Monday, 7 Oct 2024

Sincil Bank: Home of Lincoln City

Lincoln City, founded in 1884, has a rich history that dates back to the disbanded Lincoln Rovers. From its humble beginnings at John O’Gaunts Ground, the club eventually moved to its current home, Sincil Bank, in 1895. Situated in the shadows of Lincoln Cathedral, the stadium has undergone various changes and developments over the years. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of Sincil Bank and explore what it has to offer.

A Stadium with a Rich History

When Sincil Bank first opened its doors, it was a modest venue with little to boast about. However, in 1896, an uncovered stand was constructed on the Southern side, and the pitch’s perimeter rope was replaced with wire. Thanks to the support from the local Working Men’s Conservative Club, further improvements were made in the early 1900s. These enhancements culminated in a record attendance of over 23,000 in 1967. While the capacity has since decreased to around 10,000, Sincil Bank still holds a special place in the hearts of Lincoln City fans.

What to Expect at Sincil Bank

Sincil Bank boasts five distinct stands, each offering a unique matchday experience. The East Stand, the largest of them all, dominates one side of the pitch. On the West side, you’ll find the St Andrews Stand, which houses the press box and Director’s section, alongside the Family Stand. The Stacey-West Stand, named after two devoted supporters tragically lost in the Bradford City stadium fire, is now the designated area for away supporters. Finally, the South Stand sits opposite the Stacey-West Stand, behind one of the goals.

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Tickets and Prices

Securing tickets for a Lincoln City match is straightforward. The club provides a simple ticketing system where prices differ slightly depending on your age and membership level. Bronze members enjoy a small discount, but other than that, ticket prices range from £24.00 to £25.00 for adults and £19.00 to £20.00 for concessions, making it one of the more affordable options in the EFL.

To purchase tickets, the stadium’s ticket office is always available, but the official website is the recommended starting point. If you prefer speaking to someone directly, calling the club will also provide you with the necessary information.

Getting to Sincil Bank

Train

Lincoln Central Train Station is conveniently located within a ten to fifteen-minute walk from the stadium.

Bus

If you prefer taking the bus, getting off at South Park Roundabout will place you just a short walk away from Sincil Bank. Buses 1, 1D, 7, 7A, 13, 14, 24A, 27, 27A, 601, and SB4 all serve this stop.

Car

For drivers, Sincil Bank is easily accessible from the A15, the main road leading to the stadium.

By Air

If you’re coming from abroad, Humberside International Airport is the closest, located approximately thirty miles away. East Midlands Airport is another option, albeit further away at around fifty miles.

Parking Near Sincil Bank

While there is a small car park at the ground, it’s recommended to book in advance, as unreserved spots are limited on matchdays. Public parking can be found near the South Park Roundabout.

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Facilities

The facilities at Sincil Bank are on par with what you would expect from a club of this size. The stadium offers a comfortable matchday experience, complete with a range of food and drink options available from the various stalls. The prices are reasonable, with a programme costing £3, a pie priced at £3.10, a cup of tea at £2, and a beer at £3.50.

Hospitality and Private Hire

For those seeking a more premium experience, Sincil Bank offers two hospitality options on a match by match basis. The SRP 200 Club provides an elevated experience with premium drink options, a dish of the day, and luxury locally sourced snacks. The Legends Lounge, on the other hand, celebrates the club’s rich history, with a room host, match sponsor presentation, and the option for food and drinks.

Additionally, Sincil Bank has various areas available for private hire, catering to events such as weddings, birthdays, and business meetings. With the capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests, the stadium’s event spaces can be tailored to your specific requirements.

Stadium Tours & Museum

While traditional stadium tours are not available year-round, Lincoln City occasionally offers special tours during holidays, providing access to behind-the-scenes areas. With the unique Soper of Lincoln Elite Performance Centre experience, you can even watch a first-team training session—an opportunity that comes at a price of £50.

About Lincoln City

Lincoln City, affectionately known as “The Imps,” shares a deep connection with the city’s iconic symbol, the Lincoln Imp. Throughout its history, the club has experienced various triumphs and setbacks. Notably, in the 2016-2017 season, Lincoln City made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after defeating Premier League side Burnley 1-0. Although they ultimately lost to Arsenal, this accomplishment marked a significant milestone for the club, coinciding with their return to the Football League after a six-year absence.

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Sincil Bank History and Future Developments

Sincil Bank was constructed in 1894, a decade after Lincoln City’s formation, and officially opened its doors in 1895. Before calling Sincil Bank home, the club played at John O’Gaunts, a ground that lacked facilities for spectators. Throughout its existence, the stadium has also hosted events beyond Lincoln City matches, such as an England U16 match and a rock concert featuring renowned bands in 1966.

While plans for a new stadium with a retail park and additional facilities have been put on hold, Lincoln City aims to increase Sincil Bank’s capacity by developing the Stacey West stand. This expansion, which involves the addition of a new tier, would raise the overall capacity to 11,500. To fund this project, the club has offered supporters the opportunity to invest their own money, offering a 3% return over periods of up to 10 years.

Conclusion