Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter addresses low attendances at Sandy Park after North Terrace closure.
Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has stated that he will do everything possible to create a winning side that can bring crowds back to Sandy Park. The club recently closed their North Terrace for the first time for a league fixture during a 34-28 win over Newcastle, reflecting a worrying downward trend in matchday attendances.
A crowd of just 7,071 attended the game at the 15,600-capacity home of last season's beaten Premiership finalists, despite the club cutting ticket prices earlier this month. The low turnout created an at times eerily quiet atmosphere at a venue that is normally renowned for being noisy and vibrant during league fixtures, according to information published by BBC.
The recent attendance figures follow a club-record worst season in the top flight during 2024-25, though the team rallied subsequently to finish fourth last season and reach the semi-finals. With new ownership now in place following a takeover earlier this year, the club faces off-field challenges to restore full stadiums across Devon.
Sandy Park attendance drops as North Terrace closes
The attendance of 7,071 was significantly lower than the 8,682 supporters present for Exeter's first home league game of the season against Gloucester last month. That fixture marked their first competitive home appearance since being beaten by Northampton at Twickenham in June, raising questions about fan engagement.
Rob Baxter acknowledged the performance issues on the pitch but pointed out that the match still delivered a thrilling spectacle. He explained that the game featured continuous jeopardy right until the final whistle, ensuring supporters who made the trip experienced a genuinely entertaining afternoon of rugby.
Rob Baxter focuses on team performance and entertainment
Addressing the media, Rob Baxter emphasized that his primary responsibility in boosting crowd numbers is straightforward. He noted that the team must perform well and secure victories, which will naturally encourage more supporters to return to the stadium for upcoming fixtures.
He added that even though the performance was not entirely polished, the competitive nature of the game kept fans engaged until the very end. This late drama ensured that anyone supporting the team at Sandy Park received great entertainment value for their ticket purchase.
Ticket prices and financial pressures in the South West
Off-field factors are also being actively reviewed, especially concerning the economic realities faced by local supporters. Chief executive Tony Rowe noted that the South West features high house prices and limited salaries that restrict disposable incomes for hard-working families.
To ease this financial pressure, the club announced price reductions for league, European, and cup games leading up to Christmas. The largest cuts apply specifically to children and youth tickets, aiming to support local families attending matches at the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the North Terrace closed at Sandy Park?
The North Terrace was closed for the first time for a league fixture due to lower than expected crowd numbers during the match against Newcastle.
What did Rob Baxter say about bringing crowds back?
Rob Baxter stated that his job is to build the crowd by ensuring the team performs well, wins games, and delivers entertaining rugby.
How is Exeter addressing high ticket prices for fans?
Chief executive Tony Rowe announced that ticket prices for league, European, and cup games up to Christmas have been cut, with the biggest reductions on children and youth tickets.
Who owns Exeter Chiefs following recent club developments?
The club was taken over earlier this year by Black Knight Rugby, an American investment group that also owns Premier League football side AFC Bournemouth.
