Your guide to the 2017 Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s
Rugby 7s
Rugby 7s is a variant of rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of 15, with shorter matches.
The Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s at Sandy Park is the final leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix 7s, with rounds already played in Russia, Poland and France.
Sevens events around the world have gained a reputation for having a feel-good carnival atmosphere, and the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s promises to deliver this with a Wild West fancy dress theme, a ‘fanzone’ with rugby themed activation and family fun, plus a Real Ale & Cider festival in association with Heineken and Otter Brewery. There will also be live music on Saturday evening, with Exeter band Basher Tate keeping the party going at Sandy Park.
A number of community 7s teams will also be playing in the SW Rugby 7s and RFU 24/Sevens at Sandy Park and Topsham Sports Ground.
Timings
On both Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July, gates at Sandy Park will open at 10.30am with the first games kicking off at 11.30am. The full schedule can be found here. Seating will be in the West Grandstand and will be unreserved. Bars and food outlets will be open throughout the day serving a variety of food and drinks.
Ticketing
You will need to print your e-ticket before coming to Sandy Park and then exchange your e-tickets for a wristband which will gain you entry to the stadium. The ticket office will be open from 10.30am on both Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July, or if you wish to exchange your ticket prior to the event, this can be done at the Exeter Chiefs Trading Post (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm).
Tickets can be bought in advance at www.sandypark.co.uk/sevens or will be available to purchase at the event. Day passes are £20 or weekend passes are £30.
Entertainment
As well as the on-field entertainment, there will be a fanzone next to Sandy Park’s Wigwam Bar which will include entertainment, competitions and giveaways for the whole family including face painting, ice cream and rugby themed fun. The Royal Marines will also be bringing a host of activities including a climbing wall and an activity dome.
A Real Ale & Cider Festival will begin on Friday night in the Wigwam Bar and continue across the weekend. Tickets for the Friday evening event cost £7 and include a commemorative cup, three half-pints and live music from ‘Not The Cowboys’. The Premiership Trophy will also be on display, and Gareth Steenson will be there with more information about Steeno’s Testimonial year. Tickets for this event are available at www.sandypark.co.uk/book
On Saturday evening, local band Basher Tate will be providing live music until late.
Transport
Limited parking will be available at Sandy Park, where a pay system will be in operation. Regular trains will be running on the Avocet Line between Exeter St Davids and Exmouth, please see www.gwr.com for train times and price of tickets. Extra trains have been added to the timetable at the beginning of the playing schedule and the end of the day.