Matchday Family Fun: Swansea City

Swansea Match Day Family Fun

It's finally a football weekend back at St James Park, as we welcome Swansea City to Devon for our final pre-season friendly of the summer, which is also Pierce Sweeney's testimonial fixture. There is plenty going on in EX4 before the game, so get down early and soak up the atmosphere. 
 
Celebrating ten years as a Grecian, the match kicks off a special year for our skipper, but it is also an important fixture for the team as they prepare for the start of the Sky Bet League One season at Doncaster next weekend.

The match will be the return of Josh Key to SJP for the first time since he left the club for South Wales two years ago, and will be the first time we have played Swansea since a friendly in 2019.

Matchday Timetable - don't miss a thing!

Your Match Day Timetable

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

9am: 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

10am: 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).

10am: 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. 

10am: The bars start to open on a staggered basis beginning with the Centre Spot and Fan Zone.

10am: Hospitality is open for two-course meal and interviews in the Heritage Suite.

10am: You can catch Lexi posing for selfies starting from the Fan Zone to welcome supporters and players and into the Stadium by noon. 

10:30pm:  Museum opened for your visit in the Fan Zone.

10:35am: Last train for services from Okehampton to SJP

11am: Players are arriving and are happy to sign autographs or pose for selfies in the Fan Zone. Why not tweet your picture to #SemperFidelis or share on our other social media platforms.

11:30am: Subject to weather it’s the return of “Name the Squad”. 

11:30am: Match Day Experience youngsters enter the Optimising IT Adam Stansfield stand. Programmes, food and drinks supplied as part of their package.  

11:30am: Familiarisation Mini Tour for first time visitors starts from the Academy Stall.  

11:43am: Last pre-match service to SJP from Exeter St Davids (11:35 from Barnstaple)

11:45am: The volunteer run Information Point and Academy stall open in the Fan Zone.  Your meet and greet Ambassador team volunteers are available for help and directions.

11:45am: Fan Zone competition. Programme sellers operating outside the stadium.

11:45am: All turnstiles are open (including the Optimising It Adam Stansfield Stand) 

1pm: The Big Kick Off. Enjoy YOUR Match.

Half-time: 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.  Club Shop, Fan Zone, and Centre Spot open to home supporters in the Nevada Construction Main Stand.

Red & Fed kiosks close when all customers have been satisfied.

Final Whistle: Why rush away? Try out the new Centre Spot. 

3:27pm: Post match trains start from St James Park (Exeter) station to mainline St David’s (Crediton/Okehampton service) and 3:24pm to Exmouth.

Travel Guide

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St James Park Station

Getting to SJP on match days (EX4 6PX – visiting fans EX4 6PU) cannot be easier for you.  

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 extra busy and slow. Parking will also be at a premium for a full house. Rail from Exeter St David’s  will see extra services but some normally timetabled Exmouth bound trains will not be stopping at SJP (Exeter) station. 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.

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

Exeter Coach Station is also less than half a mile walk away, offering both regional and nationwide services.

TRAIN: St James Park boasts one of the frew 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 £2.70 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.

CYCLING: There are racks available at the stadium, with extra capacity on nearby Sidwell Street should these areas be full. Exeter’s cycling network is continually improving and many of the surrounding streets have dedicated cycling infrastructure.

CAR:

  • 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.

There are no major traffic 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 9am 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.

Your first visit?

Your first visit?

Head for the Fan Zone Academy Stall or Information Point by 11:30am 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.

First Time visitors can also register for free entry in a draw for a signed match ball at end of season. Youngsters will also receive a certificate celebrating their first match.

If it is your first visit please let us know by emailing customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk and we will endeavour to make it memorable for you. 

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 very warm 23C with sunny spells. So don’t forget the sunscreen!

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

There is a special Guard of Honour on Saturday involving the players.  But normal service will be resumed for the visit of Blackpool (August 9). Want to be on the pitch as the players enter SJP? Then be part of the flag waving, Guard of Honour!  Please email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk to book in for a future match.

Guard of Honour

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

Meet Grecian and Lexi!

Lexi the Lion

Introducing your principal Match Day Hosts:  our Pride of Lions, Grecian and his younger sister Lexi. They will be pleased to see you and help you Rrrroar on your team. Grecian is still on his summer holiday, but will be back next for the Blackpool game - but make sure you say hello to Lexi!

Lexi will be Red and Fed and prowling around the stadium waiting for you! 

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Grecian and Lexi the Lions with a young fan

Keep an eye out around the Park for the mischievous Lion! 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!

Read the PS26 match day programme!

Saturday's programme is entirely digital and is FREE to read for everyone. Simply click here to read it. It's a special testimonial edition for our skipper!

A very limited number of printed programmes will be available to purchase for £2.50.

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

Eating and Drinking Options

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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Red or Fed 2025 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.

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 1917 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. You can ask our Ambassador Team at the entrances about the Church under the car park or other points of interest.

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

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Family fun at SJP

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.