Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, known for decades simply as Franklin’s Gardens, is the historic home of Northampton Saints and a multi-purpose venue in Northampton, England. With a match-day capacity cited at around 15,249 and extensive event facilities, it hosts Premiership rugby, international matches, conferences, and weddings. This guide covers seating, parking, ticketing, and practical tips for visitors.
The ground first opened in the 1880s as a multi-sport field and evolved into a purpose-built rugby stadium through several redevelopments. Today, its official naming rights are held by cinch, an online vehicle marketplace, a deal that began in 2021. Beyond rugby, the venue is used for concerts, corporate events, and private celebrations, with amenities that include private bars, in-house catering, and wheelchair-accessible spaces.
Whether you’re attending a match or hiring a room for a business meeting, understanding the stadium’s layout, parking options, and ticket policies helps you plan a smooth visit. The information below is based on official club and venue sources, as well as independent references.
What is the seating capacity and layout of cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens?
- Full Name: cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
- Location: Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG
- Capacity: 15,249 (all-seater)
- Home Teams: Northampton Saints (men’s rugby) & Loughborough Lightning (women’s rugby)
- Parking Spaces: 1,500+ across six car parks
- Opened: 1880 (original ground); modern stadium redeveloped in phases
Key insights about the venue:
- cinch Stadium is the home of Northampton Saints and also hosts Loughborough Lightning matches.
- The stadium offers conference and event facilities for up to 600 people, private bars, and a dedicated events team.
- Parking is ample with over 1,500 spaces within walking distance, but demand can be high on match days.
- Seating capacity is 15,249, making it one of the larger rugby club stadiums in England.
- Naming rights are held by cinch, an online vehicle marketplace, since 2021.
- The venue is well-served by public transport and is located near Junction 15 of the M1.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 15,249 |
| Total Parking | 1,500+ spaces (six car parks) |
| Year Opened | 1880 (original ground); major redevelopments 2000s |
| Current Naming Rights | cinch (since 2021, previously Franklin’s Gardens) |
| Home Rugby Teams | Northampton Saints (men), Loughborough Lightning (women) |
| Conference Capacity | Up to 600 people |
| Address | Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG |
The stadium’s exact published capacity varies slightly between sources. Wikipedia and club materials commonly cite 15,249, while some event listings reference figures around 15,158–15,153. The ground is all-seater with multiple stands, including the Barwell Stand, the Burrows Stand, and the Centenary Stand, each offering different views and amenities.
A single, publicly available seating chart with seat numbers is not published by the club. For specific match or event seating, tickets purchased through official channels will indicate the stand and row. The stadium has evolved through repeated redevelopment since the late 1800s, so stand names and configurations may differ from older maps.
How do I get to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and where can I park?
Address and directions
The venue’s official address is Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG. It is situated near Junction 15 of the M1 motorway, making it accessible by car from most parts of the country. The Northampton Saints website provides detailed travel information, including a map of the area.
Parking
The stadium offers over 1,500 on-site parking spaces spread across six car parks. Parking is complimentary for event attendees, and there is also provision for bus parking. However, on home match days and during major events, demand can outstrip supply. Reviews on TripAdvisor note that parking can be tight when the stadium is near capacity. It is advisable to arrive early or consider public transport.
Public transport
Northampton railway station is approximately 1.5 miles from the ground, a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Several local bus routes serve the Weedon Road area. The club’s “how to find us” page includes guidance on bus services and walking routes for away supporters.
Match tickets specify turnstile opening times. Arriving at least 45 minutes before kick-off is recommended to navigate parking and entry queues. Bag restrictions apply: bags larger than A4 are not permitted inside the stadium on match days.
How can I buy tickets for events at cinch Stadium and what’s on today?
Match tickets
Tickets for Northampton Saints home games and other sporting events are sold through the official club website and ticketing partners. All attendees require a match ticket, with the exception of babies under two years old. Ticket prices vary by fixture and seat location; family offers and group discounts are sometimes available.
Event tickets and what’s on
Beyond rugby, cinch Stadium hosts concerts, conferences, weddings, and private functions. The events section of the Northampton Saints website lists upcoming non-match events with pricing. For example, stadium tours and hospitality packages are occasionally offered. The venue also operates as a conferencing centre with up to 40 meeting rooms and around 9,200 sq ft of meeting space.
Weather considerations
The stadium includes both indoor and outdoor spaces. For outdoor matches, weather can affect comfort, but no dedicated on-site weather feed exists. Visitors are advised to check external services such as the Met Office or BBC Weather for Northampton before travelling.
On match days, bags larger than A4 are not permitted. There is no cloakroom facility at the stadium. Plan to bring only essential items in a small bag to avoid delays at turnstiles.
History of Franklin’s Gardens to cinch Stadium
- – Franklin’s Gardens opens as a multi-sport ground.
- – Northampton Saints move to Franklin’s Gardens permanently.
- – Major redevelopment: new stands, increased capacity to 15,249.
- – Loughborough Lightning begin playing home matches at the stadium.
- – Naming rights sold to cinch; renamed cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
- – Stadium continues to host Premiership rugby, international friendlies, and concerts.
What We Know – and What’s Not Clear
- Established information:
- Capacity is 15,249 (official figure from club and Wikipedia).
- Parking is provided across six car parks with over 1,500 spaces.
- Stadium serves as home for Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning.
- Naming rights are held by cinch since 2021.
- Information that remains unclear:
- Exact seating plans per event – not publicly published as a single map; configurations vary by match or concert.
- Weather forecasts – dynamic and best checked on external weather services.
- Real-time availability of tickets or car park spaces – must be checked via official channels.
How cinch Stadium Compares to Other Rugby Venues
With a capacity of 15,249, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is one of the smaller Premiership rugby grounds – slightly below the likes of Ashton Gate (27,000) and Kingston Park (10,200). It offers a classic, intimate match-day atmosphere. The stadium also doubles as a conference and events venue, making it a versatile asset for Northampton. Its location near the M1 and ample parking make it accessible for away fans.
Sources and Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date details, consult the following official channels:
- Franklins Gardens Official Site – venue hire, events, and contact.
- Northampton Saints – How to Find Us – parking and directions.
- Northampton Saints – What’s On – ticket pricing and event calendar.
- Wikipedia – Franklin’s Gardens – history and capacity facts.
- TripAdvisor – cinch Stadium – user reviews and photos.
Stay Updated
For the latest events, ticket releases, and match schedules, visit the Northampton Saints official website or the franklinsgardens.co.uk events page. Weather updates can be checked on the Met Office or BBC Weather for Northampton. If you are planning a trip to another major venue, you might also find our Clarach Bay Holiday Village – Complete Guide for 2025 or the US Open Tennis 2026 – Full Schedule, Tickets & Champions useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the seating plan available online?
No single, fully detailed seating chart with individual seat numbers is published by the club. Ticket purchases will indicate the stand and row.
What is the bag policy on match days?
Bags larger than A4 are not permitted. No cloakroom is available, so bring only small items.
Can I park at the stadium for free?
Yes, parking is complimentary for event attendees across six car parks with over 1,500 spaces. Availability cannot be guaranteed without checking on the day.
Are there wheelchair-accessible facilities?
The venue states it offers wheelchair accessibility, including accessible seating and toilets. Check with the club when booking for specific needs.
Does the stadium host weddings?
Yes, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is a licensed wedding venue. It can accommodate up to 600 guests depending on the room setup.
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