Exeter Ready for Cup Final Fever
Businesses in Exeter are gearing up to welcome thousands of rugby fans at the weekend for the LV Cup Final at Sandy Park.
With Exeter Chiefs beating Bath 19-22 in yesterday’s hotly contested semi-final, the city is set for a rugby invasion, with over 10,000 supporters of the Chiefs and Northampton Saints expected for Sunday’s cup final clash. The Saints eased past Saracens 26-7 in the competition’s other semi-final.
Derek Phillips, Chairman of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, is looking forward to welcoming Northampton fans, and is confident that the event, the first Anglo-Welsh Cup final to be held in the city, will provide a boost to businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon.
He said: “Exeter is fast-becoming the rugby capital of the South West. We’ve got our first national cup final this weekend and are just 18 months away from Rugby World Cup arriving in the city, when we host three international matches watched by a global audience of up to 4 billion.
“It’s great that businesses are getting involved with the LV=Cup Final as part of the Exeter Rugby Weekender. I firmly believe that companies need to strive to make sure Exeter becomes the number one UK rugby destination, offering as it does a wonderful place to watch the sport and enjoy the cultural city of Exeter and the beautiful nearby coast and countryside of the Heart of Devon.”
Rob Baxter, Head Coach of Exeter Rugby Club, said: "We're hungry for success in every competition and are really excited to be playing in the LV Cup Final. Our fans have been tremendous this season, supporting us home and away in every competition. Exeter is a rugby city and I'm sure people are going to be out in force to cheer on the Chiefs. It's building up nicely to be a wonderful weekend of cup rugby."
With the finale of the Six Nations set to be decided with three back-to-back televised matches on Saturday, and the LV=Cup Final on Sunday afternoon, a range of businesses are running special offers for fans for the Exeter Rugby Weekender www.heartofdevon.com/rugby
Woodbury Park will be showing rugby in its 25-seater cinema throughout the weekend. The hotel is offering Rugby Weekender cup final breaks, with two nights’ Bed & Breakfast lodge accommodation, for four people, for £250.00 per night.
Mill End Hotel on Dartmoor is offering rugby fans a third night free, when people book for the LV Cup Final weekend, from £45 per person.
The Hole in the Wall, on Little Castle Street, is offering fans a weekend of top rugby across its five screens.
Stewart Molyneux, sales and marketing manager at Woodbury Park, said: “Woodbury Park has always had a great relationship with travelling teams and their supporters. With the LV=Cup Final, as well as the Rugby World Cup on the horizon next year, there is a real buzz about Exeter and what we are able to achieve as a city.
“The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership and accommodation providers such as ourselves are working really hard to put Exeter firmly on the tourism map, and we are all eager to keep this momentum going by offering great destination packages, and continuing to host big events like these.”
Hole in the Wall owner George Sloan, said: "Here at the Hole in the Wall we can't wait to welcome rugby fans from Northampton to Exeter. Everyone in the city is gearing up for a fantastic weekend of cup rugby.
“We have five screens showing the game and it's going to be a brilliant sporting event for visiting and local rugby fans alike. We’ve got Devon ciders and real ales lined up for our local supporters and Northampton fans. It’s going to be epic!"
Mike Coombes, managing director at the Mill End Hotel, is vice-chairman of the Exeter and Heart of Devon Hotel and Restaurant Association.
He said: “The LV=Cup Final is another great date in Exeter’s growing calendar of headline events. It is events like this that help to put Exeter on the map nationally and internationally, and bring real and long-lasting economic benefit. Mill End is an easy drive from Sandy Park, and we’re hoping to see rugby supporters taking the opportunity to enjoy Devon by enjoying a short break here.”
The LV=Cup Final kicks off at 3pm, Sandy Park.
Final tickets from https://ticketing.exeterchiefs.co.uk/fixture.aspx
