Matchday Family Fun: Stevenage

Matchday Family Fun: Stevenage

Family Fun Stevenage

Your match day at SJP is not just about the 90 minutes of football! There is far more to Exeter City and not just on a match day. 

On Saturday we host Stevenage at SJP and it should be a really interesting match. Stevenage started the season winning 11 of the first 15 fixtures and enjoyed a spell in the automatic promotion places.They remain just outside the play-off places despite only wining one of their last 9 games. Both matches were home wins last year.

Ahead of the game on Friday there is a Fans' Forum with Club chairman Richard Pym in the Zebel Trust Suite. All welcome to attend. 

On Saturday there will be magic and balloon modelling from 1:15pm with Lez the Fez. At half-time there will be a half-time presentation to the Royal British Legion following the auction of Poppy warm-up shirts. The person receiving the cheque will be David Fitzgerald. The radio and tv personality is president of one of the local RBL branches.  

We are looking for two under-14's for the half-time race-off and under-12's for the flag-waving Guard of Honour. To volunteer your youngster please email: customerservices@ecfc.co.uk.

Lez the Fez returns!

Back by popular demand! Lez the Fez will bring his unique blend of magic, balloon modelling and humour to St James Park on Saturday!

Lez the Fez is one of the most popular magicians and entertainers in Devon with his amazing sleight-of-hand close up magic, balloon modelling and humour putting him at the top of his magician profession.

Lez will be undertaking a walking performance through the Centre Spot, Fan Zone Junior Grecians Family Zone and all the hospitality areas.

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Question to help:

We would like to improve our matchday options at your SJP.  What items would you like to see introduced?

  • None, perfectly happy
  • More healthy options
  • More Free From choice
  • Other Fan Zone options to support Kenniford and the Donut pitches.
  • Suggested products...

Please email: customerservices@ecfc.co.uk with your feedback.

Special Saturday Activities

  • Magic and balloons with Lez the Fez
  • Half-time race-off – 2 City and 2 Stevenage volunteers required
  • Centre Spot Reduced Pints (12pm-2pm), FECRACE real ale bar,
  • Museum open from 12:30pm
  • Guard of Honour -  U12 participation – flags available
  • Live on the Big Screens – EFL matches plus Man United vs Man City; Swansea vs Birmingham; Forest vs Arsenal the results and goals!

Matchday Timetable - don't miss a thing!

Your Match Day Timetable for Saturday

Tickets can be purchased at tickets.ecfc.co.uk! Please note the £2/£1advance discount is no longer available after midnight on Friday.

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Match Info 3pm kick-off

11am: FREE Stadium Tour - The highly acclaimed Stadium Tour is available to supporters who have pre-booked. You can book your place on future Match Day Tours (Saturdays 11am) at the Academy Stall in the Fan Zone, in the shop or by email to stadium.tours@ecfc.co.uk

11am: The bars start to open on a staggered basis beginning with the Centre Spot and Fan Zone. Take advantage of the branded £3.95 pint offer.

12pm: The Club Shop opens until the last customer leaves post-match. Youngsters can enter a guess the time of the first goal to win a £20 voucher (no purchase necessary).

12pm: The Home and Away Ticket Booth (Fan Zone) will be open if you haven’t purchased your match tickets or other matches currently on sale. The ticket office is also the place to head for if you have tickets for collections. 

12pm: The Junior Grecians Zone opens for members. Face painting available.

12pm: Hospitality is open for two-course Chicken and leak pie with cheesecake dessert and interviews.

12pm: You can catch Grecian the Lion and his younger sister Lexi posing for selfies starting from the Junior Grecian Zone before moving out to the Fan Zone to welcome supporters and players and into the Stadium by noon.

12:30pm: Sky Sports News on the big screen in the Centre Spot and the live match.

12:30pm: Museum opened for your visit in the Fan Zone.

1pm: The players start to arrive and are happy to sign autographs or pose for selfies. Why not tweet your picture to #SemperFidelis or our other social media platforms.

1pm: Kenniford Farm offer you hot fresh farm produce (and chips) from their unit in the Fan Zone. Please note that with the cover in place you find it in a new location.

1pm: Undercroft in the Optimising IT stand activities include Legends bar, TVs, history display and Red & Fed kiosk.

1:30pm: Familiarisation Mini Tour for first time visitors starts from the Academy Stall in the Fan Zone.  

1:45pm: The information Point and Academy stall open in the Fan Zone. Your meet and greet Ambassador team are available for help and directions.

1:45pm: Programme sellers operating outside the stadium.

1:45pm: Subject to weather it’s the return of Play Your Cards Right. Prizes include shirt of your choice, footballs, EAFC 25 games and t-shirts for adults. 

2pm: Turnstiles (including Optimising IT Adam Stansfield) open (Red and Fed Kiosks available).

2:05pm: Teams announced in your Fan Zone by rival supporters.

2:35pm: The Guard of Honour take to the field.

3pm: The big kick-off! Enjoy your match.

Half-time: At half-time there will be a presentation to Royal British Legion. Your match day race off between (U14) supporters on the astro in front of the Nevada Construction main Stand. Bars open on the Big Bank and Optimising IT Adam Stansfield stand under croft (TVs, kiosks and Legends bar). Junior Grecian Zone (kiosk available) open for all Nevada Construction ticket holders. Fan Zone reopens: Shop, Bar, Kenniford Farm Food and Centre Spot open to home supporters in the Nevada Construction Main Stand.

Final Whistle: Why rush away? Sky Sports results and goals in the Centre Spot. The Live match will be on the screens. Some pints reduced in price if you are a member of the Supporters’ Trust. 

Post match trains start from St James Park (Exeter) station to mainline St David’s and 4:58 to Exmouth.

Travel Guide

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St James Park Station

On the Green theme please consider using public services or more active transport and allow extra time for your journey.

It is anticipated all M5 junctions will be quiet. Parking will also be easier. Rail from Exeter St David’s will see extra service so please consult timetables/information boards.

Despite being in the heart of Exeter’s bustling city centre, getting to SJP on match days couldn’t be easier!

BUS: 

Local Stagecoach buses drop off on several streets in the local vicinity all around the stadium (York Road, Pennsylvania Road, Prince Charles Road, Union Road, Sidwell Street, Old Tiverton Road, Blackboy Road etc.).

Please be aware Exeter High Street Closure from 24th February 2025, for up to three weeks. Services Affected: 173, 360, A, B, C, E, F1, F2, H, I, J, K, P, R, S.  

All of Exeter’s Park & Ride services drop Close to the City Centre, which is a short walk away from the stadium gates. Exeter Coach Station is also less than half a mile walk away, offering both regional and nationwide services.

A maximum £3 single fare is still in place for all Devon local services.

TRAIN: 

St James Park boasts one of the few operating matchday station in the whole of the EFL! The station sits on the London Waterloo line out of the City & has become a match day hub with regular services running from Exeter St. David’s, Exeter Central, Exmouth/Paignton, Okehampton and Barnstaple.

Match Day timetable changes mean that trains calling at all stations from Okehampton and Barnstaple are extended to finish/return from St James Park (Exeter) station.  Passengers from London Waterloo should change at either Pinhoe or Exeter Central for services to St James Park. Passengers from London Paddington, Cornwall and from Liverpool/Manchester or further north should change at Exeter St. David’s. 

A return fare from Exeter St. David’s costs £2.80 but is free if travelling from further afield and St James Park selected as your destination at the time of booking. Services for you this Saturday are at 3, 17 and 43 minutes past the hour. Returns start at 4:51, 5:10 and 5:21 for St David’s and 5:58 to Exmouth.
 

DRIVING:

  • Sat nav: Home fans: EX4 6PX
  • Visiting fans: EX4 6PU

There is extremely limited parking at our stadium, with several city-centre car parks within fairly close range. There is also limited on-street parking for considerate drivers. Wherever possible, we recommend the use of public transport, Park & Ride services, or active transport (walking & cycling) to reach St James Park on matchday.

CYCLING: racks are available for you at the stadium and throughout Sidwell Street.

PARKING: There is extremely limited parking at our stadium, with several city-centre car parks within fairly close range. There is also limited on-street parking for considerate drivers. We recommend active transport (walking and cycling) to reach St James Park on matchday.

But please plan to leave home early as some traffic and parking delays expected.

Fan Zone Activity

Regardless of the weather at your SJP, there will always be a warm welcome for you.  
With genuine commitment to see you spend an enjoyable match day with us. 

And for supporters who love a variety of great food and drink alongside fun and games, your Fan Zone is the ideal pre-match venue.

Starting at 11am with the FREE stadium Tour. Before the opening of the Club shop, ticket office and the staggered opening of bars (with TVs) and local farm food outlet. Please note that because of the early kick off the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield stand will only open one hour before kick-off at the same time as the other stands.

Lez the Fez will be on his individual stadium tour with his magic and balloon modelling from 1:15. Starting in the Fan Zone before moving into the Junior Grecian Zone and onto the stadium.

Announcements will include away travel update, Women’s football with a Grecian and a Boro supporter announcing their respective teams around 2pm
 

Your first visit?

If you are first time visitors you can register at the Academy Table in the Fan Zone for free entry in a draw for a signed match ball at end of season. Youngster will also receive a certificate celebrating their first match.

If you are making your SJP debut please let us know by emailing customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk and we will endeavour to make it memorable for you.

Should you need any help or assistance your Ambassador team can be found at entrance points and inside the stadium. They have lots of extra facilities available including wheelchairs should you find you need one.

Head for the Fan Zone Academy Stall or Information Point by 1:30pm to join our brief Familiarisation/Induction Tour with a picture opportunity. The ideal pre-courser to returning for the full 11am outstanding and free match day Stadium Tour. To book for the 11am tour please email stadium.tours@ecfc.co.uk.

Special Occasions?
Please let us know and we will try and make it special for you and/or arrange a half-time birthday/milestone message. Email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.

Three helpful tips for parents on your first visit:

  • The stadium can be noisy - especially when City score a goal. Consider ear defenders (which will also minimise any local deviation from the King’s English);
  • Make sure youngsters have an emergency contact number in case they get split up from you;
  • And always check the weather before your journey so that you have appropriate clothing. The forecast for your Match Day Saturday is for a warm afternoon!

Family Areas at SJP and Tickets

We pride ourselves that your SJP is virtually a family stadium. Block E in the Nevada Construction Main Stand is the principal area. The second area we recommend is Black A in the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield Stand. The stand has been decorated by the Museum Trust with lots of standout pictures and impressive stories regaling the history of your club.  

The newest stand features in its under croft two Red and Fed kiosks, a Legends bar for grownups, a plethora of widescreen TVs featuring the televised game pre-match and the half time results service. The stand now boasts a new retail outlet where you can purchase all your genuine Grecian merchandise.  There is also a changing places facility. With so much going on it’s no wonder the stand normally opens an hour earlier than all the other stands. The final area is on the Big Bank denoted by a red floor and white barriers.

To buy tickets, please click here.

The Weather

The Exeter weather looks like being a mildish 8c with sunny intervals giving way to a cloudy evening.

Announce the team or join the Guard of Honour

Announce the City team

If you have the drive and feel you can get supporters cheering you can announce the City team in the Fan Zone. You can volunteer on the day or in advance by contacting customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.

Join the guard of honour

Want to be on the pitch as the players enter SJP? Then be part of the flag waving, Guard of Honour! Saturday still has ALL places available! Please email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk

If your child would like to be part of the flag waving team welcoming the players and officials onto the pitch at a future game please email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.

Guard of Honour

It’s FREE. Children taking part not only get on the pitch but also receive a certificate of participation.

Junior Grecians Family Zone

Junior Grecians Lounge

New this season is face painting to show your colours!

The room provides a safe comfortable environment for families to enjoy pre-match entertainment, such as a large screen TVs, Playstation consoles and Table Football, as well as the option to enjoy refreshments from the Zone’s very own kiosk. The family room also has a volunteer providing face painting  to “show your colours. 

Opening to members from 12pm on Saturday and to all from 1.30pm.

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JG Zone

Meet Grecian and Lexi!

Grecian and Lexi

Yes! They are back for you! And no doubt up to even more capers and mayhem! Keep an eye out for Grecian and Lexi! They will be in the Junior Grecian Zone and the Fan Zone from 1pm before moving into the stadium to greet you. 

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Grecian and Lexi the Lions with a young fan

Surely, no trip to SJP would be complete without a picture with our mascots Grecian and his younger sister Lexi the Lions. Keep an eye out around the Park for the mischievous pair! You can follow their antics on Twitter @Grecianlexi. Why not send them a picture for them to hang up in their Lions Den.

Grab a matchday programme!

Your match-day programme, the Grecian is on sale for £3. To avoid disappointment buy your copy from the various locations outside the stadium.  

Programmes will also be on sale at the Red & Fed Kiosk.

Visit the Club Shop

The shop runs its own match day competition for younger supporters. Predict the time of the first goal and the prize is yours.

Make your way to the Club Shop before or after the match. It is the only way to obtain your official City souvenirs and check out what’s new or any special offers. Everything for you from current and retro replica kits to pocket money items. And remember if you are a member of the Trust or Junior Grecians there is a 10% in store discount (Excl. match programmes and reduced/sale items). 

Click here to shop online.

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New away shirt

Eating and Drinking options

Apart from the hospitality and bar options locally farm sourced hot snacks are available in the Fan Zone from Kenniford Farm. For your delight they will be providing their usual farm produced pre-match fare (including chips) and will also be open at half-time for users of the Nevada Construction stand.

Inside the Stadium the kiosks have a range of food, confectionary and drinks available to you. If you are in the Navada Construction stand please remember that the JG Zone is open for all at half-time and also has a kiosk. Giving you the opportunity to catch the half time results on their big screen while you much your pasty or drink your coffee. Adults in the Main Stand can of course also watch the half-times in the Centre Spot over a quick pint and pasty.

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Fanzone Bar menu

Bars

You are spoilt for choice! The Fan Zone has its own bar area.  Leading off from the Fan Zone is the Centre Spot bar which also houses the Famous Exeter City Real Ale & Cider Emporium.

On the other side of the Stadium you will find the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield stand under croft 'Legends' bar. 

In the stadium the Big Bank has a half-time break-out bar.

The Donut Man

Back by popular demand is the Donut Man on St James Road near the away end!

Think loaded fresh donuts, waffles, cable sweets and much more! 

Fresh donuts

City Museum Trust

ECFC Museum Trust

Your burgeoning Museum Room is open for FREE Stadium Tours on most match days, hospitality guests and for everyone on Wednesday afternoons. The purpose of the museum is to collect, preserve, share and celebrate the history and heritage of ECFC.

Our stadium-wide approach has produced a range of displays at every opportunity at St James Park.  In the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield stand you will find the Hall of Fame displays and History of ECFC Timeline. The Road to Brazil in the entrance to the JG Zone (by the way the 1914 match ball is in the Museum and well worth a look), a list of every player behind Gate 3 and many other picture boards across the walls.

Accessibility on matchdays

Soccer Sight

Headsets are readily available for you to collect from your ticket office ahead of kick-off. To book one in advance, please contact reception on 01392 411 243 or by emailing tickets@ecfc.co.uk

Autism

To further the football club’s commitment to making matchdays inclusive to all, please remember Exeter City have some Autism packs available. Please ask at the Information Point. 

Wheelchair Access Points:

Stadium Way - Gate 1 (Optimising IT Stand, Nevada Construction Stand and Big Bank)

Tracks Suzuki St James Road - Gate 5 Visiting Supporters

If you find you need a wheelchair please ask at the Information Point where an Ambassador will let you use one of our reserve chairs.

Extra Assistance? We Care

  • Autism packs are available for youngsters including ear defenders – ask an Ambassador.
  • Soccer Sight commentary headsets for you if you have vision restrictions – ask at the Ticket office. 
  • Changing Places facility available for you in the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield Stand.
  • 6 Accessible facilities.
  • 4 Baby changing facilities.

Information Point

The information Point is the ideal meeting place and will have programmes and team sheets available for you. It also runs a “Bring and Buy” stall of football memorabilia to raise funds for the Academy.

Special Occasion?

As well as letting us know if it is your first visit please let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion. We will try and make it special for you and/or arrange a half-time message. Email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk

Three helpful tips for parents you on your first visit:

  • The stadium can be noisy - especially when City score a goal. Consider ear defenders (which will also minimise any local deviation from the King’s English);
  • Make sure youngsters have an emergency contact number in case they get split up from you;
  • And always check the weather before your journey so that you have appropriate clothing. The forecast for your Match Day Saturday is for a warm afternoon!

Feedback

We hope that you enjoy your day with us at St James Park! We would really appreciate any feedback you may have about the experience. Please either email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk, media@ecfc.co.uk, or message us on Twitter: @officialecfc

If you want to report any incident (facilities or behaviour): please text immediately “Help” to 62277.