Smallest host city making the biggest impact
As the smallest of 11 host cities for Rugby World Cup matches, Exeter is making the biggest impact.
Sandy Park Stadium will be hosting two further matches during the event, Namibia v Georgia on Wednesday 7 October and Italy v Romania on Sunday 11 October.
On social media fans across the country have been congratulating the city on the effort being made.
Sarah Stanbury said: “Well done on all your advertising! Been to two other host cities in the last month and there is nothing about RWC2015”, Brian Moy commented on Twitter; “You have done the best job of keeping fans updated about what’s going on for RWC2015 and have convinced me to stay the night.”
Despite the tickets for the matches having sold out, the city is keen to make the very most of being put in the international spotlight and residents and businesses alike have been busy organising events and showing their support.
The city has been dressed with eye-catching handmade bunting, knitting and decorations using the colours of the flags of the countries playing at Sandy Park. The busy city residents let their creativity run free and joined together for a day of fun and celebration covering park benches, scarves for lampposts, hats for bins and bunting for the trees. Dart’s Farm has even created their rugby own themed crop-circle for the occasion.
On social media, fans from other host cities complained about a lack of excitement and marketing where they lived, unlike @GreenBlueUrban in Exeter who commented on the Yarn Bombing activity in Exeter saying; “Brilliant tree knitting going on in Exeter today!”. John Harvey also added; “I’m loving the RWC2015 Exeter yarn bombing!”
The Tongan team have also enjoyed being part of Exeter’s rugby celebrations, having had a special day with their families visiting some of the city’s best attractions.
Kyle Willoughby, Tonga Rugby Union manager said on Twitter: “Deepest thanks to Exeter City Council and Rokk Media for the most amazing day exploring Exeter. Exeter is utterly beautiful and we are so rapt to be based here; the whole area is just stunning. A lifetime of memories have been created in one afternoon.”
Exeter’s Fanzone is also proving to be a great success, showing matches on a large screen, with free entry enabling fans to access delicious local food stalls, music and entertainment.
Exeter Chiefs Head Coach Rob Baxtor thinks that the Rugby coming to Exeter really puts the city on the sporting map. He said: “This event means so much to me as someone who has lived in Exeter all of my life.
"I am also proud to have been part of Exeter’s Rugby Club for years and having seen the progress we have made. We now live in a popular and innovative city with lots going on and it’s just great to see these things happening for us.”
In particular, the announcement of the Exeter Five Nations Parade on October 10th has caused another stir in the city.
The event will involve over 200 Exeter children and young people with the parade to be led by entertainers Walk the Plank, helping to create a themed costume parade involving eight local artists and six schools, based on the traditional colours of the five visiting nations.
Lead Councillor for Economy & Culture, Cllr Rosie Denham, said: “We are very thankful to everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this incredible opportunity come together.
"Exeter’s RWC2015 is an opportunity that rugby fans, residents and visitors to the city are have become enthused by. This is a long term project for the city and the feedback on social media really helps us to see the rewards.
"As the third largest sporting event in the World, the benefits of Rugby World Cup 2015 reach out way beyond Rugby.
"It is anticipated that the three matches at Sandy Park will generate £39 million of economic activity to city, create new employment opportunities, increase visitor numbers and establish a long lasting legacy.
"We urge you to soak up the festival atmosphere in our great city.”
