City supporters in the Rilmac Stand will continue to be able to access the Fan Village during games following a review of matchday operations.
Initial proposals explored restricting movement between the GBM and Rilmac Stands for the entirety of games in response to a growing issue of ticket misuse, where fans purchased tickets in one area but chose to sit elsewhere. After further consultation, these proposals have been revised to ensure we maintain a fair system while enhancing the overall fan experience.
It was clear from feedback and a review of crowd movements that many who watch from behind the goal valued the extra choice provided by access to the Centre Spot and outlets in the Fan Village.
Proposals which included the creation of multiple new supporter areas in the south-east corner, including a new indoor bar, were unable to deliver the quality of experience expected by the club and supporters.
After taking on board that feedback the club's safety and operations teams have, therefore, revised plans which allow us to combat ticket mis-use without reducing the matchday experience for supporters.
Key changes include
- Supporters in the Rilmac Stand will now enter only via dedicated turnstiles 24 and 25 in the south-east corner
- Additional non-alcoholic refreshments will be available in the south-east corner
- The new internal concourse gate will prevent migration between the Rilmac Stand and GBM Stand until 35 minutes after kick-off, after this point supporters are free to access the Fan Village
- Supporters who need to use the accessible toilets in the GBM Stand will still be allowed to do so throughout their time in the stadium
- Wheelchair users will continue to have access via E11 or E12, and supporters with additional needs will be supported by stewards to get to accessible toilets in the GBM Stand
- Rilmac Stand ticket holders will be the only fans able to watch pre-match warm-ups from behind the goal, with no pre-match access from the GBM Stand into the Rilmac Stand including through to the tunnel exit.
- The only exceptions to this will be to those participating in our matchday experience packages and junior fans (and accompanying adult) who will be able to gain access via a wristband, which they can pick up from Poacher’s Den in the Co-Op Community Hub. These wristbands will be limited and provided on a first come first served basis, subject to fair usage across the season.
This is intended to give supporters the best possible matchday experience, while offering protection against people buying seats in the cheapest zones but sitting in other areas.
We strive to give all Rilmac guests a fantastic experience, and with tickets starting at just £11.43 per game, they represent extraordinary value. Follow the Imps in style during the 2025/26 season by securing your Gold Membership here.
These updates aim to strike the right balance between improving the supporter experience and ensuring fairness in how match tickets are used. The club will continue to monitor crowd movements and may review these operational plans if required.
We thank all supporters for their continued feedback and support as we strive to make matchdays the best they can be.