Chiefs thankful for local support

By Mark Stevens
24/5/2016

Exeter Chiefs would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank several local companies who stepped forward to help the Chiefs with their match-day parking ahead of last Saturday's Aviva Premiership play-off semi-final against Wasps at Sandy Park.

On a momentous day for the Devon club, over 12,600 supporters poured into the ground, this at the same time as the nearby Devon County Show was taking place.

With the possibility of a home semi-final on the cards for several weeks prior to Saturday's clash, it allowed Chiefs officials to plan ahead, working with local companies and agencies to ensure a smooth match-day operation.

Chiefs' Deputy Chief Executive Keiron Northcott (pictured) said: "We realised sometime ahead of a potential semi-final that it would clash with the Devon County Show at Westpoint who kindly allow us to use their facility for parking.

"We approached several local companies to see if they could help us out with use of their car parks and they all were extremely happy to help and have all been brilliant."

First to come to the Chiefs aid were EDF and Ashfords, then Goodridges, Spacemaker and FDB, all of whom took care of the normal public parking

Over on Pynes Hill, the club's VIP and disabled parking was secured with the help of LV=, Aviva, Santander and Francis Clark

Keiron continued: "I think the other real positive to come out of the weekend is that not one of these organisations have looked to make money from the use of their parking. Instead, it has given them an opportunity to help their own charities that they support each year."

In addition to all this, other organisations also pulled out all the stops to assist in making Saturday a great occasion, including Highways England, Devon County Council, South West Highways and the local Police Authority.

"I think it is fantastic that we have have had so much help and assistance and I shouldn't really be surprised as it is very Exeter like, the way all of these organisations have pulled together in this way," added Keiron.