Chiefs prepare for stadium opening

The Exeter Chiefs rugby union team are preparing for the first home game at their new Sandy Park stadium this weekend (16 September).

The club, which plays in National Division One, will play the first match at the 6,000-capacity venue against Coventry.

The Chiefs left the County Ground – their home of more than 100 years – after viability studies showed huge investment would be required to modernise the ground.

The move, which has been driven by chief executive, Tony Rowe, is part of a push to see the club playing in the Premiership – the new venue would be easily adapted to meet the requirements of rugby union's top flight.

The £15m complex features a major new conferencing venue with capacity for 500, as well as training facilities and pitches, including a third generation artificial turf training pitch. A David Lloyd tennis centre is also planned for the site.

Director of rugby, Peter Drewett, said: "Our new stadium at Sandy Park makes a bold statement about the ambitions and aspirations of Exeter Chiefs, but we still face a stiff challenge of settling in to a new home as quickly as possible and learning to use its wonderful facilities to the very best advantage over many years to come."