Lincoln
Sincil Bank
Capacity 10,120
Address Sincil Bank, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 8LD
Ticket Prices £18 entrance fee (seating)
www.redimps.co.uk
I first visited Sincil Bank in 1998 when Stevenage drew the Lincolnshire side in the FA Cup. Boro fans were located in the Stacey West stand back in those days, but when I returned in 2010 to see Stevenage win their first away game in the Football League, the away end was now in the large Co-Op stand. Other than that, the ground is pretty much the same since the first time I went.
Sincil Bank is one of the larger grounds in League 2. It has a 10,120 capacity and is all seated. As I mentioned before, away supporters are now treated to seats in the Co-Op stand that runs along one side of the pitch. It’s an impressive structure and has a capacity of 5,700, although when we visited we were only allocated 2 blocks. The Co-Op stand opened in 1995 and dwarfs the rest of the ground.
Opposite to the impressive Co-Op stand is the Lincolnshire Echo Stand. This is a small seated stand which looks quite unique and would look quite impressive if it was the full length of the pitch. However, it only runs either side of the half-way line. This stand is where the tunnel and players changing rooms are located, as well as the TV gantry. On the left of the tunnel is another small stand, which is the family enclosure.
Two small seated stands are at either end of the ground. One end is the Stacey West stand and on my first visit this was a terraced enclosure used for travelling supporters. It’s now all seated and is home to the more vocal Lincoln supporters. The other end is the GoCar stand and this is mainly used for people in the executive boxes, of which run along the top of the stand. Disabled supporters also can watch the game from this vantage point.
On the whole, I like Lincoln’s ground. It’s in a good location to get there early, park the car and have a wonder round the City of Lincoln. The ground itself is in good condition and is a pleasant visit for any supporter. Getting away from the ground isn’t the easiest, but other than that it’s a well recommended away day.
Stacey West Stand
Getting to Lincoln
By car
Sat Nav reference: LN5 8LD
The journey to Lincoln is a straight forward one from Stevenage. Get on to the A1 and stay on there until you reach Newark where you come off for the A46, signposted (Newark, Lincoln). Follow the A46 for about 8 miles until you reach the Hykeham roundabout. Take the 3rd exit onto the A4134 and follow it down to the A15. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the High Street. Then turn right into Scorer Street and then right again into Sincil Bank. The ground is on the left.
By train
Not the most difficult of journeys. From Stevenage, go to Peterborough and then change for Newark and then Lincoln. Lincoln Central station is served by East Midlands Trains and is located in the heart of the City centre. It is about a 5 minute walk from the ground. From the station, turn right onto St Mary’s Street until you find the Railway bridge on the right hand side. Go over that and you will find yourself on Tentercroft Street. Make your way from there to the bend of the road, where there is a blue sign for the “Riverside Cyclepath”. This will bring you onto Sincil Bank. The ground is on the left at the top of the street.
