St James Park is the home of Exeter City Football Club, located in Exeter, Devon. Opened in 1904, it has hosted the club for over a century, making it a key part of Exeter’s sporting heritage.
The stadium holds significance for fans due to its long-standing community ties and the unique ownership model, with Exeter City being supporter-owned since 2003. It has a capacity of around 8,500, including the iconic Big Bank terrace, the largest standing terrace in the English Football League. A visit offers insight into a club deeply rooted in fan culture and local football history.
St James Park Stats
Opened in 1904, St James Park is home to Exeter City FC. With a capacity of around 8,500, it is one of the more intimate venues in the English Football League, known for its close connection to fans. Located in Exeter, Devon, the stadium is recognised for its supporter-owned model and features the Big Bank terrace—one of the largest standing terraces in the league.
Though not a regular host of major events, it remains a historic site for lower-league football fans and an essential part of Exeter’s sporting identity.
Stadium Key Facts
Capacity: 8,541
Address: St James Park, Stadium Way, Exeter, EX4 6PX, UK
Year Opened: 1904
Home Team(s): Exeter City FC
Record Attendance: 20,984 (Exeter City vs Sunderland, FA Cup, 1931)
Owner: Exeter City Supporters’ Trust
First Fixture: Exeter City vs 110th Battery Royal Artillery, September 1904
Did You Know?
St James Park hosted a 1914 tour match between Exeter City and the Brazilian national team—marking Brazil’s first-ever international fixture.
St James Park Design and Architecture
St James Park is known for its traditional English lower-league stadium design, characterised by its asymmetrical stands and close-quarters atmosphere. The stadium has evolved over decades rather than through a single architectural vision. The Big Bank, a large, covered standing terrace behind one goal, is a standout feature and the largest of its kind in the EFL.
The Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand, rebuilt in 2018, offers modern seating and improved facilities. Unlike modern bowl-style stadiums, St James Park retains a patchwork layout, reflecting its incremental development and strong community-led improvements. Its charm lies in its functionality and history.
St James Park Seating Plan
St James Park offers a distinctive matchday experience through its four main stands, each catering to different types of fans and preferences.
Nevada Construction Stand (Main Stand)
This is the primary seated area on the stadium’s west side, accommodating 2,116 fans. It houses the club’s key facilities including the players’ tunnel, dugouts, changing rooms, hospitality suites, and executive boxes. The view from here is elevated and unobstructed, ideal for a complete tactical overview of the match. A section of this stand (Blocks K and L) is typically reserved for away fans, depending on the fixture.
Optimising IT Adam Stansfield Stand
Completed in 2018, this newer stand on the stadium’s east side is named in memory of former player Adam Stansfield. It seats 1,599 supporters and includes the only indoor concourse in the stadium. This stand is family-focused, with a designated family section and the Junior Grecians Zone, making it ideal for younger fans and parents.
Thatchers Cider Big Bank
Located behind the goal at the north end, the Big Bank is the largest standing terrace in the English Football League, with a capacity of 3,960. It’s a popular area for passionate home fans and generates the stadium’s loudest atmosphere.
Tracks Suzuki St James Road Terrace
This is the designated away end, located at the south of the stadium. It’s a covered standing terrace with a capacity of 1,045. Depending on ticket demand, it can be shared or fully allocated to away supporters for larger games.
St James Park Tickets & Pricing
Ticketing at St James Park reflects both the club’s community-focused ethos and its position in the English Football League. Historically, Exeter City has maintained affordable ticket prices to remain accessible to its local fanbase. As a supporter-owned club, pricing structures are reviewed with consideration for inclusivity and sustainability.
The pricing is tiered depending on the stand, match category, and age group. For the 2024/25 season, adult tickets range from approximately £20–£27, with cheaper rates in the standing terraces like the Big Bank and higher prices in seated areas such as the Nevada Construction Stand. Concession tickets are available for seniors, students, and under-18s, with junior tickets starting from as low as £5.
Demand can vary significantly. Local derbies and fixtures against high-profile opponents typically sell out quickly, especially in the Big Bank. Online booking is available, with print-at-home and mobile ticketing options improving accessibility. Limited matchday sales at the ground are also offered, subject to availability.
The club offers season tickets and membership schemes with benefits such as priority access and discounted pricing. As a lower-league stadium, the overall ticketing system remains straightforward, and efforts are made to accommodate both loyal supporters and casual attendees.
How to get St James Park Tickets
Tickets for St James Park can be purchased through Exeter City’s official website, over the phone, or in person at the club’s ticket office on Stadium Way. Online sales are the most convenient and offer digital or print-at-home options. Fans are encouraged to buy in advance, especially for high-demand matches.
Becoming a member or season ticket holder provides priority access to tickets, discounted pricing, and other benefits such as access to exclusive events. Memberships can be purchased annually and are open to all supporters.
Prices vary depending on the competition and seating area. For standard League Two matches, adult tickets range from £20 (standing) to £27 (seated). Concession and junior tickets are priced lower. For domestic cup fixtures, prices may be adjusted based on the opposition and stage. Exeter does not regularly participate in European competitions like the Champions League, so pricing for such games is not applicable.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
Matchdays at St James Park offer an intimate and lively experience rooted in community spirit. Fans begin to gather hours before kick-off, with local pubs and food stalls creating a welcoming pre-match buzz. The Big Bank terrace is the heartbeat of the stadium, where chants echo and create a strong home advantage. Families gravitate to the Adam Stansfield Stand for its friendly vibe. The club’s supporter-owned status means fans feel closely connected to the team, creating a loyal, authentic atmosphere from the first whistle to the last.
How to Get to St James Park
St James Park is located close to Exeter city centre, making it accessible by train, bus, car, or on foot. The stadium has its own rail station—St James Park Station—just a minute’s walk from the ground. Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s stations are also nearby. Bus services from the city centre run frequently on matchdays. Parking is limited near the stadium, but nearby pay-and-display car parks and park-and-ride services are available. Cycling is also encouraged, with bike racks provided. Early arrival is recommended due to matchday congestion.
How to Access Stadium for Home Fans
Home fans can access St James Park via several entry points depending on their stand. Supporters in the Big Bank enter through Stadium Way, where queues can form early due to the high number of standing fans. Those seated in the Nevada Construction Main Stand and Adam Stansfield Stand use the entrances off Old Tiverton Road. Turnstiles usually open 90 minutes before kick-off.
The stadium is within walking distance of Exeter Central Station, making rail travel a convenient option. Limited parking near the ground means fans are advised to use public transport or nearby city car parks. Stewards and signage are clearly present to direct fans, and pre-purchased digital tickets are scanned quickly for entry on matchday.
How to Get to Stadium for Away Fans
Away fans visiting St James Park are typically housed in the Tracks Suzuki St James Road Terrace or occasionally in part of the Nevada Construction Stand. Access is via St James Road, with clearly marked signage directing supporters to the away turnstiles. The closest rail stop—St James Park Station—is just a minute’s walk, while Exeter St David’s Station is around 20 minutes on foot.
There is no official parking at the ground, but several pay-and-display options are available within walking distance. Park-and-ride sites offer a practical solution on busier matchdays. Coaches for away supporters usually drop off along Well Street. Turnstiles open around 90 minutes before kick-off, and stewards are on hand to assist with entry.
Hotels Near St James Park
Here are three practical hotel options near St James Park, suitable for various budgets and travel styles.
Premier Inn Exeter City Centre
Premier Inn offers a reliable and budget-friendly stay just a 15-minute walk from St James Park. Ideal for solo travellers, families, or small groups visiting for matchday, it features on-site dining, Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms at consistent rates.
Address: 2 Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1SG, UK
Website: Premier Inn Exeter City Centre
Telephone: +44 333 321 9308
Holiday Inn Express Exeter
This modern hotel offers clean, well-equipped rooms with breakfast included. It’s a 20-minute walk or short bus ride to the stadium and popular among both business travellers and football fans seeking comfort without premium pricing.
Address: Tudor Street, Exeter EX4 3FL, UK
Website: Holiday Inn Express Exeter – City Centre
Telephone: +44 1392 300100
The City Gate Hotel
For fans looking to combine matchday with a more boutique hotel experience, The City Gate is centrally located and features stylish rooms and a pub. It’s just over a 15-minute walk from St James Park.
Address: Iron Bridge, North Street, Exeter EX4 3RB, UK
Website: The City Gate Hotel
Telephone: +44 1392 495811
Pubs & Bars Near St James Park
St James Park is surrounded by several pubs and bars that welcome both home and away fans. Whether you’re after a pre-match pint or a spot to unwind after the game, here are three popular nearby options:The Duke of York Inn
A traditional English pub offering a wide range of beers and ciders. It’s just a short walk from the stadium and has long been a go-to for Exeter City supporters on matchdays.
Address: 58 Sidwell Street, Exeter EX4 6PH, UK
Website: Duke of York Inn
Telephone: +44 1392 272549
The Victoria Inn
A fan-favourite pub with a large beer garden and friendly atmosphere. It’s around 10 minutes on foot from St James Park, making it perfect for a pint before or after the match.
Address: 36 Victoria Street, Exeter EX4 6JQ, UK
Website: Victoria Inn
Telephone: +44 1392 342640
The Bowling Green
This welcoming pub offers a strong beer selection and quality pub food. Around 15 minutes from the stadium, it’s a popular choice for groups and families heading to the game.
Address: 29-30 Blackboy Road, Exeter EX4 6ST, UK
Website: The Bowling Green
Telephone: +44 1392 490300
Updates on St James Park
St James Park has seen several key upgrades over recent years, most notably the redevelopment of the Adam Stansfield Stand in 2018, which improved seating capacity and fan facilities. Looking ahead, Exeter City FC continues to assess opportunities to enhance the stadium while maintaining its character and supporter-focused atmosphere. There are ongoing discussions around modernising areas of the Main Stand, with aims to improve accessibility, refresh the concourse facilities, and potentially expand seating.
The club, being owned by its Supporters’ Trust, approaches renovations with both fan experience and financial sustainability in mind. Smaller improvements are regularly implemented, such as upgraded turnstiles, Wi-Fi enhancements, and improved disabled access. Environmental sustainability is also under consideration, with future plans possibly including energy-efficient lighting and recycling initiatives.
While there are currently no confirmed large-scale redevelopment projects, the club has made it clear that long-term planning for St James Park’s future is a priority. These updates aim to ensure the stadium continues to meet Football League standards and remains a welcoming venue for fans, players, and visitors. Regular updates are shared by the club as part of its commitment to transparency with supporters and the local Exeter community.