Sandy Park

Sandy Park stands as one of English rugby's most modern and dynamically evolving stadiums. Located on the outskirts of Exeter, Devon, adjacent to Junction 30 of the M5 motorway, this purpose-built rugby facility has been the home of Exeter Chiefs since September 2006, marking a revolutionary moment in the club's history. CONSTRUCTION & OPENING Sandy Park opened on 1 September 2006 as a state-of-the-art 5,000-capacity facility, initially constructed to serve as both a rugby stadium and an events and conference centre. The £15 million construction project was designed to provide Exeter Chiefs with a modern, purpose-built home after more than a century at the County Ground. The original design incorporated flexibility for future expansion, acknowledging the club's ambitions to ascend to the Premiership Rugby tier. GROWTH & EXPANSION PHASES The stadium has undergone a series of phased expansions that reflect Exeter Chiefs' remarkable sporting success. In 2014, the first major redevelopment increased capacity to 12,500 in preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The 2015 World Cup proved a turning point—Sandy Park hosted five matches during the tournament, breaking its attendance record with 11,618 spectators for a Women's Rugby World Cup match in 2025. In 2017, following the Exeter Chiefs' first Premiership Rugby championship title (2016–17 season), further alterations enhanced capacity to approximately 13,500 as sustained supporter interest demanded expanded facilities. Most recently, completed in 2022, the multi-million pound East Stand expansion introduced 1,948 additional covered seats, extending capacity to the current 15,600, while significantly improving concourse facilities, hospitality boxes, and spectator amenities. EXETER CHIEFS' SUCCESS Exeter Chiefs were promoted to Premiership Rugby in 2010 after a successful period in the Championship. Since their arrival in the top tier, they have established themselves as one of English rugby's elite clubs. The Chiefs have won the Premiership Rugby championship twice (2016–17, 2019–20), reached four additional finals, and achieved the zenith of European club rugby by winning the Champions Cup in October 2020, defeating Racing 92 of France. The club's success has been inextricably linked to Sandy Park—their spiritual and operational home since 2006. MODERN FACILITIES & ATMOSPHERE Today, Sandy Park offers comprehensive modern facilities befitting a Premiership club: premium hospitality areas, banqueting facilities accommodating over 1,000 delegates, state-of-the-art conference spaces, and diverse seating options catering to different supporter experiences. The Desso GrassMaster pitch—a hybrid surface combining natural grass with reinforced fibres—withstands the intensive usage demands of top-tier rugby. The stadium's multipurpose nature enables hosting concerts, conferences, and other events, generating revenue beyond match days. LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY Sandy Park's location adjacent to the M5 motorway (Junction 30) makes it highly accessible by road from across the South West and beyond. The stadium sits approximately four miles east of Exeter city centre, with developing transport links and growing facilities for spectators arriving via public transport. The surrounding landscape—Devon countryside adjacent to the motorway—creates a distinct atmosphere compared to city-centre stadiums. FUTURE VISION Planning permission granted in 2012 envisioned a 20,000-capacity stadium developed in phases. Exeter Chiefs continue to explore further expansion and modernization as the club solidifies its position among English rugby's premier institutions. Sandy Park represents not merely a venue but a symbol of Exeter Chiefs' journey from Championship contenders to Premiership champions and European competitors. SIGNIFICANCE TODAY Sandy Park has evolved from a modest 5,000-capacity facility to a 15,600-capacity Premiership rugby headquarters hosting international matches and world-class competition. Its story mirrors Exeter Chiefs' ascent from ambitious challengers to established elite rugby club, making it one of England's most strategically important and continuously improving rugby stadiums.