Northampton Saints will be welcoming supporters back to Franklin’s Gardens for the first time in nine months on Friday 11 December for the Club’s European Champions Cup match against Bordeaux-Bégles.
Under the Government’s three-tier system of restrictions announced last week, the fixture can be played safely in front of a reduced capacity crowd of up to 2,000 people.
Here is everything you need to know about general sale tickets, the ticket ballot process and on matchday…
TICKETING INFORMATION
How can I buy tickets for Saints vs Bordeaux-Bègles at Franklin’s Gardens?
Tickets are on general sale now and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.
When are tickets available to buy until?
Tickets will be taken off general sale at 4.30pm on Thursday 10 December.
How many spectators will be allowed to watch?
Up to 2,000 supporters will be welcomed back through the gates for the European Cup clash.
How much do tickets cost?
All tickets for this fixture will cost £30.
How many tickets can I purchase?
Either one single or one pair of tickets can be purchased per account. Please note; personal details provided for ticket holders must be accurate and match photo ID, which all supporters will be required to show upon entry to the stadium.
Can I select a specific seat?
Due to the seating restrictions required to safely welcome crowds back into the ground, seats will be allocated automatically to ensure the maximum number of supporters can access the match, whilst ensuring social distancing is maintained between supporters. Social distancing will be in place in all seating areas and supporters must ensure they only sit in the seat allocated to them. Supporters are not permitted to move seats at any time.
Where will supporters be seated for this match?
All spectators for the match will be located within the Carlsberg, Barwell and South Stands.
Can I travel from outside of Northampton for the match?
Yes, but supporters cannot travel from any region under Tier Three restrictions to attend this match at Franklin’s Gardens. Postcodes of successful applications will be checked by our ticketing staff before they are processed.
How will my ticket be delivered?
All successful applicants will be sent their tickets to print at home via email. Please note, in order to enter the ground on matchday, ticket holders will either need to produce a printed version of their ticket, or be able to show their barcode on a mobile phone. The Club will not be posting tickets.
Will the Ticket Office be open on matchday?
The Ticket Office will be open from 4pm on matchday, however no tickets for the match will be on sale. Those that have not printed their tickets at home, or are not able to show their barcode on a mobile phone, will be able to have their matchday ticket printed at the Ticket Office for a £5 fee.
Have any more fixtures been approved yet for spectators?
The government will review regional tiers on Wednesday 16 December, so the Club will know whether supporters will be able to attend Northampton Saints’ Boxing Day clash against Worcester Warriors on this date and subsequently announce the process for that fixture if appropriate.
TICKET BALLOT INFORMATION
How do I enter the ballot for Saints vs Bordeaux-Bégles if I am an eligible Season Ticket Holder?
Eligible Season Ticket Holders must apply for the ticket ballot via the ballot shop which can be accessed here. A full, step-by-step guide to the application process can be found HERE.
As a current Season Ticket Holder, do I automatically get a ticket to attend this fixture?
Unfortunately, the limited capacity of 2,000 spectators means that we will not be able to welcome all our Season Ticket Holders to Franklin’s Gardens for this match. The Club expects that demand for tickets will exceed supply – therefore eligible Season Ticket Holders will be contacted via email on Friday 4 December with an invitation and instructions to apply for tickets in an equal-opportunity ballot.
Who can enter the ballot?
Season Ticket Holders who renewed their memberships before the Club initially took them off sale on October 15 (and have subsequently had them automatically rolled over to the 2021/22 season) will have priority access to the ballot process.
Those Season Ticket Holders who renewed their memberships following the announcement of the Rollover plan on November 19 will be eligible for a second ballot, should any tickets remain.
To support the safe delivery of the event and minimise crowd travel, no away supporters will be able to apply for tickets.
Any supporter who is currently required to quarantine under government guidelines, or has been contacted by NHS Track and Trace advising them to self-isolate, or who shows any symptoms of COVID-19, should NOT apply for a ticket.
How many tickets can I apply for in the ticket ballot?
Season Ticket Holders can apply for up to two tickets in the ticket ballot, but can only apply on behalf of other Season Ticket Holders who are within their household. Membership numbers will need to be provided for both names on the application to ensure that only eligible Season Ticket Holders are successful in the ballot.
Can I select a specific seat in the Ticket Ballot?
Season Ticket Holders will not be able to request to sit in their usual seat, or any other specific seat, due to the seating restrictions required to safely welcome crowds back into the ground. Seats will be allocated automatically as part of the ticket ballot in order to ensure the maximum number of supporters can access the match, whilst ensuring social distancing is maintained between supporters. Social distancing will be in place in all seating areas and supporters must ensure they only sit in the seat allocated to them. Supporters are not permitted to move seats at any time.
Is wheelchair access available for the match?
The ticket ballot is open to all Season Ticket Holders, including those needing wheelchair access and a carer. We have allocated a number of disability seats around the stadium, and those requiring wheelchair access will need to opt to purchase a wheelchair and carer ticket when entering the ballot. We will then allocate suitable seating/wheelchair bays for supporters and their carers who are successful.
When is the ticket ballot open and for how long?
The ballot will open at midday on Friday 4 December through to 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December.
Do all current Season Ticket Members have an equal chance of being successful in the ballot?
Yes! All Season Ticket Holders across all seating categories have an equal opportunity to return to Franklin’s Gardens to watch Northampton Saints vs Bordeaux-Bégles. Anyone who enters the ballot from its opening at midday on Friday 4 December through to 11.59pm on Sunday 6 December on will have an equal chance of being successful. There is no advantage to entering the ballot early – but no late entries will be considered.
What happens if I am successful in the ballot?
The ballot will be drawn on Monday 7 December and supporters informed of the result that day. Successful Season Ticket Holders will then be automatically charged for their tickets. The allocated seats cannot be moved/changed.
I was successful in the ballot but can no longer attend the match – what do I do?
If you can no longer attend the match, we request you inform the Club by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible.
Can I transfer my ticket to another Season Ticket Holder/supporter if I can no longer attend?
No. In line with the government’s Track and Trace guidelines, the named owner of the ticket must be attending the match. The transfer of tickets is strictly forbidden. Named photographic ID must be shown on entry and must match the name on the ticket.
Is my ticket refundable if I can no longer attend the match?
Once purchased, the tickets are non-refundable (unless the event is cancelled or you develop COVID-19 symptoms, see question below) as the Club will be unable to reallocate tickets to other supporters ahead of the fixture.
What happens if I am successful in the ballot, but then test positive for COVID-19, begin to display symptoms or am instructed by NHS Track and Trace to self-isolate?
Any supporter who, after purchasing a ticket, subsequently tests positive for COVID-19, is contacted by NHS Track and Trace advising them to self-isolate, or who shows any symptoms of COVID-19, must NOT attend the match or transfer their tickets to another supporter. We request you inform the Club by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible and we will discuss options with you.
How will my ticket be delivered?
All successful applicants will be sent their tickets to print at home via email. Please note, in order to enter the ground on matchday, ticket holders will either need to produce a printed version of their ticket, or be able to show their barcode on a mobile phone. The Club will not be posting tickets.
Will the Ticket Office be open on matchday?
The Ticket Office will be open from 4pm on matchday, however no tickets for the match will be on sale as all available seats will be allocated in the ballot. Those that have not printed their tickets at home, or are not able to show their barcode on a mobile phone, will be able to have their matchday ticket printed at the Ticket Office for a £5 fee.
Will I be able to use the Ticket Credit I claimed back from the Club towards the cost of my ticket?
Yes; a full, step-by-step guide to the application process can be found HERE.
MATCHDAY
What should I do if I feel ill before or during the match?
Spectators must not come to Franklin’s Gardens if they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, and/or are required to self isolate. Supporters will be refused entry to the ground should they display any COVID-19 symptoms. If you feel ill after arriving, please return home immediately if you are able – or contact your nearest steward, and you will then be directed to our medical team.
Will social distancing measures be in operation inside the stadium?
Supporters must socially distance and ensure they only sit in the seat allocated to them. Supporters are not permitted to move seats at any time. Stewards and Northampton Saints staff will be on site to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed. In line with our Code of Conduct, any supporters refusing to adhere to the new stadium regulations may be asked to leave. Supporters are advised to read our new Code of Conduct before booking tickets.
Is parking available at Franklin’s Gardens?
Parking is available in Car Park D (which opens at 3.30pm) for this match at a cost of £5, with only contactless card payment available on the gate on the day. Of course, you can also walk. Please consider carefully your health and social distancing before using public transport.
Anyone who purchased Car Parking for the 2020/21 season at Franklin’s Gardens has already had their pass automatically rolled over to 2021/22, so everyone parking on Friday 11 December will be required to pay on the gate via contactless card payment.
Do I need to arrive at a specific time?
No, but please allow sufficient time to reach your seat before kick-off, noting that your entry to Franklin’s Gardens will take longer than usual due to additional safety checks and screening in place. Specific gates for entry, depending on which block your seat is located, will be indicated on all tickets in order to help reduce queuing and maintain social distancing. You will only be permitted to enter the ground via the gate indicated on your ticket.
Will temperature checks be in operation?
Spectators may have their temperature checked by a Steward as they enter the stadium, and anyone displaying any COVID-19 symptoms will, unfortunately, be asked to return home.
Do I have to wear a facemask?
All supporters must wear a facemask at all times at Franklin’s Gardens unless eating or drinking, and should bring their own mask/covering with them.
Will bars and food and drink stalls be open?
A limited number of food and drink outlets will be open. Please remember all will be operating with cashless/contactless payments, but Saints Vouchers will be accepted. Food and drink can only be consumed in your specific matchday seat, and not the bars or supporter village areas. Please return to your seat as soon as you have purchased your food.
Will the Saints Store be open for the match?
Yes, the Saints Store will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm on matchday. Please ensure you follow the guidelines and signage within the store, and observe social distancing at all times. Our merchandise trailer will also be open from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in Car Park C.
Will matchday programmes be available to purchase?
No programmes will be available to purchase at Franklin’s Gardens, but all Season Ticket Holders will be emailed a free digital version ahead of the game. Individual printed editions can be ordered online, or for a fixed price supporters can purchase a season-long subscription. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Can I bring my own food and drink into the stadium?
No – only items purchased at Franklin’s Gardens may be consumed on site.
Can I bring a bag with me to the stadium?
To reduce the time required for entry searches, supporters are discouraged from bringing any bags to the stadium. For those requiring a bag the maximum size permitted is A4. Please note, there are no bag storage facilities available.
Once I am in my seat, can I move to get a drink/use the toilet etc?
If supporters do need to leave their seat during the event, they are to wait for a time when the gangway is clear and always follow the signs/stewards indicating which way to go. When accessing seats it may be necessary to ‘brush past’ other spectators in your row. In this case supporters are asked to face away from the other spectators as they pass.
How and when can I leave the ground after the event?
Spectators must remain in their seats until the end of the game and may be asked to wait in their seats following the final whistle to ensure that social distancing is adhered to while other blocks are released.
To protect the wellbeing of our players and staff, and ensure correct social distancing protocols are observed, there will be no photograph (selfie) or autograph opportunities with Northampton Saints players after the final whistle.
