The Pavilion has dominated the north end of the stadium for nearly 50 years. Named after Gordon Sturtridge, one of the pivotal figures in the history of the club, the Pavilion was initially just what is now the first floor. Over subsequent years a number of extensions saw it become the current facility, which includes a hospitality suite, Members’ Bar, three lounges and 21 hospitality boxes.
But the growth of the Saints, and concurrent demand for tickets, means that the time is now right for the north end to be developed, and over the coming months the Sturtridge Pavilion will be steadily demolished and be replaced with an all-new Barwell Stand that will increase the capacity of Franklin’s Gardens to around 15,500 thanks to its 1,900 seats, enlarged hospitality suite and 10 hospitality boxes, not to mention all of the modern facilities expected of a 21st-century rugby stadium.
So this is the week for supporters to be a part of history, firstly by providing yet another sensational atmosphere for Saturday’s Aviva Premiership semi-final, and then by kicking off the summer in style in the company of some of the biggest chart acts of the 1980s at Party at the Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday.
Tickets for both events are available right now at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets
The development will start in earnest on Tuesday, May 26th, and there is some important information that all supporters need to make a note of.
Buckingham Group will be taking over the north stand site as of 6am on Tuesday, May 26th. As a consequence the Weedon Road car park will be unavailable to unauthorised vehicles. Any unauthorised vehicles still parked in this car park at this time will be impounded and subject to a release charge.
The Saints Superstore will be open as normal; however access will be on foot only. Car parking will be available in Car Park A, which can be accessed from Abbey Street.
This will continue throughout the development and until further notice. This will also be the case in the event that the Saints win Saturday’s Aviva Premiership semi-final; ticket information will be published separately.
Access maps, along with more information and the latest updates about the development, can be found at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/barwellstand
