COMMENT: For one busy Friday night in late January, Northampton will be the focus of the BT Sport cameras when the Cobblers' Emirates FA Cup 4th round tie with Derby County is shown live, at the same time as Northampton Saints take on London Irish at Franklins Gardens, a game also being shown live by the same broadcaster.
That is sure to be some night for the town!
With both games set to attract big crowds, yes, it will mean busy roads and maybe journeys for supporters will take longer than usual, but for the town of Northampton, and in particular, our sporting clubs, it promises to be an exciting evening.
Whether you are watching the football or the rugby, the name of Northampton will be flashed across the country, Europe and the world and that sort of advertising is priceless for the town and the area.
It is also a chance for Northamptonians to be proud of the town.
Professional football clubs are valuable, not every town, city or county has them.
Professional rugby clubs are valuable, not every town, city or county has them.
Indeed, first class cricket counties are valuable, and not every county has them either.
When you consider the fantastic work these clubs do in the community on a daily basis, improving the lives of thousands of people, their value to the town is even greater.
So, while it might take you a while longer to make your journey to the game (the two clubs and the police will be working together to keep any delays to a minimum), Friday January 24th will be a proud night for Northampton.
Win, lose or draw in either or both games that evening, it is a night to be proud. The town of Northampton, for one evening at least, will be very much on the map in a way that many other towns and cities would love to be.
#ProudToBe