New TV gantry approved for Boston United’s Jakemans Community Stadium

Boston United will install a new TV gantry at the Jakemans Community Stadium as the Pilgrims begin their return to the National League, following last season’s dramatic promotion to the fifth tier of English football.

Plans for a new TV gantry atop the east stand and a new external access staircase were approved by Boston Borough Council ahead of the Pilgrims’ first game back in the National League — a 3-0 home defeat to Rochdale.

Boston United were promoted from the National League North last season to return to the summit of non-league football for the first time since 2002.

The Pilgrims moved into the Jakemans Community Stadium in 2020 upon its completion, leaving York Street after almost 100 years of memories.

The gantry is the latest addition to the facilities at the ground — and is a requirement set out for all National League clubs, as per the FA guidelines.

The club believe it will boost their matchday coverage — and could help if the Pilgrims appear on TNT Sports, the channel that screens games in the new division.

The gantry will be 6m wide, approximately 7.5m above ground level and constructed out of grey metal cladding, matching the stands at the existing stadium.

At present footage is recorded from the West Stand, the ground’s main stand and seating area, but the move to the opposite side should provide a more eye-catching backdrop for viewers.

Fans in the UK can also live stream all National League contests which are not screened during the Saturday afternoon blackout, while highlights packages are also uploaded to YouTube from home games.