URGENT UPDATE: Fans of Coventry City and Ipswich Town are being warned to prepare for a busy travel day ahead of their crucial Championship match at The CBS Arena this evening. The match kicks off at the unusual time of 6 PM today, December 29, 2025, and both teams are vying for promotion to the Premier League.
West Midlands Railway has issued a safety advisory for fans traveling by train, urging them to check their journeys before heading out. The company confirmed via social media that they expect services into Coventry to be exceptionally crowded. Their message reads: “We expect services heading into Coventry to be busier than usual,” and adds that “there will be an additional calling pattern at Coventry Arena” as fans arrive for the match.
The early kick-off time on a Monday is rare and adds another layer of challenge for supporters, especially since many will be returning from work. The situation is likely to be exacerbated by the post-Christmas rush, as shoppers and commuters flood the city center around the same time. Fans are advised to leave earlier than usual to avoid missing any action.
The English Football League’s decision to schedule such a significant match at this time allows for two live matches to be broadcast on Sky Sports Football tonight, including a later game featuring Birmingham City and Southampton at 8:15 PM. With the first Monday after the Christmas break typically being one of the busiest, fans should prepare for heavy traffic as well.
In a similar match earlier this year, Coventry and Ipswich faced off in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, where fans experienced delays and missed key moments of the game. The opening goal came from Ipswich just one minute in, while Coventry equalized shortly after. Ipswich ultimately won 4-1, yet many fans were still settling into their seats at that point.
This time, with another packed crowd expected, West Midlands Railway is emphasizing the importance of planning travel ahead of time to ensure fans don’t miss the kickoff.
Fans should stay tuned for updates and plan accordingly to enjoy what promises to be an electrifying match at The CBS Arena.
As the excitement builds, those heading to the game are reminded that every minute counts. Make sure to check your journey and allow for extra travel time to witness every exhilarating moment of this critical Championship showdown.
