YORK City will be able to host 8,500 fans from this weekend on at the LNER Community Stadium after the capacity cap was lifted.

Saturday's FA Cup first round proper home tie against Buxton will be the first game to be allowed the new ground's full capacity.

Previously, York had been limited to, first, 2,000, and then 4,000 from late August.

York Stadium Management Company, which operates the stadium, was granted the ‘unrestricted’ certificate by York’s Safety at Sports Advisory Group on Tuesday.

City sporting director Dave Penney said: “We are delighted that the LNER Community Stadium has been granted a safety certificate to allow a full capacity crowd.

"This is especially important for the football club ahead of our Emirates FA Cup first round tie against Buxton this Saturday, and with the increase in crowds game-by-game which has seen two fixtures reach above the 3,000 mark.

"We are excited to continue a new chapter in our state-of-the-art facility which we hope will be a catalyst for success at York City.”

Also relieved to hear the news are York City Knights RLFC, who share the ground with the football club.

Knights chairman Jon Flatman commented: “This news is a further step forward in the improvement of matchday experience for fans of rugby league.

“As we progress through a relaxation of the Covid regulations, we anticipate a rise in spectator numbers delivered through an improved service for all fans and a return to the 'unmissable' matchday atmosphere at the Knights."