ticket or an individual Match Ticket, your ticket(s) will be sent via email.

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

cinch 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.

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: £3.00 on Lightning matchdays (postcode: NN5 5JT). Tickets not available in advance.
  • Blue Badge holders: Free parking in Car Park A (NN5 5AX). Please contact the Ticket Office in advance to organise your parking.

Please note: cinch 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 East Stand, where all tickets for Loughborough Lightning matches are allocated.

From this area, you’ll also find access to the Heroes Bar (community activities) and the Rodber Bar (food and drink).

♿ DISABLED ACCESS

cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is a stadium with 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 cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens HERE.

🧩 SENSORY ROOM

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

This 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.

📍 STADIUM MAP

Whether you’re wanting to head to the Saints Store prior to the game or looking to grab a drink, the map below will point you in the right direction.

Image
A map of cinch Stadium on Loughborough Lightning matchdays

(click map to view full size)

🍔🥤 FOOD & DRINK

Our Rodber Bar will be open on a matchday, where hot and cold drinks will be available along with food options and Pick and Mix sweets.

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

🏉 LIGHTNING CLUBHOUSE

Lightning Clubhouse is the perfect way to elevate your matchday experience at cinch Stadium for all Lightning home games.

The package (which does not include your match ticket) is located in the Captain’s Bar in the East Stand – a space is designed for supporters who love a relaxed, social atmosphere and the opportunity to mingle with fellow supporters in a vibrant space whilst enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access.

Lightning Clubhouse includes access to a private bar, a locally sourced one-course meal, a pre-match Q&A with a Lightning player or coach not in the matchday 23, and an official matchday team sheet – all for just £24 per person, per match.

For more information and to book bow, please CLICK HERE.

🛍️ STORE 

The store is located just inside Gate 2 in the Supporter 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 (located inside the Heroes Restaurant) 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

cinch 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.

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