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

An historic venue for Shrimpers supporters over many years, The Spread Eagle on Victoria Avenue will undergo refurbishment before reopening as The Blue Eagle – a venue that will enhance the matchday experience for supporters around Roots Hall.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the building’s owners, Star Pubs, and once complete, The Blue Eagle 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.

Work has begun with the aim of opening in time for Blues’ final 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.”

Steve Charlton, Star Pubs area manager for Southend, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Southend United to breathe new life into such a historic pub. The Blue Eagle will become a unique venue for the community and a brilliant destination for supporters on matchdays.”

We hope fans will get behind this new venture, alongside other initiatives, as together they help strengthen the connection with our fans, are crucial in our path towards sustainability and ultimately supports the team on the pitch.

More details will be released ahead of the big re-opening at the end of April for the climax of the 2025/26 season.

Southend United To Transform Historic Pub Into New Matchday Hub