Fixture News

Match Day Guide | Ulster v Racing 92

15th December 2023

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…

Match Details

🤝 Ulster v Racing 92

🗓️ Saturday 16 December

⏰ 8.00pm

🏟️ Kingspan Stadium

🏆 Investec Champions Cup Round 2

📺 Live on TNT Sport

Tickets

A limited number of tickets are still available, with several sections of the stadium close to selling out. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance and can not be purchased at the gate.

find your tickets here

Team News

Rob Herring and Mike Lowry are among the changes to the Ulster starting team, while a star-studded Racing 92 squad features the likes of Siya Kolisi, Juan Imhoff, Gael Fickou and Henry Arundell. View both match day squads in the official digital match programme below 👇

Digital Match Programme

Our official digital match programme includes an exclusive interview with Stuart McCloskey, a Q&A with Scott Wilson and an in-depth look at our opponents, plus all the usual latest news, stats and information on both teams.

Read it for FREE here...

Download the official Ulster Rugby app

Whether you are at Kingspan Stadium or following along from home, the official Ulster Rugby mobile app delivers the most immersive live match stats straight to your hand.

You can also enable push notifications so you never miss a score!

» Download from the Apple App Store

» Download from the Google Play Store

Getting to Kingspan Stadium:

With the planned industrial action within Translink affecting transport across Northern Ireland, we recommend that supporters plan their journey to and from the stadium in advance, and note the following travel options:

Free Park & Ride

Pirrie Park, from 6-8pm

There will be free shuttle buses circulating the route from Pirrie Park, off Pirrie Park Gardens, and will alight at Onlsow Parade turnstiles for entry to the stadium.
Parking at Pirrie Park is limited so early arrival is advised.
Collection will be from Onslow Parade entrance after the game for approximately 45 minutes post-final whistle.
Parking is free of charge and the shuttle bus is also provided free of charge.

Montgomery Road, from 6-8pm

There will be five large coaches circulating the route from Montgomery Road, near Podium 4 Sport and alighting at Mount Merrion Avenue turnstiles for entry to the stadium.
Collection will be from Mount Merrion Avenue entrance after the game for approximately 60 minutes post-final whistle.

Park and ride facilities are free of charge.

Please note - these are private coaches and will not facilitate wheelchairs.

Park & Stride

We also have a secure match day parking facility at Belfast Metropolitan College Castlereagh campus, which is a 10 minute walk from the Mount Merrion Avenue entrance to the stadium. The cost is just £5 per car which can be paid by contactless payment on arrival or you can pre-book online.

City Centre Shuttle Bus

Once the park and rides complete their service, a number of free buses will be laid on to return spectators to the City Centre. This will be at approximately 60 minutes post final whistle. This service will be on a first come first served basis.

Entering the Stadium

Turnstiles will be open from 6pm.

See below details of our Digital Ticketing Guide.

Kingspan Stadium now features contactless ticket entry for enhanced security and quick access.

Simply save your digital ticket into your phone wallet and present it at the contactless reader at the turnstile.

More info 👇https://t.co/KPqUxq0Rx6 pic.twitter.com/VFWpR4iRpM
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 29, 2023

At the Stadium:

Fan Zone:

The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 6pm.
Look out for our Welcome Team, pick up your free Ulster flag and make some noise for the Ulster men!
The Cool FM Crew will provide the pre-match soundtrack as supporters warm up for the game.
Check out the Kingspan 'Try-Cycle' challenge - see how many metres you can make in one minute and try to earn your place on the leaderboard. There are some fantastic prizes to be won.
The Kukri Store will be open from gates open until 30 minutes post-match.
Our team mascot Sparky will be in position around the stadium bowl.
Audio descriptive match commentary earpieces to enhance the match experience for people affected by sight or hearing loss will be available from the Admin Building reception.
The Food Village, Kukri Store and public bars only accept contactless payments.

New Passing Challenge:

On the Aquinas 3G pitch - which can be accessed via the corner of Grandstand and Family Stand - we will have the Kingspan Passing Challenge in operation. This fun challenge is open for all ages and abilities to test your passing skills or pick up some tips from Ulster Rugby players and coaches.
The Passing Challenge will be open from 6-8pm.

Get in the Christmas Spirit:

The Cool FM Crew will be blasting out the Christmas hits in the fan zone.
Winter warmer drinks - such as mulled wine, hot whiskey and hot port - will be available in the stadium bars. In the Fan Zone, there will be Christmas-themed food and drinks, such as Christmas loaded chips, cinnamon donuts, festive burritos and winter spice coffee.

Player Meet & Greet Opportunities:

6.20-6.35pm: At the Kingspan Try-Cycle challenge within the Fan Zone.
6.45-7.10pm: At the Kingspan Passing Challenge on the Aquinas 3G pitch.
7.15-7.45pm: The Ulster Rugby Foundation stand will be set up in the Fan Zone, where you can grab a photo frame opportunity with an Ulster player.
15 mins after full-time: Members of the playing squad will meet supporters, sign autographs and post for photos outside the player's entrance at the back of the Grandstand.

Stadium Bars:

All public bars will be in operation from gates open at 6pm.
There will be live music from Too Right Duo in the Clubhouse Bar both pre and post-match.
Our partners from Heineken will be handing out free samples of Heineken 0.0 outside the Heineken Quarter bar.
In the A&L Goodbody Premium Lounge, there will be a half-time Q&A with an Ulster player who will also draw out a lucky winner of a signed Ulster shirt plus a £50 bar tab courtesy of Mount Charles. Raffle tickets are £5 with proceeds going to the Ulster Rugby Foundation.
Kyle John will be providing live entertainment in the A&L Goodbody Premium Lounge pre and post-match.
Drinks can be consumed inside the public bars, within the Fan Zone or in your seats/terrace.

Also on the Pitch:

Approximately five minutes before kick-off, our spectacular light show will build the big match atmosphere.
Just before kick-off there will be a moment's applause to acknowledge the life and contribution of Dr Syd Millar CBE.
At half-time, there will be mini-rugby exhibition games from the players of Ophir RFC, CIYMS RFC, Ballynahinch RFC and Civil Service RFC.
Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be doing a live interview at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand and will be tossing mini rugby balls into the crowd.