Exeter Chiefs
Sandy Park is a good example of what can happen when a rugby club takes a gamble and gets it right.
When Exeter Chiefs left their traditional County Ground in the middle of Exeter in 2006, they moved to what was then basically a field next to the M5. The new stadium initially held just 5,000 and there were apparently concerns that supporters wouldn't bother travelling out of town to watch the Chiefs.
They needn't have worried.
Twenty years later Sandy Park holds around 15,000 and Exeter have won two Premiership titles and a European Cup. Not bad for a club which was only promoted to the top flight in 2010.The stadium itself has developed considerably over the years and is now a proper Premiership venue. There are four main spectator areas, with the West Grandstand, Inch's Stand and upper East Stand providing covered seating, while the North Terrace is covered standing and the East Terrace is uncovered.
And it has become about considerably more than rugby.
Sandy Park has a large conference and hospitality operation which helps generate income when there isn't a match on. On match days there is plenty going on before kick-off, with food, drink and entertainment making it as much of a social occasion as a rugby match.
The atmosphere can be excellent, particularly when the Chiefs are playing one of the bigger names. Exeter have built up a very loyal following and the stadium can certainly make plenty of noise when the home supporters get going.
The location is both a blessing and a slight curse. It is extremely easy to reach by road, being just off Junction 30 of the M5, and there are railway stations at Digby & Sowton and Newcourt nearby.
On the other hand, it isn't exactly in the centre of Exeter. This is one of those grounds where you need to know where you're going rather than simply wandering into town and following the crowd.
They have some reasonable food options, including a curry stall.Ticket prices are very much Premiership prices, although there is quite a range. For a 2026/27 league match, standing starts at around £33 in the North Terrace, while seated tickets range from roughly £44 to £97 depending on where you want to sit.
That's not cheap, but at least there is a choice. If you're happy to stand, you don't have to pay nearly £100 to watch your rugby.
One thing I particularly like about Sandy Park is that, despite all the development, it still feels like it belongs to the rugby club rather than being a generic stadium that happens to have a rugby team playing there.
And that is probably the biggest compliment I can give it.
Exeter took a considerable gamble when they left the city centre. Twenty years on, Sandy Park has grown alongside the club and has become one of the established Premiership grounds.
Not bad for somewhere that started life as a 5,000-seat stadium next to the M5.
Prices correct as at September 2026
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