“2026 Welcomes You Back: What’s New This Year”

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 6, 2026 3:14 PM ET

As the 2026 League of Ireland season approaches, the excitement builds for the match on February 6. Derry City will host Sligo Rovers at the renowned Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

2026 Welcomes You Back: What’s New This Year

With the return of live matches, new arrangements have been established to enhance the experience for all attendees. Here’s what to expect for match night.

Preparations and Arrival

Brandywell Stadium is located in a residential area. Supporters must respect local residents regarding parking and noise levels. Increased attendance following the North Stand’s opening has made parking more challenging. To create a better experience, fans are encouraged to use alternative transportation methods:

Walk from home
Take the local bus to Foyle Street and walk from there
Cycle and utilize the bike points at Brandywell Showgrounds
Use the 8A bus from Foyle Street to Lone Moor Road
Carpool with friends and family

Arriving early is advised to allow for smooth entry into the stadium.

Ticketing Information

Fans can enter the stadium using physical tickets or e-tickets. Here are some key details to remember:

Ensure your ticket is accessible before reaching the turnstile.
The North Stand operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Designated seating is available in the Southend Park Stand and Mark Farren Stand.
Seek assistance from stewards if you encounter difficulties finding your seat.

Access for Home Supporters

Home supporters can enter through several points, including:

Mark Farren Stand & Terrace on Lone Moor Road
Gate 19 from the car park at the greyhound track
North Stand and Southend Stand on Brandywell Road
Brandywell Avenue access points

Note that Gate 9 will now be restricted to club staff, guests, officials, and away supporters, so you may need to plan accordingly if you previously used this entrance.

Internal Access and Amenities

Access to and from certain gates will be restricted before and after the match. Supporters wishing to visit the Club Merchandise Store must travel around the stadium to reach it. The store offers the match program, Cityview, and accepts both cash and card payments.

Food and beverage arrangements remain largely unchanged. Here are the locations to find food and drink services:

RS Catering between the North Stand and Southend Park Stand
Free Derry Coffee on the northern side of Mark Farren Stand
Bar located on the upper floor of Mark Farren Stand
RS Catering’s second outlet on the southern side of Mark Farren Stand
Both The Coffee Van and RS Catering behind Southend Park Stand at Gate 9

Patrons should remember that RS Catering and the bar operate as cash-only facilities.

Access for Away Supporters

Away supporters will enter through Gate 9, ensuring a secure and separated area. Blocks K, L, and M in the Southend Stand are designated for visiting fans.

The Derry City club appreciates everyone’s cooperation in following these new match night guidelines, aiming for a safe and enjoyable experience for all.