EXETER CITY 14.01.1

HOW TO GET THERE

CAR
Leave the M5 at Junction 30 and follow signs for Exeter city centre along Sidmouth Road (A379) and then onto Rydon Lane (A3015). Take the Sidmouth Road turn off (B3183) towards the city centre. Keep going towards the town centre as the road becomes Heavitree Road. On nearing the city centre take the fourth exit at the large roundabout onto Western Way. At the next roundabout take the second exit onto Old Tiverton Road then turn left into St James Road for the ground.

PARKING
There are residents only schemes in operation around the ground and remember this is a tourist city so these will be strictly enforced. The city centre is a short stroll away where you should be able to use public car-parks.

TRAIN
Although St James Park Station is just behind the main stand, expect to land at either Exeter Central or St David’s Stations. These are a decent walk to the ground, heading in the direction of the city centre.

PUBS/FOOD
Exeter city centre is a short walk from the ground, where there are a wide range of pubs that would suit most tastes. Sidwell Street is close to the ground which houses a large number of pubs and take-aways, but can get a little punchy late at night. Before the game you should be ok though. The best pubs near to the ground are;

Duke of York- Located on Sidwell Street, this is a medium sized traditional pub which attracts a mix of fans on match days. It has a pool table and others basic facilities in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wells Tavern- This pub is a Sam Collins header from the away turnstiles and has a great reputation amongst football fans and real-ale buffs. They serve a good range of ales and proper cider for those that dare try it. Away fans are welcomed and they may also offer cheap, but tasty sandwiches to help soak up the alcohol. I remember this pub being quite small, but a friendly place and great for a bit of banter with the home fans.

The Bowling Green- Before you get too excited this is just a name for the pub and it’s located on the Blackboy Road which leads away from the city centre. Again this has a good reputation for its quality of beer and may be a little quieter than other pubs near to the ground.

The Victoria Inn- This is a 5 minute walk from the main stand in Victoria Street. Again it has a good reputation locally and welcomes away fans to soak up its friendly atmosphere. The pub is popular with students, but don’t let this put you off as they will still be asleep until after the game. Food is served and is of the basic, cheap variety.

ST JAMES PARK- Capacity 8,830 (3,800 seated)
This is one St James park where you won’t be charged a fully-fit limb to sit 100ft from a flight path, whilst listening to a bunch of whining home fans harping on about the glory (but trophy-less) days of ‘King Kevin’ and Alan Shearer. It is a traditional style, homely ground, full of character and unusual features.

Away fans are housed on an open footpath at the St James Terrace end of the ground. Just over 1,000 fans can be held in sardine like conditions on this terrace, but fortunately there should be a bit more room for our visit. This stand is basic in the kindest sense and offers no roof to help generate the occasional bit of atmosphere. You will however be certain of a TV appearance if a goal is scored at this end.

To the left of this stand is a ‘proper’ lower division grandstand, complete with windshields and restricted views. This stand straddles the half-way line and covers around 1/3rd of the pitch. There are a small number of seats allocated to visiting supporters, but expect basic facilities. The train station is located at the back of this stand.

To the right is the FlyBe Stand, which a smart, modern all-seated stand, offering the best seats and facilities in the ground. This covers the full length of the pitch and houses the usual posh fans and executive boxes.

At the opposite end to the away terrace is the Big Bank, which is a great expanse of standing that is rare, even in the lower divisions in the current era. This is an impressive large terrace that was built in around 2001, and offers a cover to help the faithful raise some noise for their team.

SAFETY
The home fans are a good bunch and will happily enjoy a bit of banter over a barrel or 2 of cider. Some of the locals can be a little mouthy, especially after the game.

PRICE