The LV= Cup is back
The LV= Cup returns this week with confirmation that tickets are now on sale for this year's Final which is on Sunday, March 22 at Franklin's Gardens.
All four pools are evenly poised with almost every one of the 16 teams still on course for a trip to Franklin's Gardens at the end of March.
The awarding of the showpiece occasion sees the first final of the season return to the East Midlands for the first time since Gloucester beat Newcastle in March 2011. Franklin’s Gardens has hosted a number of high-profile rugby events over the past few years, including the Churchill Cup in 2011, several England Under-20 Six Nations internationals and regular legs of the Premiership Rugby 7s Series.
The stadium has a unique atmosphere and outstanding facilities that were recognised by BT Sport's Rugby Tonight audience, who voted Franklin’s Gardens as their favourite away venue in Aviva Premiership Rugby.
Ticket prices for the LV= Cup Final range between £20 and £35 for adults, with tickets for Under-16s and concessions available at £10 and £15 respectively in most areas of the stadium.
Tickets are on sale at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets
The LV= Cup Final weekend will also see Northampton town centre be taken over with a festival of rugby, with details to be announced closer to the time.
With Franklin’s Gardens just five minutes from the M1, and within easy reach of all areas of the country, Saints chief executive Allan Robson is looking forward to seeing supporters from all clubs at the stadium next March.
“Northampton is in the heart of England and within two-to-three hours’ drive of the majority of Premiership Rugby clubs,” he said. “With no other top flight club rugby that weekend it is an opportunity for supporters of all clubs to come and be a part of the first final of the season. We know first-hand that the LV= Cup Final can produce some outstanding and exhilarating rugby, and with plenty of entertainment both on and off the pitch this will be an event for all the family!”
“We are delighted to be taking the LV= Cup Final to Franklin’s Gardens,” added Clare Jeromson, head of sponsorship at LV=. “As with all LV= Cup Final venues, the stadium offers superb facilities and is sure to be a great day out for all the family. As it will be the last LV= Cup game for a while, we are especially looking forward to making it a memorable occasion for the rugby family.”
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: “You don’t get that many chances to run out on your home ground in a major final. We know from our experience last season how much playing the LV= Cup Final at Sandy Park meant to the Exeter Chiefs players and supporters, and we also know how much it would mean to us if we reached the final at Franklin’s Gardens. But there is a lot of rugby to be played first, starting again this weekend!”