Northampton Saints’ matchday programme will now be available to all supporters, free of charge, via a new digital-only format this season.
The Club’s new online programme platform – Zeeon – means that more people than ever before will be able to easily view each edition for free via their mobile phones, tablets, or on desktop.
With the men in Black, Green and Gold getting their preparations for the new season up and running this Saturday with a preseason clash against Leinster, supporters can follow their progress every step of the way during the 2024/25 campaign on Zeeon.
Containing exclusive interviews and features with Saints’ first-team squad, updates from the Club’s Chief Executive and Chairman, all the latest news from around the Gardens, as well as online games, statistics and team line-ups for the match, Saints’ matchday programme is not to be missed.
The digital editions will be published the day before every home fixture and shared with supporters direct via Saints’ social media channels, website, and pre-match email communications – meaning supporters can read the programme on their way to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, inside the ground, or en route home from the game.
Scannable QR codes will also be situated around the Gardens so supporters can open and read the programme on their mobile devices on matchday.
“Many sports teams, both inside and outside of rugby, have made the switch over to digital matchday programmes in recent years, while at Saints we had bucked the trend somewhat by continuing with a printed edition,” said Jack Miller, Communications Director at Northampton Saints.
“This is a decision that has taken a lot of consideration, as we know that some of our supporters like to collect a physical keepsake from the matches they attend in the form of a programme.
“However, the reality is that sales of our matchday programmes have dwindled in recent years – I think many supporters would be surprised to learn that only around 300 on average are purchased on matchdays, and as a result, at that volume we are not able to generate any revenue for the Club.
“We believe switching to a free-to-view, digital format will enable more supporters than ever before to view our programmes, delivering a better fan experience and also more exposure and value for our Club partners.”
Jack Miller, Communications Director at Saints
“Over 2,500 unique users viewed the digital programme we trialled at last season’s ‘Green Game’, for example. Speaking of which, the move is also positive for our ambitions in sustainability.
“At cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, we want to operate the most sustainable rugby stadium in the country, and to be a pioneer for climate action in rugby and beyond. A digital programme prevents thousands of pages being printed for every home matchday and then transported to the stadium, substantially reducing our impact on the environment.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Zeeon, who are well-established in their field with many rugby and football clubs already using their platform. We’re very confident our supporters will find this new service easy to use, and enjoy keeping up-to-date with all the latest from Northampton Saints on matchdays via Zeeon.”
Will Biggs, Managing Director at Zeeon, added: “We’re very excited to be working alongside Northampton Saints ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“While we already collaborate with multiple clubs across the Gallagher Premiership and URC, having the Premiership champions host exclusive elements of their match programme via our platform is an incredible milestone for us.”
Will Biggs, Managing Director at Zeeon
“We look forward to working closely with the Club and receiving valuable feedback from the fanbase to help us continually improve our platform. Our goal is to transform a traditional aspect of matchday into a dynamic and interactive experience for supporters.”
