York's LNER Community Stadium to host fans for the first time
York City Knights will be cheered on by supporters in their Championship match with Oldham this afternoon.
The LNER Community Stadium will host fans for the first time this afternoon.
Both York City Knights and York City Football Club have played matches at the new ground, but due to Covid restrictions on gatherings have been unable to welcome fans.
However, following the easing of further rules a limited number will be allowed when York City Knights play Oldham this afternoon (Sunday 23rd May - 3pm kick off).
York City Knights Chairman Jon Flatman says it's an important day for local people: "The rationale behind the stadium is a ground fit for fans and the matchday experience, and that's what we've got for this weekend. We're very much looking forward to it.
"We've got a stage there with the green grass, and in a way the actors are the players on the stage. We all know that with live performances fans bring out the best in the players.
"Just to be part of that atmosphere will mean an awful lot to the players. There's a real human interest to the pandemic and some awful situations for a lot of people.
"In context, not having fans - whilst very difficult - isn't the main issue. My heart goes out to those who've lost loved ones in the pandemic. Hopefully we can move past Covid, but ultimately the human interest has been far more devastating.
"We've got this fantastic stadium but haven't seen live sport with fans together. I'm sure the fans can't wait, and I'm really excited for people to come and witness some top class rugby league".
Hooker Kriss Brining returns to the fold after missing out on each match since victory over Sheffield Eagles in Round One of the Betfred Challenge Cup.
Also returning to the squad is Tyme Dow-Nikau who has recovered from his own injury lay-off to come into contention against Oldham RLFC.
The return of the duo has seen Brining’s fellow hooker Dan Barcoe drop out of the 21-Man Squad along with forward Joe Porter.
The Knights will be looking to build on last weekend’s victory over Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Championship on Sunday and will do so in front of 1,000 fans.
The First York bus company have unveiled a special all-electric double-decker bus fully branded in the team’s colours as part of a partnership with York City Knights to promote community activity and leisure in support of York’s recovery from the pandemic.
The bus will operate on the Service 9 route to Monk’s Cross Park & Ride and is set to take supporters to the match versus Oldham.
As with all buses in the First York fleet, the service will operate with Covid measures in place including seating arrangements and daily enhanced cleaning of all surfaces and touchpoints with anti-viral sanitiser to ensure everyone can travel safely.
Marc Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, said: "This partnership is about working together to connect local people and communities to the club they love and rediscovering leisure activities that will help York’s economic revival.
"Sporting events are one of the many areas of life that people are looking forward to enjoying again and we’re ready to take fans to the game this weekend."