Ahead of the visit of Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon, we are able to provide supporters with a guide to plan your visit to the LNER Stadium.
Match theme
Saturday’s fixture is City’s designated game for the Football v Homophobia campaign that runs every February and is supported by Lincolnshire FA.
Football v Homophobia is an initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression at all levels of football. The campaign engages in education, advice and guidance, research, and policy consultation to make existing football structures safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all LGBTQ+ people.
It is encouraged by Lincolnshire FA that any discrimination is reported via the form on their website or by calling 01522 596580. Discrimination can also be reported via the Kick It Out app or the Kick It Out website – kickitout.org/report.
On Sunday Lincolnshire FA will be hosting their Football v Homophobia event – which includes a six-a-side mixed gender tournament on the 3G pitch adjacent to the LNER Stadium followed by a Q&A guest panel discussion in the Legends Lounge.
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. Following a recent retail survey, supporters requested additional retail options around the LNER Stadium so the club and Elite Pro Sports have teamed up to make this happen.
The retail unit is stocked full of replica kit, Formation gear, hats and scarves ahead of this weekend’s fixture and beyond.
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.
Tickets
With the stadium close to capacity in home areas ahead of Saturday’s game, the club have now opened the buyback scheme for gold season members. Find out how to release your seat for resale HERE.
Tickets are of limited availability with the LNER Stadium close to selling-out. If you plan to purchase your ticket on the day of the game, please check online via the ticketing website or the club's social media channels for updates on availability.
Subject to availability, tickets can be purchased from the ticket office before the match but we strongly recommend purchasing online at eticketing.co.uk/imps.
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 from the away ticket office window next to the club shop before the game - these must be bought from the ticket office before the game.
Family activities
There are free football sessions from 1-2.30pm on the 3G pitch opposite the SRP Stand.
The Foundation will have activities including an inflatable football challenge in operation before the match in the University of Lincoln Fan Village.
The Foundation will also have engaging family-friendly activities in Poacher's Den - our family area which is open before EVERY home game at the LNER Stadium. 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.
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.
Former Players Association guests
Paul Mayo
Paul Mayo is a local lad who was initially on the books of Nottingham Forest before signing for the Imps in the 1999-2000. Although he mainly appeared at left-back, wearing the number 46 shirt in his first season, he was also occasionally used both in midfield and in the forward line. He played in the 2003 play-off final against Bournemouth at the Millennium Stadium and continued to appear regularly until March 2004 when he was sold to Watford, then in the Championship. Paul later returned to Sincil Bank for two more seasons with the Imps and finished his senior career with spells at Notts County and Mansfield Town. In total he made almost 200 first team appearances for City.
Matt Carmichael
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 Lincoln 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 over 150 first team appearances before moving on to Scunthorpe in July 1993. Matt later played for Preston, Mansfield, Doncaster and Darlington. Matt is a Former Players Association vice-chairman.
John Hawley
John Hawley was a young professional with Lincoln City in the 1960s. He mainly appeared as a winger playing for the reserves in the North Midlands League and the A team in the Lincolnshire League and also played in the FA Youth Cup for the Imps. John moved on in the summer of 1968 and signed for Corby Town. He later played for several local clubs including Boston United and Worksop Town.
Look out for the former players being interviewed in the University of Lincoln Fan Village around 2.15pm.
#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!
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 Gavin Gordon, with a full match replay available from Sunday.
Subscription in the UK & Ireland costs just £4.49 a month, with it even cheaper per month for an annual subscription. Click here to find out the options where you are. 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.
Teamsheets
We'll share team news on our social media channels as soon as we can, 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.