Southend United takeover nearby pub to enhance matchday experience

Southend United have confirmed it will be taking on a well-known pub next to Roots Hall, transforming it into a brand new matchday hub for supporters.

The Spread Eagle, situated on Victoria Avenue, will undergo refurbishment before reopening as The Blue Eagle.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the building’s owners, Star Pubs, and will provide a welcoming, family-friendly sports pub for fans on matchdays with multiple screens for live sport, areas to play darts and pool and a dedicated fan zone outside.

The club are aiming to have the newly re-furbished pub open again for thefinal home game of the season against Wealdstone on Saturday, April 25.

Southend United chairman Justin Rees said: “This is a really exciting project for the football club. The Spread Eagle is a historic pub with huge character, and we’re proud to be giving it a new chapter as The Blue Eagle. 

“Our aim is for The Blue Eagle to be more than just a matchday meeting point. We want a welcoming, family-friendly local that supporters, residents and visitors can enjoy all year round.

“On matchdays, it will add a vibrant pre- and post-game experience around Roots Hall, and throughout the week it will be a place that brings people together, with a focus on televised sport including live streaming of Southend United away games (where permitted), as well as Premier League, Champions League and England national team football. 

“Working alongside Star Pubs, we’re really looking forward to seeing the transformation come to life over the coming weeks and welcoming supporters through the doors at the end of April before the final league game of the season against Wealdstone.”