LNER Community Stadium capacity increased to 8500 ahead of York City’s first round FA Cup clash
Thousand more fans can now watch the city's teams in action
Last updated 3rd Nov 2021
The capacity at York's LNER community stadium's been increased, meaning thousands more fans can watch their teams in action.
Following further assessments of matchday arrangements, the stunning new stadium can operate to its full capacity of 8500.
It is a timely boost for York City’s impressive FA Cup run, with a big crowd expected for the first round clash with Buxton this Saturday.
York Stadium Management Company, which operates the stadium, was granted the ‘unrestricted’ certificate by York’s Safety at Sports Advisory Group yesterday (Tuesday 2 November).
Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said:
“It is fantastic news that even more people can attend matches, and hope it is just the boost York City need ahead of a big cup match.
“This is yet another positive milestone for what is a stunning new facility for all the community.
“I’d urge all residents to pay a visit, whether it is for the game this weekend, for the leisure facilities on site or just to admire the impressive mural installed by LNER just a few weeks ago.”
We got a sneak peak of the stadium ahead of its opening:
Martin Jesper, General manager of the York Stadium management Company, said:
“Over the last couple of months we have invested in, and implemented, a number of initiatives and processes to ensure that this increase in capacity has been possible and also that the infrastructure is in place to embed continual improvements in match day operations, the functionality of the ticketing system and also the quality of the pitch. These initiatives have included a restructuring of key management and operating roles, investment in additional training, IT hardware & software and the purchase of lighting to preserve the high quality of the pitch throughout the year.
“Since the stadium opened in May 2021, and with the operational maturity of the stadium continuing to evolve, we have addressed a variety of implementation issues that have been brought to our attention either directly by the clubs using the facilities or their supporters. We have greatly valued that ongoing feedback as it has allowed us to improve the way we operate behind the scenes whilst also welcoming more than 28,000 spectators during the 3 months to September.
“The lifting of the stadium's capacity to "unrestricted" is a significant milestone in becoming the region’s leading community sports stadium."
Take a look inside the LNER Community Stadium complex
Jon Flatman, York City Knights Chairman, said:
“This news today is further step forward in the improvement of match day experience for fans of Rugby League.
“As we progress through a relaxation of the Covid regulations, we anticipate a rise spectator numbers delivered through an improved service for all fans and a return to the 'unmissable' matchday atmosphere at the Knights."
Dave Penney, York City Sporting Director, said:
“We are delighted that the LNER Stadium has been granted a safety certificate to allow a full capacity crowd at the LNER Community Stadium. This is especially important for the Football Club ahead of our Emirates FA Cup first round tie against Buxton this Saturday, and with the increase in crowds game by game which has seen two fixtures reach above the 3,000 mark. We are excited to continue a new chapter in our state-of-the-art facility which we hope will be a catalyst for success at York City.”
