City of York Council has wished York City Football Club good luck ahead of its first game in the brand new LNER Community Stadium tonight (Tuesday 16 February).

The new 8,500 seater stadium for York City Football Club and York City Knights includes:

  • a community hub, including a library and community offices for York's sports clubs
  • York Against Cancer shop and offices
  • NHS outpatient services
  • new swimming facilities, gym, dance studio and sports hall with spectator seating

City of York Council and leisure operator GLL, took control of the site from the contractors in December. They are now working with partners across the city to make sure that residents benefit from the many sports, services and facilities it will host as soon as possible.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, said:

“I am absolutely delighted to see the first game take place, and only wish the LNER community stadium could be full of supporters to give the football club the welcome it deserves.

“Aside from that frustration, both York City Football Club and the Knights now have a home to deliver on their serious ambitions and the city has a venue to host world class international tournaments like the rugby league world cup.

“We’ll keep doing everything we can to stop the spread of the virus to give the city’s football and rugby league fans the best chance of cheering on their team’s push for promotion from the stands.”

Cllr Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, City of York Council said:

"The inaugural game for the LNER Community Stadium is a significant milestone not just for professional sport in York, but for the whole city.

“There is no doubt that it will be an incredible home for both York City Football Club and York City Knights, and an important destination for every York resident in the years to come.

“With a new state-of-the-art leisure centre, swimming pools, library and NHS Services; the stadium complex is an asset that the local community and wider city should be very proud of.”

The game takes place at 7pm. The game will be Livestreamed on a 'pay what you can' basis. For full details visit the York City website City to open LNER Community Stadium tomorrow against Fylde | York City Football Club