Sincil Bank

Sincil Bank stands on the southern edge of Lincoln, a football stadium that has been home to Lincoln City since 1895. It overlooks Lincoln Cathedral from its raised position on Sincil Bank street. The ground replaced the earlier John O’Gaunt’s ground after the club moved in 1895. In 2000 the former chairman John Reames bought the freehold back from the council for £175,000. The stadium has hosted England youth internationals and once welcomed the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Its name has changed several times through sponsorship deals over the years. The largest stand, the GBM Stand, holds about 5,700 people on the Sincil Bank side. It opened in 1995 after uncovered terracing was removed and cost roughly £1 million to build. The stand has carried three different sponsor names since it opened, most recently GBM. A brass band formed in 1995 by manager John Beck once played there to lift matchday atmosphere. The St Andrews/Greenlinc Renewables Stand dates from 1987 and houses the press box and club offices. The Stacey-West Stand, named after two supporters who died in the Bradford fire, now hosts away fans for big games. The Rilmac Stand includes executive boxes, Strikers bar and the Centre Spot fans’ bar. The Family Stand, also known as Poacher’s Corner, sits beside the players’ tunnel and contains the dressing rooms below. It offers cheap tickets to parents and children through the club’s community scheme. The stand has been sponsored by local firms and linked with the University of Lincoln to bring students to matches. Above it sits a police control box that monitors all areas of the ground. The stadium’s history and modern facilities make it a landmark for both football and the city.