The Saints are hosting Racing Metro in the European Rugby Champions Cup in a match that will decide who tops Pool 5 and qualifies for a home quarter final. This game kicks off at 3:15pm, having been chosen by BT Sport for live TV broadcast across the country, Europe and beyond.
Up the road at Sixfields, Northampton Town are playing Newport County in League Two, with the visitors coming from South Wales and the 3pm kick off time unable to be moved. The Cobblers did ask Newport if they would be willing to kick off earlier, but as they are within their rights to do, Newport rejected the request.
The 15-minute difference in the kick off time proved crucial at the last fixture clash, which was on the last Saturday before Christmas, as did the positive attitude of supporters, who took their time getting to both stadiums.
The Saints’ post-match traffic management scheme will be in operation, with the club also putting on live music in the Rodber Suite and showing the day’s other Champions Cup ties (including Wasps v Leinster at 1pm and Ulster v Leicester at 5:30pm) on the TVs in the various bars at Franklin’s Gardens.
The Saints’ official car parks open at 12noon, with the Village and bars also opening at 12noon. The stadium opens at 1pm.
Should supporters opt not to use the club’s official car parks then they must park with due care and respect to the needs of local businesses and residents. There are a number of public transport options, too, which can be found at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/matchday
