Matchday guide: Bristol Rovers

Ahead of the visit of Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon, we are able to provide supporters with a guide to plan your visit to the LNER Stadium.

Family activities

There is plenty for families to do at every home games, with an inflatable game on the 3G pitch opposite the SRP Stand alongside free football sessions from 1pm-2.30pm.

The Foundation will have activities including an inflatable football challenge in operation before the match in the University of Lincoln Fan Village, with supporters able to win money-off Coddys Cones. 

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The Foundation have engaging family-friendly activities in Poacher's Den - our family area which is open before EVERY home game at the LNER Stadium. As well as face painting and FIFA 23 there are a range of fun games, including fussball, table tennis and board games.

Poacher's Den is situated at the north end of the GBM Stand facing Sincil Bank. Players not in the matchday squad will be in Poacher's Den from 2pm to play FIFA 23.

Players will also be in the club shop at this time to meet fans, pose for photographs and sign autographs.

University of Lincoln Fan Village

A variety of different food options will be available for supporters from 12:30pm. Coddy Cones, Yellowbelly Sausage, Curryjacks, Wildjacks and Barbell Burger will all be present supplying their locally-sourced delights.

Tipsy Imp will provide a wide range of premium beers and ciders.

Another new addition in the Fan Village is an Imps retail unit which is stocked full of replica kit, Formation gear, hats and scarves ahead of this weekend’s fixture and beyond.

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Lincoln City Foundation will be running events for our younger fans and the Red Imps Community Trust will have their stall including old programmes for sale.

Supporters with a Gold+ programme subscription can collect their edition from the Red Imps Community Trust Stand in the Fan Village.

A variety of alcoholic and soft drinks are available from the Centre Spot Tavern - which will be showing the ealry kick-off.

Match theme

On Monday morning a devastating earthquake hit Turkey and Syria killing thousands and injuring many more. Through the EFL’s partnership with the British Red Cross you can help support those affected by donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee Turkey Syria Appeal by clicking here.

We now ask fans of both clubs to unite and remember those impacted by this week’s events through a period of silence ahead of kick-off. Those in the LNER Stadium are asked to be in their seats as early as possible so everyone can pay their respects before the game.

Audio descriptive commentary

The Imps provide a free audio descriptive commentary service for fans with visual impairments. Headsets and receivers can be collected from the ticket office before the game (from the SLO point 12noon-2pm, then from the ticket office desks). Fans are encouraged to bring their own headphones where possible to minimise the amount of equipment needed to be shared - the receivers have a standard aux output. Anyone with questions about the service are asked to contact disability liaison officer Heidi Langham on dlo@theredimps.com.

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Former Players Association guests

Roger Holmes signed amateur forms for the Imps in May 1958 when he was just 15 years old having previously been playing for Limestone Rangers. Made his reserve team debut four days after his 16th birthday and in September 1959 signed as a professional having already broken into the first team who were then playing in the Second Division (now the Championship). Made more than 300 first team appearances for City. 

Steve Holmes was a key member of the City team that won promotion to third tier football in 1997-98 and in 1998-99 was voted City's Player of the Season. Playing at centre back he was top scorer in 2000-01 with 11 League goals including a run where he scored in four consecutive games. 

Joe Kelleher made his only first team appearance for the Imps as a youngster when he took the place of the injured Graham Taylor at right back for an FA Cup first round tie in 1970 helping City to a 2-1 home win over Barrow. 

Andy Ottewell was an apprentice at Sincil Bank between 1971 and 1973, appearing as a striker for the reserves and youth team. 

Matt Carmichael was signed by Colin Murphy in August 1989. At the time he was planning to join the Met Police after having previously served in the British Army but City offered him a professional contract and his career changed track. He was initially used as a striker and scored on his debut against Scunthorpe United but later converted to centre back. He was voted the supporters player of the season in 1991-92 and made more than 150 first team appearances before moving on to Scunthorpe in July 1993. 

#ImpsSelfie

We've loved seeing the pictures of families enjoying matchdays at the LNER Stadium - why not share your images of the day with us on Twitter using the #ImpsSelfie hashtag. If you get a picture with Poacher don't forget to tag him on Twitter at @Poacher_The_Imp!

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Tickets

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office before the match but we strongly recommend purchasing online at HERE.

Digital season tickets have been sent via email, physical cards from last season will remain valid so long as you have not moved seat or price/membership category.

You do not need a physical card, but if you need one they can be produced for £3 - we recommend emailing tickets@theredimps.com as early as possible so we can prepare your card for collection.

Travelling supporters can purchase tickets in the away end - these must be bought from the ticket office before the game.

Matchday travel

There are a number of car parking options for supporters attending games at the LNER Stadium this season - click HERE for details.

Our recommended car park is the South Common - click HERE to reserve your space.

Stagecoach have added an additional bus service for midweek matchdays to help supporters get home safely after the game.

The bus will depart 15 minutes after the full-time whistle from Gowt’s Bridge bus stop on the High Street, which will enable people to walk down Scorer Street to catch it. 

The route will take supporters via Swanpool, Birchwood, Doddington Park, North Hykeham and Brant Road, with normal cash fares available as well as the special offer to gold/gold + membership holders.

There is also a cycle rack at the stadium for people who wish to bike down to the game.

First-time visitors & travelling fans

We warmly welcome new visitors to the LNER Stadium as well as travelling supporters. Check out our guide for everything you need to know to plan your visit HERE.

Poacher's Playlist

You get to decide the matchday music at every match! Look out for the post on our social media channels and simply reply with your choice.

iFollow Imps

Those outside the UK & Ireland can purchase a match pass for the equivalent of £10 in your local currency. International subscribers can also watch the match. iFollow Imps subscribers in the UK & Ireland can listen to live audio commentary from BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Michael Hortin and expert summariser David Preece, with a full match replay available from Sunday.

Alternatively, UK-based supporters can listen to live match commentary using an iFollow Imps audio pass - which can be bought HERE.

Subscription in the UK & Ireland costs just £4.49 a month, with it even cheaper per month for an annual subscription. iFollow Imps subscribers in the UK & Ireland can also listen to audio commentary of all competitive City games as part of their subscription, as well as extended highlights after the game as well as a full match replay and access to full recordings of the press conferences before and after matches as well as exclusive subscriber-only videos.

Click HERE to find out the options where you are. 

Teamsheets

The club will share team news on the official social media channels as soon as possible, with printed teamsheets available for purchase from the ticket office for 20 pence from around 2pm.

Safe text number

We offer an anonymous safe text number for supporters to report any concerns around safety or inappropriate behaviour and chanting in or around the stadium. You can contact the safe text line on 07718 483367.