Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster v Connacht<br>
🗓 Friday 22 December, 7.35pm <br>
🏟 Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship Round 8<br>
📺 Live on Viaplay, BBC NI, TG4 & URC TV
Tickets
Tickets are selling quickly, with all seated sections now sold out. Click the link below to secure your tickets and join us for a memorable inter-pro derby!
Team News
Sean Reffell makes his long-awaited return after more than 11 months out with injury and Jake Flannery will partner John Cooney as your half-back pairing.
Irish internationals Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are all included in the Connacht starting XV.
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 Kieran Treadwell, a Q&A with Assistant Coach Dan Soper 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!
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 5.35pm - 7.35pm
- 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 5.35pm - 7.35pm
- There will be five large coaches (one of which is wheelchair accessible) 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.
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 5.35pm.
See below details of our Digital Ticketing Guide.
Kingspan Stadium now features contactless ticket entry for enhanced security and quick access.
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 29, 2023
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
At the Stadium:
Fan Zone:
- The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 5.35pm.
- Arrive early to pick up your free Ulster flags and Santa hats 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.
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:
- 6.00-6.15pm: At the Kingspan Try-Cycle challenge within the Fan Zone.
- 6.30-7.00pm: At the Kingspan Passing Challenge on the Aquinas 3G pitch.
- 15 mins after full-time: Members of the playing squad will meet supporters, sign autographs and pose 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 5.35pm.
- There will be live music from Kevin Sage in the Clubhouse Bar both pre and post-match.
- In the 1924 Bar (access for pass holders only), Ulster players will be on hand to serve a complimentary drink to all pass holders between 6.00-6.30pm.
- Ben Cutler 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.
- At half-time, there will be girls rugby exhibition games from the players of Limavady, City of Derry, Omagh Academicals, City of Armagh, Instonians and Civil Service.
- 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.
Match-Night Experience
Here’s what you can expect from a match night at Kingspan Stadium…