A clash in kick-off times between the Cobblers and the Saints is expected to lead to heavy traffic in the Sixfields area of Northampton on Saturday.
Northampton Town fans are being urged to arrive early for the home game against Rochdale, which starts at 3pm, as the roads around the ground will be full of rugby fans leaving Franklin’s Gardens after the match against Gloucester which kicks off at 12.30pm.
A travel plan has been put in place to try to mitigate the potential traffic problems and turnstiles at Sixfields will be open from 1.30pm.
Chris Wearmouth, spokesman for the Saints, said: “We have been aware of the potential clash since the start of the season.
“The match has been chosen by Sky to be broadcast and they choose the kick-off time. We will try to get supporters away from the ground as quickly as possible.”
To encourage Cobblers supporters to arrive early, pre-match entertainment is being put on including the presentation of the Northampton Audi January Player of the Month award and a dance performance from hundreds of local schoolchildren.
A spokesman for the Cobblers said: “Adjustments have been made to the plan that should, in the main, mean that supporters coming to Sixfields are unaffected.
“Those supporters using the north car park and the West VIP car park can do so as normal, as can those entering the south gravel car park, although those using the south car park will be crossing a roundabout busy with Saints exit traffic (albeit supporters going into the south car park will have right of way.)
“However, we would ask supporters to note traffic will be very busy in the area on Saturday and we would ask supporters to arrive early.”
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