AFTER 12 years of dreaming, the day the Exeter Chiefs run out as a Premiership side for the first time has finally arrived — and excitement among fans has reached fever pitch.

A bumper crowd is expected at Sandy Park today for the historic clash against Gloucester, and many fans said the reality of what the club had achieved would only start to sink in once the game kicked off at 3pm.

There are still a limited number of tickets available but club officials urged fans to book early to avoid disappointment.

Those attending will notice a few changes. The ground's capacity has risen by 1,000 and there are new bars and food outlets.

But despite being the bookies' strong favourites to make an instant return to the Championship, supporters hope one thing that will not change from last season is the Chiefs' strong home record.

Rob Lane, 58, of Kenton, said: "I am nervous, optimistic, excited — all sorts of emotions really. I will actually only believe it is real once the players run out on to the pitch. The reality will only strike home at 2.59pm."

Fans were in a positive mood as they took an early opportunity to get up close to the players during the official launch of the 2010 Exeter Chiefs' home shirt at the Tony Pryce Sports Shop in the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

The store was open on Thursday evening between 6.30pm to 9pm to allow fans to get the new Samurai-made shirt before today's game. Among the first to get kitted out were Charlotte, Alex and Ellen Day who were pictured with Eoghan Grace and Chris Bentley at the store, while Megan, Jago, and Mollie Chapman also attended the launch.

A number of Rob Baxter's Premiership squad met several supporters and signed autographs. Carolyn Sewell of Tony Pryce Sports said: "We are very proud to reveal the brand new 2010 Exeter Chiefs kit to all their loyal supporters. The all-new Chiefs Replica Range is specially designed to fit their new Premiership status and it was an exciting evening."

A club spokesman said tickets could be booked online at www.exeterchiefs.co.uk until 10am, and then in person at the ticket office from noon.