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Vitality Stadium: AFC Bournemouth

Chris Downer [ CC BY-SA 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Originally known as Dean Court but nowadays called The Vitality Stadium because of sponsorship, AFC Bournemouth’s home ground was built on the site of an old gravel pit. Owing to the fact that it wasn’t built in time for the start of the 1910-1911 season, Boscombe FC’s players (as the club was then known) had to get changed in a nearby hotel!

The ground itself was demolished and completely rebuilt in 2001 and, as part of the re-design, the pitch was rotated a full 90 degrees from its original position. It is the smallest stadium in the Premier League at present, with the club’s promotion to the top flight being something of a wonderful surprise to all involved at Bournemouth.

In February 2008 the club was forced to go into administration after having accumulated debts of around £4 million. They were hit with a 10 point deduction that saw them face a relegation battle and the whole episode nearly put them out of business altogether. That financial uncertainty would continue until the middle of 2009 when a consortium bought the club just a month after they narrowly avoided being relegated from League Two into obscurity. Their march to the Premier League has been a long and troubled one, with The Vitality Stadium being witness to some remarkable feats achieved by the club.

Vitality Stadium Photos

Vitality Stadium Seating Plan and Where to Sit

The Vitality is a small, tight but often intimidating ground thanks to the proximity of the crowd to the pitch. That combined with the fact that the club’s fans have seen them rise from relative obscurity to the heights of the Premier League means that the supporters are always up for the games. The Vitality is a traditional, four-sided stadium.

• The Vitality Main Stand – The largest stand in the ground with a capacity of nearly 3,500, The Main Stand also houses the club’s VIP section and conference facilities. The Main Stand also features two family stands and a junior fanzone, so it’s the best place to go if you’ve got kids.
• Colmar Ted MacDougall Stand – The newest part of the stadium, this section of The Vitality was officially opened in 2013 when Bournemouth played host to, of all teams, Real Madrid!
• Vitality Steven Fletcher Stand – The club is, seemingly, a fan of stands with long names and this is no exception. The capacity here is just under 2,500 and this is where the most loyal and vocal Cherries fans sit.
• The Vitality East Stand – The East Stand seats about 3,500 fans, with 1,500 of them being the away supporters.

AFC Bournemouth Ticket Prices

AFC Bournemouth categorise their ticket prices depending on the opposition for any given match, so the prices depend on the category and on where in the ground you are sitting.

There is a rather convoluted points system to get your head around as well as ‘Cherry Tuesdays’, but as for a basic guide on costs, here we’ll give you the cheapest and most expensive adult, junior and concession ticket prices. You can also buy family tickets, should you wish to attend with a group.

League Games

• Adult – Cat A: £37-£53 / Cat B: £34-£50 / Cat C: £28-£44
• Concession – Cat A: £26-£34 / Cat B: £23-£30 / Cat C: £18-£24
• Junior – Cat A: £9-£16 / Cat B: £7-£14 / Cat C: £5-£11

How To Get AFC Bournemouth Tickets

As The Vitality is such a small stadium games do tend to sell out rather quickly there, especially if the big boys like Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City come to town. Your first port of call in your search for tickets, then, should be the Bournemouth website. There’s also a ticket office at the back of the club shop at the ground itself. There may be some unsavoury types hanging around the ground on match days claiming to have tickets but we’d recommend against buying off them as they could be fake.

Where to Buy

• Ticket Compare

Getting To Vitality Stadium

The Vitality Stadium is eminently accessible by numerous different transport methods. Although the ground is located just outside the city of Bournemouth itself, it is still walkable from local train stations, for example.

Train – Both Bournemouth and Pokesdown train stations are within walking distance of The Vitality, with the former taking around 30 minutes on foot and the latter more like 15 minutes. They also both have buses that run from them to near to the ground. Boscombe and Landsowne are also walkable to the ground.

Bus – More Bus Wilts & Dorset can take you from Lymington, Salisbury, Poole and Boscombe to within walking distance of the stadium, whilst Yellow Buses operate services from Bournemouth that also run through Pokesdown to within 5 minutes of the ground.

Car – As soon as you get close to the ground there will be brown signs directing you, though some may still refer to the stadium as Dean Court. From the North you’ll want the M6, the M42, the M40 and the A34 then the M3, the M27 and the A31 before hitting the A338. From the South it will be the A27, the M27 and the A31 to the A338. From the South-West you’ll take the A35 to the A338.

By Air – Aside from all of the London airports, the best bet if you’re looking to fly to Bournemouth is Bournemouth Airport itself. From there you can take the Yellow Bus A1 route to the city centre.

Taxi – The Vitality is less than 10 minutes drive from Bournemouth Train Station, traffic dependent, so expect to pay about £6 to get there by this method.

Parking Near Vitality Stadium

Like most things at Bournemouth, the parking is designed to be simple and cost effective. There is a car park to the South of the ground that costs just £1 for the duration of the match, though you must have a ticket to park there. There are also other parking locations not far from the ground, such as the Sovereign Centre or Harewood College.

• See Available Parking Near Vitality Stadium

Useful Resources

• Parking - Just Park

Vitality Stadium Hotels

Bournemouth is essentially a seaside town, so there are loads of bed & breakfast options for you to have a look at. We’ve found a few more specific places for you here, though.

The Strand Hotel - About £45

Ocean Breeze - About £70

Village Hotel Bournemouth - About £95+

Pubs and bars near vitality stadium.

Owing to the fact that the stadium itself a little outside of Bournemouth centre you might not find an ideal place to drink all that close to the ground. Instead you may wish to explore the city centre or nearby Boscombe for a pre-match pint and a bite to eat.

The Queens Park Hotel

As the Premier League’s smallest ground, the facilities you’ll enjoy at The Vitality aren’t quite as impressive as you’d expect from the bigger, more famous stadiums in the country. That said you’ll still be able to get a drink or a bite to eat on the concourse and there are plenty of toilets available, too. You’ll also find places to put a bet on before the match kicks off, should you be particularly confident about the outcome of the game.

• Programme: £3.5
• Cup of tea: £2.5

Hospitality

Just because The Vitality is a small stadium doesn’t mean that the hospitality options are lacking. You can sponsor the match day, have a young member of your group become the club mascot for the day or even enjoy panoramic views of the stadium from an executive box. If you really love the Cherries you can become a Vice President for a season and enjoy reserved seating, thee-course meals and access to a private lounge.

There aren’t a dizzying array of hospitality packages like at other grounds, but the experience itself will be similar, with food and drink serves, match day programmes, half time refreshments, etc.

Private Hire

There are a host of private hire options at The Vitality, including the club’s very own champagne lounge, Bubbles. This is an ideal location for parties, bridal showers, product launches and more. From lounges to executive suites, there are plenty of options for you to explore depending on the size of your party. The club even runs a business club once a month for you to meet like-minded business people.

Stadium Tours & Museum

At the time of writing Bournemouth don’t offer tours of The Vitality Stadium, other than the odd competition prize, although that is something that could change in the future.

About AFC Bournemouth

Beginning life as Boscombe FC before becoming Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic Football Club in 1923 and finally the more stream-lined AFC Bournemouth in 1972, the club got the nickname the Cherries because of the numerous cherry orchards that used to stand near the Cooper-Dean estate where Dean Court was built.

It’s fair to say that Cherries fans have seen the club go through virtually everything, from going through administration to nearly disappearing from the football league altogether, the club’s march to the Premier League was hard-fought but much deserved. They made it into the top flight as the winners of the Championship in 2014-2015 with 90 points, just one point clear of fellow promoted team Watford.

Notable alumni of Bournemouth include Harry Redknapp, the former Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur manager, Tony Pulis who made his name here before moving on to manage Stoke City and is the current manager of West Bromwich Albion, and Sean O’Driscoll. O’Driscoll is considered by many in the game to be one of the best number 2s as well as a talented manager in his own right.

Vitality Stadium History

So much of The Vitality Stadium’s history is dependent on when you consider what you’re talking about to have become relevant. Should it only be from when Bournemouth become Bournemouth in 1972? What about when the stadium was completely knocked down and re-built in 2001? The record attendance came in an FA Cup match against Manchester United in 1957, whilst the first match against Swindon was the first football league match, not the first match ever played. A club rich with history and intrigue and different things to talk about in different eras.

Bournemouth’s stadium was originally called Dean Court because it was named after the Cooper-Dean family who gave the team, then called Boscombe Football Club, the ground to build on. If things had gone to plan in the 1980s then there would also be a leisure centre on the grounds, but a lack of funding meant the club had to abandon their plans. It’s now got housing on it instead.

Future Developments

The club’s owner from 2011-2022, Maxim Demin, invested around £6 million to make improvements to the ground in the past, and in 2017 confirmed they were looking into building a brand new stadium. However, those plans were shelved after being deemed ‘too optimistic’.

Since Demin sold the club, however, they again announced their plans to find a new site to build a new stadium in 2023, but nowhere has been found and no further details have been released. It seems a lot more likely this time though, since the new ownership will want to make their mark, and being Americans, they have money to spend.

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The Stadiums Guide

Vitality Stadium: Bournemouth FC’s Cherished Home Ground

posted on August 31st 2023 by Charmaine Cortes // last updated on September 1st 2023

Nestled in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England, lies the Vitality Stadium – the proud home of AFC Bournemouth. With a history spanning over a century, this intimate football ground has seen its fair share of triumphs and hardships. Established in 1899 and originally known as Dean Court, the stadium received its current name due to sponsorship purposes.

With a seating capacity of 11,329, the Vitality Stadium may not be the largest in the Premier League, but it certainly boasts a unique charm and atmosphere. Visitors often remark on the close-knit and passionate local fanbase that fills the stands on match days. The stadium’s facilities have also seen significant improvements in recent years, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for all who attend.

The journey of AFC Bournemouth has been an incredible one, with the club experiencing a meteoric rise through the English football leagues in recent times. It is at the Vitality Stadium where fans gather to support their beloved Cherries, and it remains a beacon of hope and ambition for both the team and the wider community.

History of Vitality Stadium

Structure and capacity, the home of bournemouth fc, visiting vitality stadium.

Early Years

The Vitality Stadium, previously known as Dean Court, has been the home ground for AFC Bournemouth since 1910. Located within Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, the stadium was established when the Cooper-Dean family provided a piece of land to Boscombe F.C. The stadium initially acquired its name in honour of the family who donated the land.

Built on the site of a former gravel pit, Dean Court has gone through several alterations and expansions to adapt to the needs of the growing football club. From its original wooden stands, this remarkable stadium has come a long way in more than a century.

Recent Developments

In recent times, Dean Court has been renamed as the Vitality Stadium for sponsorship purposes. This change not only reflects the commercial aspect of football but highlights how the stadium continues to evolve over the years. The capacity of the Vitality Stadium is currently 11,700, and it plays host to AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League football matches.

Among the most notable features of the stadium are the modern facilities and the improved accessibility for fans. The venue’s continued development serves as a testament to its ability to keep pace with the ever-evolving demands of professional football in the UK.

In summary, the Vitality Stadium, once known as Dean Court, boasts a rich heritage, representing a significant part of Bournemouth’s football history. Its evolution from humble beginnings to a modern stadium not only reflects the journey of AFC Bournemouth but the growth and development of football in the UK. The stadium remains an essential part of the local community, enabling fans to gather and cheer for their favourite football club.

Stadium Layout

Vitality Stadium, also known as Dean Court, is the home of AFC Bournemouth. It has been their home since 1910, when the land was generously given to the club by the Cooper-Dean family. The stadium is equipped with a grass pitch that measures 115 x 71 yards. It is situated in Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.

The stadium layout comprises several stands to accommodate various groups of fans. There are four main sections:

• The Vitality Main Stand: Housing the majority of home supporters.
• The Steve Fletcher Stand: Known as the “singing stand”, just under 2,500 die-hard, vocal Cherries fans sit here.
• The Vitality East Stand: Seats roughly 3,500 fans, with 1,500 of them being the designated away supporters.
• The Ted MacDougall Stand: Provides seating for fans and various hospitality facilities.

Seating Capacity

Vitality Stadium has a total seating capacity of 11,329, with all space being fully seated. The comparatively small capacity makes for an intimate atmosphere, and generates exciting matchday experiences for fans. Due to the relatively limited number of seats, acquiring tickets for matches can be highly competitive.

Throughout its history, the stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions. Some of these improvements include the installation of undersoil heating and modernisation to provide better facilities for supporters. The club always strives to improve the stadium experience for its loyal fans.

Bournemouth FC at Vitality

Vitality Stadium, originally known as Dean Court, is the home ground of Bournemouth FC, also known as AFC Bournemouth. Located in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England, the stadium has a rich history dating back to 1910. At that time, Boscombe FC was granted a piece of land by the Cooper-Dean family, who then named the ground after themselves.

The stadium’s current name, Vitality Stadium, comes from a sponsorship agreement. Throughout the years, the stadium has seen various renovations and upgrades, with the most significant rebuild taking place in 2001. The stadium is surrounded by parkland on its south and main stand, while the east and north stands back onto residential areas.

Key Matches at Vitality

• Promotion to the Premier League (2015): AFC Bournemouth’s journey to the top tier of English football was marked by a memorable match at the Vitality Stadium. On 27 April 2015, Bournemouth defeated Bolton Wanderers 3-0 to secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history. This achievement was a significant milestone for the club, as it exemplified their remarkable progress.
• AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester United (2015): One of the most memorable matches at the Vitality Stadium took place on 12 December 2015, when AFC Bournemouth welcomed Manchester United. In a thrilling encounter, Bournemouth came out victorious with a 2-1 win, marking a historic moment for the club as they defeated one of the most successful teams in English football history.
• AFC Bournemouth vs. Liverpool (2016): A match against Liverpool on 4 December 2016 served as another highlight in the Vitality Stadium’s history. Bournemouth found themselves trailing 3-1 in the second half but managed to stage an incredible comeback, ultimately defeating Liverpool 4-3. This victory showcased the fighting spirit of the team and left a lasting impression on the stadium’s supporters.

The Vitality Stadium continues to witness exciting moments and create lasting memories for both the club and its supporters. Whether it’s through historic victories or hard-fought battles, the stadium remains a symbol of pride for the community and the team it represents.

Visiting the Vitality Stadium can be an exciting and memorable experience for fans of AFC Bournemouth and football enthusiasts alike. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Bournemouth FC’s home ground.

How to Get There

The stadium is located in Kings Park, just outside Bournemouth, with the postcode BH7 7AF. When driving to the ground, follow the brown road signs displaying a football logo. Some signs may refer to the stadium as Dean Court, so be aware of that when navigating.

Visiting fans are housed in blocks 23 and 24 of the East Stand, accessed through turnstile F. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off, allowing ample time to find your seats, explore the concourse, and make use of the food, drink, and toilet facilities.

If you need any assistance or have questions while at the stadium, feel free to ask the friendly and welcoming Matchday Ambassadors or Supporter Services team, who can be found throughout the venue. There are also signed ‘Here to Help’ stations at the front of the Vitality Main Stand.

Stadium Tours

At the time of writing, specific information regarding stadium tours is not available. It is recommended to contact the club directly at 01202 726300 or visit the official AFC Bournemouth website for up-to-date information on guided tours, museum access, and other stadium-related activities.

Charmaine Cortes

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Bournemouth

Vitality stadium.

Capacity: 11,329 (all seated) Address: Dean Court, Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF Telephone: 0844 576 1910 Fax: 01202 726373 Ticket Office: 0344 576 1910 Pitch Size: 115 x 71 yards Pitch Type: Grass Club Nickname: The Cherries Year Ground Opened: 1910 Undersoil Heating: Yes Shirt Sponsors: Dafabet Kit Manufacturer: Umbro Home Kit: Red & Black Stripes Away Kit: Yellow & Black

What is the Vitality Stadium like?

The rest of the stadium was built in 2001 in a matter of months. All three stands are of roughly the same design and height and are quite smart-looking, with the Main Stand having a row of executive boxes to its rear. Each is a covered single-tiered stand, with good views of the playing action with perspex windshields at each side.

One nice touch is that the windshields to either sides of the stands have been brightened up with the addition of some huge player photos. The stand roofs have perspex panels allowing more light to reach the pitch. There is also a small video screen installed beneath the roof of the Main Stand towards the South End.

When the new stadium was built, the pitch was rotated 90 degrees from its old position. Originally known as Dean Court the ground was renamed the Vitality Stadium in 2015 under a corporate sponsorship deal. The stadium is completed with a set of unusual-looking floodlights that are situated in the open corners.

What are the latest developments at the Vitality Stadium?

In December 2022, the club’s American owner, Bill Foley, went on talkSPORT and cited his ambition to move to a new home stating it was needed for “the whole of Bournemouth”.

Expanding on his thoughts he hit all the right notes. A marked improvement on capacity – without being bonkers – with reference to a maximum of 24,000 whilst keen to also incorporate hospitality and some additional commercial units.

In January 2024, Foley laid out plans for a new 18,500-seat venue set to be built “directly behind” the current Vitality Stadium. The club hope to be in their new stadium by Summer 2027 although work is yet to start.

The Cherries are also building a new training centre that will be completed in October 2024.

What is AFC Bournemouth's club anthem?

The song most commonly associated to Bournemouth is “We’re on Our Way.”

Can you do a stadium tour at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium?

The Bournemouth stadium is not open to the public for tours. This is likely to change if and when the club relocated to a new and improved ground.

What is AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium like for visiting supporters?

Away fans are located on one side of the Energy Consulting East Stand, which is situated at one side of the pitch. The normal allocation for this area is 1,500 seats, but this can be increased to 2,000 if required.

The stand is shared with home supporters and offers a good view of the playing action. The facilities are okay and normally there is a good atmosphere. Please bear in mind though that if you have tickets for the lower rows in this stand, then at the beginning and towards the end of each season, the sun can shine quite brightly into this area, so make sure you bring your shades and a cap.

For the bigger FA Cup games then visiting supporters are housed in the Ted MacDougall Stand at one end of the ground, which has a capacity of 2,150.

Food on offer inside the ground includes a range of pies, burgers and hot dogs. Alcohol is also served before kick-off and at half time.

What pubs are there for away fans at the Vitality Stadium?

There is the 1910 Supporters Bar at the ground, but this is for home fans only. Similarly, the closest pub to the stadium, the Queens Park Hotel on Holdenhurst Road (alongside the A338 Wessex Way) also does not allow in away supporters.

Pubs near the Vitality Stadium for away fans:

• Mello Mello Bar – 677 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6AA
• Bell Inn – 915 Christchurch Rd, Pokesdown, Bournemouth BH7 6AX
• The George Tapps – 207-215 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1JZ

What is the ground history of AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium?

When Bournemouth were first formed their games were played on a field at Castlemain Avenue. A few years later they moved to a pitch on King’s Park. It didn’t take too long for the first real stadium to appear; it was nearby too. The club bought a plot of land that neighboured King’s Park and named it Dean Court. It was a modest start but a big step all the same. It remained like that until 1923 when the first real works to place; those works increased the capacity before roofing was added to South Stand some 13 years later. Future development followed a similar trend with capacity largely untouched and changes only things like the addition of roofs over terracing. In 2001, a major revamp took place though. The Bournemouth stadium was completely rebuilt and was, by and large, as it is today.

Directions and car parking for the Vitality Stadium

Follow the A338 towards Bournemouth. The ground is situated on the left of the A338 in the outskirts of town. You should be able to spot the tops of the ground floodlights on the left. Otherwise leave the A338 via the slip road which is signposted  Kings Park/Football traffic. You will then reach a small roundabout at which you take the second exit into Kings Park Drive. The entrance to the stadium and car park are down this road on the left.

Where to park for AFC Bournemouth

There is a car park just to the south of the ground which of a good size and costs £1 on matchdays. However, as you would expect, that fills up pretty quickly.

A ten-minute walk across the park is Harewood College on Harewood Avenue (BH7 6NZ), which offers free matchday parking. It also has the advantage of giving relatively quick access back onto the A338, avoiding a lot of the traffic around the stadium (turn left out of the College entrance road onto Harewood Avenue, then left onto Petersfield Road, left onto Holdenhurst Avenue and then left once more onto Castle Lane East – A3060, which goes up to the A338). Some fans are also parking in Boscombe itself and walking to the ground. There is the Sovereign Shopping Centre on Christchurch Road which costs £2 for 4 hours.

Post Code for SAT NAV: BH7 7AF

How to get to the Vitality Stadium by train

The nearest train station is Pokesdown which is roughly a mile from the ground and is around a 15 minute walk away. However, most trains arrive at Bournemouth Central, which is around a half an hour walk to the ground. Either try to get a train to Pokesdown or grab a cab.

If you do arrive at Pokesdown Station (which is served by trains from London Waterloo), then exit the station (there is only one exit) and turn right down the main Christchurch Road (A35). Proceed for about 400 metres and then turn right into Gloucester Road. Dean Court is located down the bottom of this road. Thanks to Andy Young for providing the directions from Pokesdown Station.

If you arrive at Bournemouth Central, then leave the station by the South exit, thereby facing an Asda Supermarket. Turn left and walk down to the main Holdenhurst Road. Turn left (going away from the town centre) and then keep straight on along Holdenhurst Road for around 25 minutes, reaching the Queens Park pub (recommended by this Guide).

Continue straight on past the pub until you reach a roundabout at which you turn right into Kings Park Drive. The ground is down the bottom of this road on the left. Alternatively you can catch a Yellow Number 33 bus to the ground, normally a half hourly service. Come out of Station again by the South exit, facing Asda and turn left until you get to a Texaco Garage.

There is a bus stop with shelter on the same side of the road. Ask the driver to be let off near Kings Park Drive. Please note that if you decide to use the same service coming back, take a yellow number 2 bus as this is a circular service’. Latest bus timetables can be accessed by visiting the Yellow Buses website. Thanks to Richard Barnes for supplying the directions from Bournemouth Central.

Ticket prices at the Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth ticket prices change on a match-by-match basis depending on category. Their categories range from A to C.

Category A tickets for the 2023/24 season at the Vitality Stadium:

• Adults: £37-53
• Concessions: £26-34
• Juniors: £9-16

What is the price of the AFC Bournemouth matchday programme?

Official Programme: £3.50

Who are AFC Bournemouth's biggest rivals?

Bournemouth are one of very few clubs that don’t really have a nailed on rival. Their main derby matches come against Portsmouth and Brighton but neither of those clubs lose much sleep over the Cherries. Why? Well, they have much bigger games to concern themselves with namely Southampton and Crystal Palace respectively.

Vitality Stadium fixtures

Bournemouth fixtures

Bournemouth press conferences & news

Click here for the latest news about afc bournemouth, disabled facilities at the vitality stadium.

For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.

Record and average attendances at the Vitality Stadium

Record Attendance

11,772 v Real Madrid Friendly, July 21st, 2013.

Before the ground was re-developed: 28,799 v Manchester United FA Cup 6th Round, 2nd March 1957.

Average Attendance

• 2022-23: 10,290 (Premier League)
• 2021-2022:  9,634 (Championship)
• 2020-2021: N/A (COVID-19)
• 2019-2020: 10,510 (Premier League)
• 2018-2019: 10,532 (Premier League)
• 2017-2018: 10,641 (Premier League)

Map showing the location of the Vitality Stadium, railway stations & listed pubs

Official Web Site: www.afcb.co.uk

Vitality Stadium Bournemouth Feedback

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected]  and I’ll update the guide.

Acknowledgements

The Awaydays video of Southampton fans at the Vitality Stadium Bournemouth was produced by the Ugly Inside and made publicly available via YouTube.

Martin Hewitt (Portsmouth) 28th July 2010

Afc bournemouth v portsmouth pre-season friendly wednesday, july 28th 2010, 7.45pm martin hewitt (portsmouth fan) .

My trip to Bournemouth was my first visit for nearly twenty years. Remarkable really as it is only 52 miles from my front door. This was a freindly on a Wednesday evening and was never going to be end to end action, and it wasn't! It ended 1-0 to Pompey with a disputed penalty.

I travelled by car, with my wife and son aged seven. As it was also my friends stag night on the Friday night in Bournemouth, we decided to make it a five day break. We stayed at the Wessex Hotel in West Cliff and it was excellent for the price we paid.

On the day of the game my wife dropped me and the boy off at The Queens pub a stroll of approximately 5 minutes from the ground. I only drink Stella which was £3.45 a pnit which I thought was a bit inflated. Friendly bar staff and felt safe all the time we were in there.

One thing that did stand out was the way things were organised when we got to the ground albeit even my son had his ruck sack searched. Inside was very neat and tidy and considering it only took months to build was impressive. The view was excellent (we were in Row J) and organised.  Unfortunately i can't comment on the atmosphere because i had the pleasure (????) of sitting four rows in front of John West and his Band so thats all I heard throughout the game!   I though the prices inside the stadium were also on the steep side. A bottle of beer was £3.50 for a 275ml bottle, a stone cold hot dog was also £3.50. If i'd seen a price board beforehand I wouldn't have bothered. After the game we met my missus back at the pub and returned to our hotel.

Just a brief summary of the week. Bournemouth is fantastic for a few days away, loads of  cheap hotels, excellent food places and really cheap prices. Two nights we ate at the Harbour Lights overlooking the sea and next to the pier 2 meals for 10 quid. The Bar on the Beach was great for fresh seafood. The beaches were clean and always kept clear of mess, the views were fabulous. Nightlife was great and to my surprise was in the town centre and not near the coastal strip and again it felt safe.   To end don't just go for the footy, make a weekend of it. It's great!! 

Mark Horler (Torquay United) 31st August 2010

Afc bournemouth v torquay united johnstone's paint trophy tuesday, august 31st 2010, 7.45pm mark horler (torquay united fan).

Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be): I had not been to Dean Court, as it was known back then since the Stadium was rebuilt in 2001  

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking? One of Torquay's nearest league teams, but still a difficult 2.5 hour journey dodging the Summer tourist traffic. Our route took us on the A30 past Exeter airport, Honiton, Dorcester. Very little dual carriageway and too many caravans. The Sat Nav took us straight to the ground.  

What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?   The ground is near Boscombe beach so we made our way down there in search of a chippy. Even though it was an August evening the place was very quiet. Two cafes we found were both closing (6pm!) and so we made our way back to the ground after a walk along the sea front. Boscombe town centre appears very run down in comparison to neighbouring Bounremouth, but not nearly as much as Cleethorpes. The area around the ground was very friendly. There seemed to be quite a surprise that Torquay had brought around 300 fans for a Johnson's Watching Paint Dry Cup Match.   

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Dean Court?   The first thing you notice about Dean Court is the sheer amount of space surrounding it on three sides. It is set in a park, which is obviously highly used by the local community. The other thing you notice is the high percentage of middle class supporters in relation to other lower league clubs. This is clearly a wealthy area, similar to the supporters at Cheltenham or Crawley. The turnstiles did not open until 7.15pm, 30 minutes before kick-off. Bournemouth had done an excellent job of playing down the match on their website with comments such as "Only 2 stands will be open due to the low crowds traditionally experienced at JPT games" and "Manager will make 5 changes to team". Prices were cut to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Around half of what they usually charge.

Dean Court, as I will call it for old times sake was completely rebuilt in 2001. This is certainly not the ground for a football ground enthusiast. Bland is an understatement. The designers got a lot right, good legroom, excellent views, large toilets, large exit gates. What they missed out on was an sort of character….and I mean any sort at all. This ground could be anywhere and more disappointing than anything is the state of disrepair it is in already – in less than 10 years after being built. The roofs of the stands and the sides of the stands have perspex sheeting, which is fading to a tobacco brown colour, the seats, once bright and colourful, have started to fade, the walls outside parts of the ground are green with algae. 10 years on, it needs a good spruce up to be honest.  

We were put in the East Stand. To our left was the temporary open end, which despite closing the ground on all 4 sides, still gives it a very open feel. Once again, as is so common nowadays, we were so far away from the home fans you would have thought we were Leeds United!   Torquay's away support is quite loud, but was met with little from the North Stand, where most of the louder Bournemouth fans stood. Opposite the Main Stand looked like a subbuteo stadium with no one moving for what seemed like the entire match.    Had the away fans been moved towards the North Stand the atmosphere would have been so much better.    

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..   The stewards were clearly bored and overstaffed, but, to be fair, friendly. We had disabled supporter with us, so asked for parking and it took no fewer than 3 of them to decide where to put us, moving us three times before eventually putting us as far from the away turnstiles as it was possible to get! The car park was only one third full! There was also this awkward disbelief from the stewards, that you only seem to get at football, that because our disabled guest did not have a wheelchair or a stick….how could he possibly be disabled! More training needed I think!   Once inside the ground this same fan sat in the front row "You can't sit there…that's for disabled supporters"…and so the saga continued.  

The stewards were overall a laid back bunch. The singing fans stood the whole match with no issues. The flags were allowed up, but in the far corner…which sort of defeated their purpose.   Pasties, pies, burgers were £3. Very commercial food with branded staff and signage and as always a complete rip off.   Torquay won 3 – nil on penalties. The match was not bad, but I think the whole crowd was relieved when there was no extra time. The way in which Bournemouth took their penalties did make me wonder if they truly wanted to win the tie….which, if they missed deliberately would have been so unfair to their 3,000 supporters….but that linked to the club statements before the game did make me wonder…

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: The crowd was 3,140, half of Bournemouth's average. It still took us a good twenty minutes to get a mile from the ground.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: A good evening out, yet another Torquay clean sheet and a chance for a pop at Exeter or Plymouth in the next round….now that would not be watching paint dry!

James Spring (Notts County) 14th January 2012

Afc bournemouth v notts county league one saturday, january 14th 2012, 3pm james spring (notts county fan).

As a Notts County fan living in Weymouth, I tend to only get to games in the South, and Bournemouth is only an hour away from me. I was looking forward to the trip to Dean Court as I'd been there three times previously and it had been an enjoyable experience on each of these visits. Add to that, the fact that both sides have play off ambitions and it was set up to be an interesting game.   We caught the 11:24am train from Upway Station and arrived at Bournemouth station at around 12:20pm. Having looked at the route from the station to the ground on Google Maps, the plan was to grab a bite to eat in a KFC on the way to Dean Court. But it turned out that what is shown as KFC on Google Maps is now a Ladbrokes! We did get a bit lost at one point, as this was the first time we had caught the train to Bournemouth. But a friendly local pointed us in the right direction and we arrived at Dean Court just before 1pm.   Having arrived at the ground two hours before kick off, we decided to wait to welcome our team coach into the ground. I bought a matchday programme for £3 and waited with some other visiting supporters. Once the players had been welcomed we walked around to the away end. The home supporters seemed friendly enough with one stopping to shake our hands, welcoming us to Bournemouth and wishing us good luck for the rest of the season. The turnstiles opened at around 2:10pm, and after buying a cup of tea we went and found some good seats.   This was my fourth visit to Dean Court and I had been impressed with it every time. It's a nice little ground, and although it only has three stands, there is usually a good atmosphere about the place. Away supporters are housed in one area of the East Stand. All three stands are covered with wind shields at both sides, which seems to keep the atmosphere locked in a bit. We sat right in the back row and the view was perfect.    The match was an entertaining one to say the least. It all started so well when Notts took the lead thanks to a Hamza Bencherif strike early on, but within around 20 minutes the hosts had equalised. Both sides had chances to go ahead but half time arrived with the score level at 1-1. The second half was very open and Notts always looked more likely to score the winner, but having missed three great chances, the inevitable happened. Six County defenders in the area and not one made a tackle, leaving the Bournemouth man with time to find an unmarked team mate running into the area to crash home the winner with just 5 minutes to go. Heartbreak for the travelling supporters, full time – 2-1 to the Cherries. On a positive note – the atmosphere was pretty good from both sets of fans, the stewards were friendly and had no problem with people standing up in the back three rows.    Getting out of Dean Court usually takes some time by car, as everyone is trying to leave the ground via one road that leads straight onto the main road. So we were thankful to be heading back to the train station, although the 40 minute walk seemed a lot longer.    Overall a good day out with a bitterly disappointing/frustrating result. Would recommend the trip to anyone and will definitely return again. 

Matthew Cowdrey (Crawley Town) 30th December 2012

Bournemouth v crawley town league one saturday, december 29th 2012, 3pm matthew cowdrey (crawley town fan).

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

Since Crawley’s rise to the heady heights of League One the average journey to an away game is now 185 miles. This made Bournemouth a veritable local derby. That combined with the helpful timing of the game between Boxing Day and New Year and the fact that I have family in the area meant that it was an easy game to pencil in.

The family visit took place in the morning and I realised that the family members I was visiting only lived three quarters of a mile from the ground. With hindsight I should have walked…!

Crawley had been in a good run of form recently with two good away wins (Including Portsmouth on Boxing Day) so expectation was high.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The drive to and From Bournemouth was extremely easy. Despite warnings of localised flooding near Chichester, there were no delays to speak of. Heavy rain on the way home made the drive hard work, but at no stage was it difficult or painfully long. Door to door was easily under two hours.

Finding the ground was simple enough and car parking was ample despite the warnings the day before. Having said that, we arrived early (12:20) with a view to having lunch before the game. Car parking cost a pound and our early arrival secured us a space within 20 feet of the exit and pointing in the right direction.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?

On a normal home game as an away fan you have the choice of lunch at the pavilion in the park or the Legends Café and Bistro at the ground. The 1910 Supporters Bar at the ground is for home fans only. Sadly as the game fell during the holiday period the Pavilion was not open. We made our way to the Legends Café and Bistro at 12:20 and attempted to order some food. At this point we were told we couldn’t order food because they stopped serving at 1pm on a match day. When I pointed out that it was only 12:20 I was told that “well we’re stopping early today. You can get a burger in the ground later if you want”. It wasn’t exactly the warm welcome I was expecting to a Café and Bistro on match day. Stopping food at 1pm on a normal Saturday seems a bit odd. The bar itself was somewhat lifeless and a little clinical. The bar ran out of draft bitter by 1pm and keg bitter by 1:15. The bar was poorly understaffed and when the Crawley support arrived (all 380 of us) they seemed woefully underprepared.

The few home fans in the Legends Bar weren’t particularly friendly or talkative and most seemed to resent the presence of away fans in their bar. Whilst not hostile I wouldn’t class the atmosphere as welcoming.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

Three sides of the ground look very impressive, but without a South Stand of any sort it looks a bit odd. The away fans are put on the South end of the East Stand next to the open end of the ground which gave you the added pleasure of feeling detached from the main atmosphere whilst at the same time being blasted in the face by a strong South Westerly wind coming straight in off the channel. This is definitely a ground to wrap up for as an away fan. Seating was comfortable enough and being well over six foot myself this made a welcome change to most seated grounds.

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Despite the promise of burgers in the ground, no food was available. There is a bar though which is great if you’re 40 but not so good for my 8 year old son. The stewards were clearly embarrassed by the lack of food and one of the female stewards even let us back out of the ground and walked us round to the outside of the North Stand in the middle of the home fans so we could buy a couple of hot dogs. She then walked us back round to the away end and let us in through a side door. All of the stewards were welcoming, polite and friendly.

Prior to the game the referee Lee Probert who was the referee when Crawley played Man Utd at Old Trafford  came over to speak to the Crawley fans during his warm-up. A nice, unexpected and unusual gesture.

A few of the slightly more inebriated Crawley fans (clearly too much Christmas cheer) gave some of the stewards a fair bit of stick until the other Crawley fans told them to shut up, but not once were they greeted with anything but a smile from the Stewards.

The game itself was something of a damp squib. Crawley captain Gary Alexander won possibly his first header of the season to score after 16 minutes, sadly however in the wrong net. A sleepy defence at a free kick towards of the end of the first half sealed our fate and the lacklustre performance continued throughout the second half to tee up the inevitable third goal.

The biggest round of applause all day from the Crawley fans was for former Crawley talisman Matt Tubbs as he came on as a late substitute for Bournemouth. Crawley were well beaten by a revitalised team that surely must be favourites for promotion to the Championship now. The speed of play (and thought) left Crawley in their wake and Crawley simply didn’t have the ability to deal with them.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Although only 20 feet from the exit of the car park and not hanging around once the final whistle went, it still took nearly 30 minutes to get as far as the main road. The ground is down a single road and there would appear to be many who saved the £1 car parking fee to park in side roads as the exit did seem to take a while.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Whilst easily accessible on the way in, the exit wasn’t smooth and the lack of any food matched with surly service and a breezy, three-quarter stadium didn’t exactly get us in the mood for a happy day out. The performance of Crawley was the final nail in the coffin, but Bournemouth in their current form are a delight to watch. I’m sure that once the new South Stand is completed and somebody works out how to order food that the experience will improve significantly. 

Ronan Howard (Swindon Town) 12th January 2013

Afc bournemouth v swindon town league one saturday, january 12th, 2013, 3pm ronan howard (swindon town fan).

Our away allocation had sold out quickly and with 1400 town fans making the trip, it was set up to be a good day. On the downside Bournemouth is not a place to go in January – such a shame we couldn’t have been playing them in August when the weather would have been better!

Travelling from Basingstoke, so I took a direct train which took around an hour and a half, some nice scenery on the way down too. Bournemouth’s ground is well outside the town itself – some had opted to head for Bournemouth itself to sample a better range of pubs and get the train out to Pokesdown later, however I’d opted to go straight to Pokesdown rather than doubling back. The ground itself is around 10-15 minutes walk from Pokesdown station and is fairly easy to find, although not particularly well sign posted for the uninitiated.  

Decided to go for a couple of pre-match pints in the Mello Mello bar, which is a fairly short walk from the ground. Beer reasonable and had a good range of ciders, perfect for us from the west country! Met up with some other town fans who were in good voice, and headed for the ground just gone two.

Frankly for a relatively new stadium Dean Court manages to be both soulless and underwhelming – with only three stands and sitting in the middle of a suburban residential area, it had the look of an athletics stadium rather than a football ground. We were sat on one side of one of the stands which runs the length of the pitch – views decent, seating adequate, not particular complaints.  

The weather played more than a hand in the eventual quality of the match, and it was a credit to both teams that they attempted to actually play football. It had been raining all day, and before commencing the second half there was a delay as the referee and assistants had to do a pitch inspection which eventually, by some miracle, passed, although it was clear to all the pitch was waterlogged.

As said the weather meant little decent football was played – the town went behind to a sloppy goal in the second half before a late rally and some calamitous goalkeeping by former England keeper David James gave us the opportunity to level with a few minutes remaining. 1-1 and with the away support urging them on, Swindon tried their best to win the game. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be our day, and had to settle for a point. Prior to the game I would’ve been satisfied with just that, and had to say it was a fair result come ninety minutes.

The car park which unfortunately you have to walk through to get back towards the train station was in a shocking condition after the rain, and a few cars were having difficulty getting out. One suggestion for AFC Bournemouth before they put in their fourth stand would  be to invest in some tarmac! Cold and wet and with the trains being problematic, I spent an hour or so in the Seabourne pub opposite the station. The pub seems to have a fairly poor reputation judging by the comments online but have to say the locals were very friendly, and chatted to several Bournemouth fans about the game and our respective prospects for the season. Good banter and all in good fun.

Decent result under difficult conditions, reasonable, functional ground, had the game not been in the freezing January rain it would have been an excellent day out, but you can’t have it all. Weather notwithstanding, still a decent away day.

James Butler (Charlton Athletic) 3rd August 2013

Afc bournemouth v charlton athletic league one saturday, august 3rd, 2013, 3pm james butler (charlton athletic fan).

When this fixture came up as our first game of the season it was, for me, a must go to match. Newly promoted team, albeit one we knew quite well of late from our time in League One, in a beautiful part of the country.

Normally we would go by coach, but a combination of my new car and getting my companion Del Boy out of the proverbial with his wife meant we went by car. Still a simple journey, no problem, except August is of course holiday season and a brief look at the route from North West Kent to the Dorset Coast will tell you all you need to know about how the traffic could be at that time of year. May be 3 ½ hours to do a 135 mile journey is not that bad, but it’s not good either. Thanks to good old Google I had extensively research the surrounding area and discovered a nearby leisure centre where the parking is free and almost empty. I can’t remember the name of the centre, but for anyone who is interested; come of the A388 at the Bournemouth hospital exit, go down to the huge set of lights by the hospital, turn right into posh housing estate and follow signs to leisure centre. From there it is just over a mile walk through a very pleasant park, bringing you right to the ground by the away turnstiles. 

Outside the away stand Bournemouth have created a wall of fame depicting teams and scenes from the past. A great idea, fascinating to see how many famous faces have played/managed in this part of the world. By this time, an hour before the kick-off we needed food and drink, here the park land location of the ground comes unstuck. The only option was the ground itself with the normal fayre on offer. The beer at £3 pint was reasonable, although I doubt it was actually a pint, but I am sorry I don’t do football ground food. The bad traffic had meant that we had to abandon our plans to have a nice lunch in the New Forest beforehand. 

The ground is neat and tidy with three almost identical stands, which whilst not huge, offer a perfect view of the game. At £22 per ticket offers great value for money, other clubs, including Charlton, take note, Palace hang your heads in shame. New for the this season is the Ted MacDougall stand behind the goal to our immediate left, this has a very temp look about it, but it does the job.

The atmosphere as the game began was great. The home fans made there noise and as usual the away fans made even more. As is the norm the home fans settle to watch the football, the beer fueled away fans sing. It seems the same up and down the country. The game itself was okay. Neither side was great, but neither was bad, some statue defending by the Charlton defence gave Bournemouth the lead mid-way through the first half. Strangely the game then just continued in the same vein. 

Second half started with a wonder volley from Yann “the beast” Kermogant, Leicester’s favourite son. This cranked the atmosphere right up in the away section, but did nothing again for the game in general. Twenty minutes from the end a good strike form Bournemouth saw them retake the lead, which they never look like losing. The home fans now sensing an opening day win found their voices. The Charlton fans now a little deflated and a degree more sober slowly drifted away as we were reduced to 10 men. The stewarding was friendly and efficient. We were  larger than any away contingent they had seen the whole of last season. They were relaxed about standing, perhaps a little too relaxed with regard to some infringements into the gang ways. The police videoing the away fans was a little weird, but then again the smoke bomb thrown by the Charlton fans as the teams came out was completely unnecessary and may have provoked the videoing. They lost interest at half time anyway.

After the match we were back in the car inside twenty minutes and home indoors by 7.30pm, journey time 2hours 5 mins. That’s more like it!

Great day out despite the result, but you can’t and won’t win them all. Bournemouth is  a lovely town in a beautiful part of the country, weather help on our visit. The crowd was 10,000, which is a good turnout in these parts, if a crowd of this size is expected for your visit I suggest you find the leisure centre, not the club car park which looked an absolute nightmare. Supporters coaches are parked right by away exit, they made a quick get way. Train seemed overly complicated for such a small town, go to Bournemouth, take a local train, you get enough of that rubbish in London. I would certainly return and recommend Bournemouth to any fan in the Championship, although I realise that the geographical location does not make it an easy visit for clubs further afield than Charlton. Make the effort it’s worth it.

David Windridge (Blackburn Rovers) 28th September 2013

Afc bournemouth v blackburn rovers championship league saturday, september 28th, 2013, 3pm david windridge (blackburn rovers fan).

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground:  

Any awayday at the seaside is always something to look forward to. It makes a change from the usual town-to-town journey. Bournemouth had the added attraction of being a “first visit” ground. I was keen to see how the stadium had been redeveloped.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking? 

My journey was fine, pretty much motorway/dual carriageway all the way into the town itself. I found the ground okay, although I had to turn around and drive back away from the ground to park. Sign-posting detailing the parking close to the ground was non-existent. I parked at the Sovereign Shopping Centre, about a 15 minute walk away. Although I have to say, priced at £2.50 for over three hours, this was a bargain. 

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly? 

I was with my two daughters therefore before the game they wanted to see the beach and then go into town, so no pub. Didn’t encounter any home fans around and about, most football fans in the town centre were either wearing Spurs or Chelsea tops looking for somewhere to watch the lunchtime TV game. The fans we encountered around the ground were neither friendly or unfriendly, just fans walking around!

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground? 

From the outside the ground looked tidy and compact but it must be the first time I have never seen any burger vans etc in close proximity to a stadium, maybe we didn’t look hard enough. We were reliant on a good “footy burger” for eats but were disappointed. Upon seeing the inside of the ground my impression was that of compact but tidy, enough to keep the home fans satisfied with the size of the fan base. The ground looked the same on all four sides, but the view was fine. The seats were somewhat compact for a modern new-build stadium though. The pictures and statistics from various Bournemouth games which were posted on the inside end of each stand, covering the walls, was an impressive touch 

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..  

The game was fantastic from Rovers point of view. We were 3-0 after 40 minutes which always settles the nerves and makes any very long journey worthwhile. The second half was slightly more subdued, given that the home team had to do all of the running to chase the game. A red card for a Bournemouth player early in the second half really didn’t help their cause, and although the game ended 3-1 to Rovers, it really could have been a lot worse for the home team. The atmosphere was great in the away end. The 997 Rovers fans in an attendance of 9,441 made a huge noise at times and coupled with the score it lead to a party atmosphere at times. The home support was very muted, perhaps understandably so give how quickly Rovers took the initiative. The stewards were fine with me, friendly enough and this always helps at any away ground. Catering was appalling inside the ground. The only hot food was a lame hotdog, which simply isn’t good enough these days. There is an expectation that a range of warm food should be available for all fans, especially ones who had travelled for over 6 hours, so very show for Bournemouth regarding this. The toilets were equally poor, functional would be the kindest thing I could say.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: 

We were fine getting away from the game, the car park was empty when I got back to my car. The local roads were not as busy as around a lot of grounds so access to exit town was fine.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:  

A long day out but a fantastic team performance made the many miles home pass quickly. If the food offered was edible then my day at Bournemouth would have been complete.

Thomas Murphy (Watford) 18th January 2014

Afc bournemouth v watford championship league saturday, january 18th, 2014, 3pm thomas murphy (watford fan).

1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be): 

I was looking forward to going to this match because I saw the ground photos on this website first and it looked like a nice stadium. It was also a new ground for me as well, along with most other Watford fans who were going down to the game, so I was buzzing to go. Last time Watford played Bournemouth we won 6-1, although Bournemouth had played well in that match and didn't deserve to lose that badly, therefore I could see it being a really close game.

I went down by supporters coach. The two hour journey was straightforward enough, as there was little traffic. We arrived at the stadium around 1.45pm, which was good. The ground seemed well sign posted and easy to find. 

Before the game I walked around the stadium and the local area, the home fans seemed friendly enough and seemed to be in good spirits, especially after their Liverpool tickets went on sale that morning. After that I decided to go into the ground about half an hour early, and I got myself something to eat and drink before the game started. 

I thought the ground looked like a good League One/okay Championship ground. It was quite small, but I though that was good because it made the atmosphere all the better. The away end was very small and us Watford fans were only allocated with about 1,300 seats. You can get a good view of the pitch from where ever you sit in the ground, and as the away end is on the touch line you could have an even better view. On the left of the away stand is the temporary stand, which really completes the stadium, and makes it look all the more neat and compact.

The game its self was stacked with controversy. Two penalties were given against us (the second one in my eyes a blatant dive) and for the first penalty, we also had a player sent off! Watford were first to score, through a headed goal by Angella, right on the stroke of half time, however Lewis Grabban scored for the home side from the spot to make it   1-1. Goalkeeper Almunia then stopped Lewis Grabban's second penalty and made a fantastic double save after that. The match ended 1-1, which I probably would of took before the match started. 

The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic in my opinion, there was good banter with the home fans, and it was our best atmosphere in a long time. The stand is also quite small, which adds to the occasion as it means the fans are closer together. There were loads of stewards in attendance after the referee gave the second penalty. 

Getting away from the ground was alright, we had to wait for everyone to get back on the coach. it took a bit of time trying to get around all the traffic, and then out of Bournemouth. it didn't take long to get away from the ground at all.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: 

I thought it was a fantastic day out, and probably my favourite away day of this season. cracking atmosphere from our fans and a good match. Nice ground and I cant wait to go back there next season.

Alex Royal (Middlesbrough) 15th March 2014

Afc bournemouth v middlesbrough championship league saturday, march 15th, 2014, 3pm alex royal (middlesbrough fan).

Another away-day, another ground to tick off on my quest to do the 92.

I went with the official club coaches which left from the Riverside at 05.15am. We stopped twice on the way, once at at Leicester Forest Services on the M1 and and then at Rownhams Services on the M24. This was about 40 minutes drive from the ground where we arrived at 12.30pm. We were greeted by parking attendants who directed us to our coach park, just next to the away end.

As we arrived at the ground quite early, I decided to go and along and meet some of the Bournemouth players, who were arriving at the stadium. All of whom I met were quite happy to have a 'selfie' taken with me. We also to gave the 'Boro players a warm reception off the team coach, when it arrived just before 1pm. I also got chatting to quite a few of the home fans who turned out to be very friendly, I was wearing my Middlesbrough shirt so there was some good banter. My main highlight of the day was getting a warm welcome off Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn, who congratulated me on making the long trip south!

Dean Court is a neat little ground, and is now 'complete' with the introduction of the Ted MacDougall Stand. Away fans are housed in the East Stand, towards the Ted MacDougall Stand, where up to 1500 fans can be allocated. One of the nice features of the ground is that all the stands are the same size, one stand doesn't stand out like other away grounds I have been to.  The only real downside of where we were sat was that the sun was right in our eyes! I would recommend bringing a hat as I had to use my programme as a sun visor!

Steve Fletcher Stand

The game itself was pretty abysmal, Middlesbrough were abysmal, and Bournemouth deserved to win 2 or 3 nil, they wanted it more, and had 2 good chances, both of which brought the best out of our veteran goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos! I honesty don't think Boro had one shot on target all game, that's how bad we were, a point was lucky in my opinion. The atmosphere around the ground is good, and is boosted by the presence of a drummer in the Steve Fletcher Stand, there is little segregation between home and away fans, so there was plenty of banter. 

On the bright side, Middlesbrough played in a one-off third kit, after referee Fred Graham deemed both our kits to be too similar to Bournemouth's home colours of red and black. At the end of the game most of our players threw theirs into the crowd, and I was lucky enough to get Albert Adomah's!

It took out 45 minutes to get out of the ground after the game, it was a bit of a mad scramble to get out of the car park. We eventually got back on the motorway at about 1730, we continued along the motorway until a brief stop for a driver change at Leicester Forest services at 2045, back onto the coach at 9pm, arriving back in Teesside at quarter to midnight!

Fantastic away day, real shame about the result, Middlesbrough were absolutely dreadful, and we were lucky to come away with a point to be quite honest. Will be returning next year! 9/10.

Gary Exton (Nottingham Forest) 19th August 2014

Afc bournemouth v nottingham forest championship league tuesday, august 19th, 2014, 7.45pm gary exton (nottingham forest fan).

It is a ground I have never been to. Plus a Tuesday night game to a ground 215 miles away, then what was there not to look forward to?   2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?   It was a very easy drive down to the South Coast. There were no traffic problems and it took almost fours hours to get there. The stadium itself is located just off the main road as you enter Bournemouth. We chose not to park at the ground car park as it looked like it might be a pain to get out of at the end of the game. Instead we found some street parking about five minute walk away  and that was about an hour before kick off.   3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?   We drove in to Bournemouth as we were a little early and stopped at the car park on the sea front and visited the Harry Ramsdens for some overpriced fish and chips.  I had my Forest shirt on an had no problems there were a few Forest fans around and we had even had one Bournemouth come up to us for a quick chat which was nice.   4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?   The ground is small and compact but set in a really nice setting, it couldn’t be any more pleasant.  Away fans are housing in half of the East Stand running along the side of the pitch. Great view and very close to the action and fans can really drum up some noise from this stand.   5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..   For the first 65mins of the game were a non-event for Forest fans as Bournemouth passed us to death, got one nil up and really should have out the game out of sight for us. But somehow we found from somewhere a goal to get us back in it and before you knew it we were winning 2-1 and that’s how it stayed. It felt good to win 'ugly' for a change not normally the type of game we get anything from. The stewarding was very relaxed which and pleasant which is how it should be. In my experience half the problems are sometimes caused by a steward wanting to throw his weight around. The atmosphere inside the ground was good, with plenty of banter between the two sets of fans.   6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:   Parking on the street was a huge benefit on getting away. It took only 5-10 mins to get back on the main dual carriageway, then we were off and we didn’t stop again until we arrived home at 1.30 am   7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:   It was a really good away trip. There is something about going a long way for an away game at night that gives you a real buzz. We didn’t play great but somehow won and that’s what it is going to take to get out of this league.

Stuart Griffin (Neutral) 14th March 2015

Afc bournemouth v blackpool football championship league saturday 14th march 2015, 3pm stuart griffin (neutral fan).

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Dean Court Ground?

Bournemouth were riding high in the Championship, experiencing their most successful season ever. Plus being a local club I wanted to go see what all the fuss was about. For me it was an easy ground to do with Dean Court being my fifth ground visited out of the 92.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The drive was easy, driving through the New Forest and parking at a friends house in Boscombe. I then walked to Dean Court, taking around 20 minutes.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Dean Court?

Dean Court itself is a modest tidy affair, set in beautiful park surroundings. Although not intimidating, it is quite a symmetrical stadium, with only the temporary South Stand providing any differentiation. Still with space to develop in a great town, you could see the potential of the place.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The atmosphere was very relaxed (partly down to the the fact it was top vs bottom), with the home crowd expecting an easy victory. They were not to be disappointed as the Cherries demolished Blackpool 4-1, with the Blackpool goal occurring only after a mistake from Boruc (he made a few near howlers). Still Bournemouth demonstrated their flowing attacking football, and even on a grey day in Bournemouth, the atmosphere at Dean Court was bright and sunny as fans contemplated the clubs first ever promotion to the top flight.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Easy, walked back to the car amongst jubilant atmosphere, where I then caught up with my friend for a couple of hours. Drive back through the New Forest was pleasant with little traffic.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Good day out at the second nearest 92 ground to my home. Bournemouth were set up for success, with the only negative being the quiet fans (however I willing to forgive them as the game was not a very competitive one).

Stephen Barrow (Watford) 3rd October 2015

Bournemouth v watford premier league saturday 3rd october 2015, 3pm stephen barrow (watford fan).

Why were you looking forward to visiting the Vitality Stadium?    

First trip to Bournemouth away with both clubs in the Premier. A chance to collect another ground and with an Indian Summer's day in prospect by the seaside, it was one to look forward to. 

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?    

Advance warning of terrible roadwork trouble on the way into Bournemouth persuaded us to opt for a car and train combination. Drove to Southampton Airport Parkway (easy to get to and loads of parking) followed by a 45 minute journey to Bournemouth.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?    

Arriving early we strolled down to the promenade in lovely warm sunshine and had lunch overlooking the sea. The walk from the seafront to the ground is quite a trek and all uphill so we grabbed a taxi. Traffic towards the ground was very bad, so we were dropped off and walked the final half mile through the park to the stadium.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Vitality Stadium?    

The Vitality Stadium sits in the suburbs near a large park so very few facilities nearby. The surroundings are pleasant enough but don't really lend themselves to a big match atmosphere. In my opinion this extends to the atmosphere in the ground. The view etc.. is perfectly good but the stadium is just too small for this level.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..    

Bournemouth impressed in the first half, took a deserved lead via a clever header from Murray, before a terrible error from Boruc gifted Watford an equaliser just before half time. The second half was much more even before Bournemouth got a controversial penalty. Fortunately for the hornets Gomes came to the rescue of the team, and the referee. Atmosphere was ok, only really picking up in a frantic final ten minutes with both sides looking for the win.

Getting away was very straightforward. The away end is convenient for the walk across the main car park, along the side of the local cemetery and into Pokesdown where there are a couple of trains that stop at the local station en route from Bournemouth to all parts east. We had to be on our toes, but made it in time to catch the first train back to Southampton.

Lovely weather, an okay game with plenty of incident, but overall only an average match day experience for me. Another ground ticked off, but won't be at the top of my list. I hope that Bournemouth continue their top flight adventure but I'm not sure if I would go every time.

Stephen Harvey (Newcastle United) 7th November 2015

Afc bournemouth v  newcastle united premier league saturday 7th november 2015, 12.45pm stephen harvey (newcastle united fan).

Why were you looking forward to visiting the Dean Court Football Ground?    

It was one of the first fixtures I looked for, when the Premier League fixtures were released in June. I had previously visited Dean Court when Newcastle last played there in 1992. I had made a weekend of it on that occasion and remembered that we had a great time on the South Coast.

We travelled down on the day before the match. The drive took us the best part of seven hours from County Durham. We got parked opposite the hotel and decided to leave then car there.and make our own way to the ground the next morning.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?  

We took a ten minute walk from our hotel to a Wetherspoons pub called the Christopher Creek. We go there early as those wonderful television executives had decided to make the longest journey in the premier league this season to a game, an early 12.45pm kick off. We had breakfast and a coffee as this Wetherspoons didn't serve alcohol until 9am. This wasn't a problem for some off us as we were a bit worse for wear from the previous night our. Round about midday we caught a bus just outside that took us to within ten minutes walk from Dean Court. So we popped into the Sir Percy Florence (another Wetherspoons) which was packed with noisy Toon fans on there best behavior as always. There were Bournemouth fans drinking in there as well, but both sets of fans seemed to be getting along fine.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Dean Court?    

I couldn't remember much of my previous visit to Dean Court. But what I do remember was the weather was the same. Teaming down with rain!. But this time we were under cover. I had a great view from Row P.near the back of the stand and could have few complaints.

Newcastle fans were quite noise throughout game.We managed to steal  three points, after a first half strike from Perez became the only goal of the game . But we won't complain. Stewarding was never any problem.I didn't use facilities. I don't normally do even at home games, as they always have long queues and I like to be able to watch the full match.

After match we walked away from ground speaking to Bournemouth fans in away felt a bit sorry for them as they played well and dominated the match from start to finish with no reward. But that's the cruel side of football. And we had our fair share over the years. We managed to get into the Queens Park Hotel, near to the ground, where the locals were fine. Had a couple of pints and then out for another great night in town. We travelled home early Sunday morning, arriving at 2.30pm.

Great friendly place and nice fans. We will be back again next year!

Laurence Page (Crystal Palace) 2nd December 2015

Bournemouth v crystal palace premier league saturday 26th december 2015, 3pm laurence page (crystal palace fan).

A new ground and opponent for me, I can't say I was looking forward to it that much as Boxing day away games mean hours sitting on a dry coach for a non driver like me!

Club coach from Selhurst Park, easy enough, the coaches park straight outside the away end.

Normally I would have got the train and probably had some beers and fish and chips on the seafront. But with no train services running on Boxing Day, I was at the mercy of an official coach which meant I was stuck within the immediate area around the Vitality Stadium. The surrounding area is quite residential and a steward told us the best/only place to eat and drink was in the ground so we queued at the turnstile. Strangely though, these didn't open until one hour before kick off meaning a lot of thirsty people waiting impatiently outside. I didn't encounter too many home fans apart from a couple trying to goad the away support from the comfort of their seats for most of the game, they did eventually sit down and shut up as instructed.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Vitality stadium?    

My first thought was that it looked completely out of place in the Premier League, more so than Selhurst Park even. That isn't a bad thing though at all, it's a proper local community stadium. The away end is in one end of a side stand, very close to the action.

The game was fairly nervy and finished goalies, neither team taking many risks and I was relieved to see our former hero Glenn Murray get a great reception from the visiting fans and also miss a very presentable chance. They sell John Smith's or Foster's in cans which they pour into plastic cups and I think there was cider, it was £3.50 a go which was pretty cheap by football ground standards, it was fine getting served as well.

It took half an hour to get out of the car park in the coach due to the bottleneck into the main road outside.

It was a fair point and an average day, I would like to go there again on a day when the trains are running and experience a bit more of Bournemouth town itself.

Stephen Welch (Manchester City) 2nd April 2016

Bournemouth v manchester city premier league saturday 2nd april 2016, 3pm stephen welch (manchester city fan).

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Vitality Stadium?

I hadn't been to Dean Court since the late 1980's so I was intrigued to see how it had changed. Plus it was a game that City really needed to win.

The journey was very easy, but very long! M6 M42 M40 M3 and M27 motorways plus a couple of 'A' roads. We left Manchester at 7.30am and after a couple of stops and driving a minibus that was limited to 62mph, we arrived at the stadium at 12.50pm. On arrival we were informed by the stewards that if any alcohol was found on the bus that it could be impounded by the Police, which seemed a bit over the top. A steward then proceeded to look around the bus, but didn't find anything. On the plus side the minibus was allowed to park in the club car park for free!

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

We went to a Wetherspoons which was around a 10-15 minute walk away. This Guide advised that away colours were not allowed inside the pub, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn't the case. In fact the pub was packed with City fans, with hardly any home fans in attendance. Plus at £1.79 for a pint of the guest ale, you couldn't go wrong! There were so few fans walking up to the ground that you could easily have assumed that there wasn't a game on. Still the few Bournemouth fans that we did encounter, seemed friendly enough.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Vitality Stadium?

The Vitality Stadium is probably the smallest ground that I have been to for years. It was unrecognisable from the Dean Court of old and I had difficulty in figuring out how the new stadium had been turned around 90 degrees, compared to the old one. Still it did make a change from other Premier stadiums, it was more like a League One ground. Inside it was very welcoming, with none of the hatred that you sometimes get at away grounds. My guess is that there are less arrests at Bournemouth than there are at any of the other Premier League football grounds. 

City romped to a 4-0 win. City supporters made the atmosphere, I hardly heard anything from the Bournemouth fans. Still I guess they didn't have much to shout about! I wish I had brought sunglasses, or a cap, as the sun shone directly into our eyes for most of the game. At half time I went to get something to eat. They had no steak pies, so instead I had a chicken/mushroom pie which cost £3.50. It was nice and contained large chunks of chicken.

Although there was only 11,000 there, it was quite difficult getting out of the car park away and back on the A338. It must have taken at least 20 minutes.

Memorable day, great result, no trouble at all, cheap beer and I am already looking forward to returning next season. However Bournemouth really need to extend their ground, it is far to small for the Premier League.

Stephen Welch (Manchester City) 27th August 2017

Bournemouth v manchester city premier league saturday 26th august 2017, 12.30pm stephen welch ( manchester city fan), andrew walker (brighton and hove albion) 5th january 2019, afc bournemouth v brighton and hove albion fa cup 3rd round saturday 5th january 2019, 12.30pm andrew walker (brighton and hove albion), ryan dodds (newcastle united) 16th march 2019, bournemouth v newcastle united premier league saturday 16th march 2019, 3pm ryan dodds (newcastle united), craig milne (doing the 92) 15th september 2019, bournemouth v everton premier league sunday 15th september 2019, 2pm craig milne (doing the 92), ian ford (west ham united) 28th september 2019, bournemouth v west ham united premier league saturday 28th september 2019, 3pm ian ford (west ham united), sebastian lock (norwich city) 19th october 2019, bournemouth v norwich city premier league saturday 19th october 2019, 3pm sebastian lock (norwich city).

Tom 9th November 2021

Game attended, competition, kick off time, team supported, why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself, what you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium, comment on getting away from the ground after the game, summary of overall thoughts of the day out.

Steve Bolland 29th November 2021

Frank Alsop 1st December 2021

John Rogers 13th November 2022

Shawn 28th February 2024

Ground layout.

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Vitality Stadium Tickets Information

Football stadium "vitality stadium": a historical gem in the heart of bournemouth.

The Vitality Stadium, formerly known as Dean Court, is a renowned football stadium located in Bournemouth, a vibrant coastal town in England. Home to the AFC Bournemouth, the stadium has a rich history, an impressive capacity, and a range of amenities that make it a must-visit destination for football enthusiasts.

History of Vitality Stadium

The history of the Vitality Stadium dates back to 1910 when it was first established. Originally named Dean Court after the nearby street, the stadium underwent several renovations and expansions over the years, gradually transforming into the state-of-the-art facility we see today. The name was changed to Vitality Stadium in 2015 as part of a sponsorship deal with the health and life insurance company, Vitality.

Throughout its history, the stadium has witnessed the ups and downs of AFC Bournemouth's journey. From lower league struggles to remarkable promotions and memorable victories against Premier League giants, the Vitality Stadium has been the backdrop for countless footballing memories.

Capacity of Vitality Stadium

The Vitality Stadium boasts a capacity of approximately 11,329 seats, creating an intimate and electric atmosphere during matches. The stands are strategically designed to provide excellent sightlines, ensuring that every fan gets a great view of the action on the pitch. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to some of the larger stadiums in the country, the Vitality Stadium makes up for it with its unparalleled energy and passion.

How to Get There

The Vitality Stadium is conveniently located in Kings Park, just a short distance from Bournemouth town center. Visitors have various transportation options available to reach the stadium:

If you're traveling by car, the stadium is easily accessible via the A338, with ample parking available for both home and away supporters.

Bournemouth train station is the closest rail link to the stadium. From the station, fans can either take a short taxi ride or hop on a local bus to reach the stadium.

Public transportation is a convenient way to get to the Vitality Stadium. Several bus routes serve the area, including the 2b, 3b, and 20, which stop near the stadium entrance. Bus services provide easy access for both local fans and those visiting from afar.

Bournemouth promotes cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, and the city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths. Fans can enjoy a scenic ride to the Vitality Stadium while reducing their carbon footprint.

Stands at Vitality Stadium

The Vitality Stadium consists of four main stands, each offering a unique perspective on the game:

Main Stand:

The Main Stand is the oldest part of the stadium and has a traditional feel. It offers a mix of seating options, including standard seats and hospitality boxes, providing a comfortable experience for fans.

Ted MacDougall Stand:

This stand is named after the legendary AFC Bournemouth striker, Ted MacDougall. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and houses some of the club's most passionate supporters.

North Stand:

The North Stand offers unreserved seating, creating a lively and buzzing atmosphere. It is a favorite spot for the club's dedicated supporters' groups, who generate an incredible amount of noise and support throughout the match.

Steve Fletcher Stand:

The Steve Fletcher Stand, named after the club's long-serving striker, provides excellent views of the pitch. It offers a mix of seating and standing areas, allowing fans to choose their preferred matchday experience.

Hospitality Tickets at Vitality Stadium

For fans looking to elevate their matchday experience, the Vitality Stadium offers a range of hospitality options. These packages provide exclusive access to premium seating areas, private lounges, and first-class dining experiences. Hospitality ticket holders can enjoy the game in style while soaking up the electric atmosphere of the stadium.

Landmarks and Tours

The Vitality Stadium is not just a place to watch football; it also offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history and take behind-the-scenes tours:

The Bournemouth Football Club Museum: Situated within the stadium, the museum showcases the club's storied past through an impressive collection of memorabilia, including historic shirts, trophies, and photographs.

Stadium Tours: Visitors can embark on guided tours that take them through the various areas of the stadium, including the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, and pitchside. It's a chance to experience the stadium from a player's perspective and learn fascinating insights about AFC Bournemouth.

Area Around Vitality Stadium: Pubs, Hotels, and Attractions

Bournemouth is a vibrant town with a range of amenities and attractions surrounding the Vitality Stadium:

The immediate vicinity of the stadium is dotted with pubs and bars, where fans can enjoy pre and post-match drinks in a lively atmosphere. These establishments often become hubs of celebration or commiseration depending on the match result.

There are several hotels near the stadium that cater to both football fans and general visitors. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Bournemouth offers a variety of choices to suit different preferences.

Attractions:

Bournemouth is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque gardens, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastline, visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, or indulge in water sports activities. The town offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for a football-filled weekend getaway.

In conclusion, the Vitality Stadium, with its rich history, impressive capacity, and lively atmosphere, is an iconic football venue that captures the heart and soul of AFC Bournemouth. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a curious traveler, a visit to the Vitality Stadium promises an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of the game with the charm of Bournemouth's coastal setting.

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Las Vegas' source for sports-business news.

‘Bourne In The USA Tour’: VGK Owner Bill Foley’s Bournemouth Soccer Team Coming To U.S. To Play Another British Club In Santa Barbara In July

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Shop at LVSportsBiz.com advertisers like Jay’s Market at 190 East Flamingo Road at the Koval Lane intersection east of the Strip.

By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer

Bill Foley’s AFC Bournemouth Premier League soccer team is coming to the U.S. to play a match against Wrexham AFC, a fellow British soccer club.

Bournemouth, acquired by Vegas Golden Knights owner Foley in 2022, plays Wrexham at Harder Stadium at UC Santa Barbara July 20.

Naturally, it’s the “Bourne in the USA” tour for Foley’s soccer team.

The Santa Barbara soccer venue has a local connection to another business owned by Foley in Santa Barbara two hours north of Los Angeles.

His  Foley Entertainment Group  bought Hotel Californian, a 121-room resort in Santa Barbara, California near the Pacific Ocean, in 2021.

Included in the transaction is the hotel’s signature restaurant, Blackbird – an 88-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant that will serve as the future home of a Foley Food & Wine Society tasting bar. The Foley Food & Wine Society tasting bar will be opening fall 2021.

“The expectation is that the AFCB team will spend at least part of their trip at Hotel Californian. There are multiple reasons to target California for the trip (including where they plan to train, Michael B Jordan being there, the opponents), but Bill’s other properties fit well too,” Foley spokesman Nate Ewell told LVSportsBiz.com.

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Alan Snel brings decades of sports-business reporting experience to LVSportsBiz.com. Snel covered the business side of sports for the South Florida (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, the Tampa Tribune and Las Vegas Review-Journal. As a city hall beat reporter, Snel also covered stadium deals in Denver and Seattle. In 2000, Snel launched a sport-business website for FoxSports.com called FoxSportsBiz.com. After reporting sports-business for the RJ, Snel wrote hard-hitting stories on the Raiders stadium for the Desert Companion magazine in Las Vegas and The Nevada Independent. Snel is also one of the top bicycle advocates in the country.

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A.F.C. Bournemouth vs Manchester United Tickets

Discover the cheapest ticket deals to A.F.C. Bournemouth vs Manchester United as they play against each other at Dean Court (Vitality) Stadium. Purchase Cherries vs Man Utd game tickets, as both teams compete for the opportunity to seize the win. SeatPick saves you money by comparing the best ticket deals in one place, so the next time you're looking for cheap A.F.C. Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets , turn to SeatPick.

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About A.F.C. Bournemouth vs Manchester United Tickets 2023/24

Since 1910, Dean Court (Vitality Stadium) has been the home ground of AFC Bournemouth.

This venue holds a capacity of 11,379, and it is among the smallest grounds in the English top flight in recent years. As such, tickets for this match against the Red Devils will be significantly more expensive than the average fixture at Dean Court.

Use the Vitality Stadium seating plan to help you find the most ideal seats at this ground.

AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United History

The first time these clubs shared a football pitch was in 1949, in the Third Round of the FA Cup . Holders of the Cup at the time, Manchester United duly took a 6-0 victory over Bournemouth but later lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions Wolverhampton Wanderers .

In 1957, Bournemouth and Man United met again in the FA Cup. The Red Devils won this quarter-final tie and went on to reach the final, albeit they were defeated by Aston Villa at Wembley . This came less than a year before the fatal Munich Air Disaster depleted much of Matt Busby’s dominant Man Utd team.

Almost 30 years later, against a team that included the likes of Ray Wilkins, Norman Whiteside, Lou Macari and Bryan Robson, Bournemouth earned a maiden win over Man United in the 1984 FA Cup.

In 2015, these teams met in a league fixture for the first time after Bournemouth had reached the English top flight for the first time.

Bournemouth awaited a first major trophy at the end of the 2022/23 season, more than 120 years since the club was founded. On the other hand, Man United became England’s most successful football club thanks to the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson. Under the tutelage of the Scotsman, the Red Devils won 13 league titles in addition to the FA Cup five times and the UEFA Champions League twice.

A few players have played for both Bournemouth and Manchester United:

• Joshua King signed for Man United in 2008, aged 16, though he went on to make just two appearances for the first-team. The Norway international joined Bournemouth on a free transfer in 2015 and featured more than 180 times for the Cherries across a six-year spell.

• Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell were both born in the vicinity of Manchester in January 1995. They both climbed the ranks of Man United’s youth teams before being released by the club in 2016. The pair of midfielders moved to Bournemouth in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United Head-to-Head

After gaining promotion to the English top flight for the first time, Bournemouth beat the Red Devils by two goals to one during the 2015/16 Premier League campaign. Junior Stanislas and Josh King were the goalscorers in front of a near-capacity crowd at Dean Court.

In late 2019, the Cherries earned victory over the Old Trafford side for just the third time in 17 meetings. King, formerly a product of the Manchester United Academy, scored the only goal of the game to give Bournemouth a 1-0 victory on the south coast.

In 2022/23, Man United won this fixture by a single goal to zero as Casemiro’s acrobatic effort proved the difference between these teams.

Find and compare AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets at SeatPick, with prices from a variety of trusted ticket vendors online.

Frequently Asked Questions about A.F.C. Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets

How to buy afc bournemouth vs manchester united tickets.

The best way to purchase AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets is through SeatPick . These simple steps are easy to follow:

• Head to the top of the page and select the match to view all our AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets.
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• Pick the ticket that suits you best and head to the checkout to secure your AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets.

When do AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United tickets go on sale?

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United  tickets go on sale soon after the English Premier League schedule is published in June. Revisit this page for further AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United ticket information.

Is it safe to buy AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets through SeatPick?

Yes, indeed. We pride ourselves on being a secure and reliable platform, offering a minimum money-back guarantee of 100% on every AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United ticket.

How much are AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets?

Face value English Premier League tickets typically range from $31 to $175 . Yet, it may not be easy to score tickets for the AFC Bournemouth vs MUFC match through the official channels. There is currently no availability on SeatPick for the AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United clash. Typically, tickets for AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United will cost a minimum of $65 on our platform, whilst the average price would be around $150 .

How to buy cheap AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets?

It's no easy feat to find cheap AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United tickets. When buying tickets directly from AFC Bournemouth or The Red Devils is not feasible, SeatPick emerges as the perfect alternative. We compare prices across the resale market to help fans locate secure and affordable AFC Bournemouth versus Manchester United tickets.

Where do AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United matches take place?

Home games for AFC Bournemouth are held at Dean Court (Vitality Stadium) , located in Bournemouth , United Kingdom . The stadium can accommodate 11,307 fans. Meanwhile, Manchester United play their home fixtures at Old Trafford in Manchester , United Kingdom . The venue has a seating capacity of 74,310 .

How to get AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United hospitality tickets?

SeatPick has options for every budget, providing fans with a wide selection of English Premier League hospitality tickets . On the AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United event page, opt for the 'VIP' filter to see only AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United VIP tickets .

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Information for Wembley final.

Leeds United are pleased to confirm ticket information to supporters for the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26 th May 2024, 3:00pm Kick Off.

Following the Second Leg victory over Norwich City, Leeds United will face either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion in the Final on Sunday 26 th May 2024 (3:00pm Kick Off) in a bid to win this year’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final and gain promotion.

Leeds United will be allocated 35,796 tickets for the East End of Wembley Stadium. Tickets will be sold from North Stand round to the South Stand.

To ensure a speedy ticket buying process supporters are advised to ensure they read all information below thoroughly as many questions are answered in the following text.

Pricing categories at Wembley Stadium are split into three sections and there is also a concession rate for supporters aged 65 and over as well as for children aged 16 and under*. In addition, a discounted rate is also available for young adults aged 17 to 21 years.  

The price categories will be sold on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability.

* Children under the age of 2 are not permitted access into the Stadium, including in hospitality areas. Children aged 2 years and over will be permitted entry with a valid match ticket.

Tickets will only be available to purchase online via the Leeds United official ticketing website tickets.leedsunited.com .

Tickets will not be available to purchase in person at the Leeds United Stadium Ticket Office OR over the phone via the Leeds United Call Centre. The Leeds United Call Centre 0371 334 1992 along with our Disabled Accessible Line 0333 130 0505 will be open for enquiries only.

Supporters who qualify to purchase tickets can purchase 1 ticket only on their customer number. In line with the EFL/ Wembley sales directive, a maximum of 6 tickets can be booked in one transaction. To be seated with friends and family, you must purchase tickets in the same transaction, as once a booking has been confirmed, no amendments or cancellations can be made.

To purchase tickets on behalf of qualifying friends or family, your accounts must be linked in your online ticketing account. If you have not already linked your accounts, the club strongly advise supporters to do so in advance of tickets going onsale. To create your ‘Friends & Family’ list, please follow the instructions here .

When To Buy

Play Off Final Tickets can only be booked via the following method:

Book online :  tickets.leedsunited.com

Please note, when applying online, you will only have access to purchase tickets for the game if you have the correct level of membership.

Online ticket sales will be split into separate periods of sale.

Phase 1: General Admission Season Ticket Holders

Onsale online: Saturday 18 th May 10.30am until midday on Tuesday 21 st May 2024

The following group of supporters are guaranteed a ticket but must apply online within their Phase 1 priority period:

• 2023/24 General Admission Home Season Ticket Holders
• 2023/24 Away Season Ticket Holders

If fans qualify in more than one of the above categories they will still only be able to purchase ONE ticket.

Phase 1: Seasonal Hospitality Members

2023/24 Seasonal Hospitality Members*

*Hospitality Seasonal Members can apply to purchase the equivalent number of Play Off Final tickets as per their 2023/24 Hospitality Season Tickets.

Phase 2: Members Home & Away Tracker

Onsale online: Monday 20 th May at 10.30am until midday on Tuesday 21 st May 2024

The following group of supporters are guaranteed a ticket but must apply online within their Phase 2 priority period:

2023/24 All My Leeds Members who purchased a ticket for 9 or more games in total across the 2023/24 season. (The Tracker data includes all home League, home cup, away League and away cup fixtures in the 2023/24 season but excludes the Play Off Semi Finals. Forwarded tickets are not included)

In the event that any tickets remain following the conclusion of Phase 2, then a further announcement will be made via the official website www.leedsunited.com

Digital Tickets

All access to the stadium is digital. You will receive digital links in your confirmation email. Please download your tickets to your mobile device upon receipt of your confirmation email and prior to matchday.

Digital tickets must be downloaded to your mobile device. Screenshots of tickets will not work.

Ticket Forwarding is not available for this game.

Official Coaches

Official Coach Travel will be provided in association with Fourway Coaches who have carried our fans to fixtures all season. Coach travel will be available to purchase online via the Leeds United official ticketing site.

Please only make your coach travel arrangements after you have purchased your match ticket. Coach travel is subject to availability and will be sold on a first come first served basis and booking a space on the coach does not guarantee you a match ticket nor does it include a ticket within the price.

Adult coach tickets are priced at £60 and concessions £53. Coaches will start to depart from Lowfields Road from 8am on a ‘fill and go’ basis, supporters will not be allocated a specific coach number.  

Match Ticket Refunds

Refunds will only be considered if you return the match ticket to the club no later than 5 working days prior to the date of the Play-Off Final. The club may be able to provide you with a refund if we are able to re-sell the  match ticket. Refunds will not be available for any tickets returned after that time.

Disability Access Tickets

There are Wheelchair user and Ambulant Disabled tickets with accompanying Personal Assistant tickets, subject to eligibility, will be made available. These are sold under the same periods of sale as detailed above. EFL regulations and Leeds United terms and conditions apply, including the availability of age-related concessions.

Wheelchair Users:

Wheelchair bays are located in the following locations:

• Blocks 103 to 108
• Blocks 110 to 113
• Blocks 115 to 117
• Blocks 119 to 122
• Blocks 217 to 218
• Blocks 503 to 504
• Blocks 513 to 514

Ambulant Disabled Accessible Seats

There are a number of seats which have step free access that are recommended for guests with mobility difficulties which are positioned in Level 1 rows 31 & 32 , the blocks are listed below for reference.

• Blocks 104 to 109
• Blocks 114 to 117
• Blocks 120 to 122

Please note audio description receivers and mini-induction loops can be collected from one of Wembley’s information booths on the internal concourse on the day of the match. For further information and location of the information booths, please visit Wembley’s dedicated page on audio descriptive commentary .

Important Information

Ticketing Queries

Should you have any problems accessing your online ticketing account please phone the Leeds United Call Centre on 0371 334 1992, Disabled Accessible Line 0333 130 0505 or email [email protected] for assistance. Please quote your Customer Numbers when contacting the Club, these are displayed on Season Tickets and Match tickets.

Supporters should note that if they email, they are not guaranteed a response due to the large volume of emails expected. The best way is to phone the Club.

Family Area

Wembley Stadium have designated approximately 1700 seats (Blocks 105 to 108 in the East Side) as a Family Area for Leeds United supporters. Tickets in this area are only available to fans that are purchasing 16 and under tickets at a ratio of no more than 2 adults for 1 child.

Singing Area

Leeds United recommend fans who would like to sit in the designated singing area choose Blocks 111/112 for Team East.

Standing Area

Wembley Stadium has received approval for licensed standing areas as of the 2022-23 season. The standing area is located at the rear of the 3 blocks behind the goals on Level 1, incorporating around 867 seats. Please purchase tickets in the Standing Area if you wish to stand, as standing is not permitted in any other area of the Stadium.

There is a minimum age requirement of 12 years old.

Booking Fees

There is a £1.75 ticket booking fee for every ticket purchased.

14 Years and Under

All children aged 14 years & under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Children under the age of 2 are not permitted access into the Stadium, including in hospitality areas. Children aged 2 years and over will be permitted entry with a valid match ticket.

Leeds United Call Centre Opening Times – Enquiries Only

The Leeds United Call Centre 0371 334 1992 and Disabled Accessible Line 0333 130 0505 will be open for enquiries only as per the opening hours listed below.

• Friday 17 th May: 3pm to 5pm
• Saturday 18 th May: 10am to 4pm
• Sunday 19 th May: 10am to 4pm
• Monday 20 th May: 10.30am to 5pm
• Tuesday 21st May: 10.30am to 5pm
• Wednesday 22 nd May: 10.30am to 5pm
• Thursday 23 rd May: 10.30am to 5pm
• Friday 24 th May: 10.30am to 5pm
• Saturday 25 th May: 9am to 1pm

Ground Regulations & Conditions of Issue Apply

https://www.efl.com/ticketconditions

https://www.wembleystadium.com/plan-your-visit/stadium-guide/rules-and-regulations

No resale of Tickets

It is an offence under Section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, for any unauthorised person to sell tickets.

Crowd Flags & Musical Instruments

Any supporters wishing to take large flags* to Wembley Stadium must obtain permission. Please contact https://help.wembleyStadium.com/support/tickets/new to request permission.

*Guests may bring a flag into the ground without permission from Wembley Stadium should the following guidelines be followed:

• The flag is smaller than 250cm in size at the widest or longest point.
• The flag does not have an attached flagpole.
• In the case of an attached flagpole, it is made from wood or plastic only and is no longer than 1m in length and 1cm in diameter.
• There is no advertising or commercial message on the flag and it is not a national flag, other than of the competing players.
• The flag does not contain any abusive or defamatory language/messages. 

Any supporters wishing to bring a musical instrument into the Stadium must obtain permission by providing the following details to the Finalist Club:

• Player’s name
• Instrument type
• Player’s contact details
• Picture of the instrument
• Seat details & turnstile for entry
• Arrival time at the turnstile

The Club must have knowledge of the player and they should be a regular attendee of Club matches. The Club, the EFL & WNSL will all need to authorise the musical instrument before it can be brought into the Stadium. No instruments are permitted on level 5 or within boxes. Ideally the player of the instrument should be situated in the middle of the back row of blocks 111 or 112. Please note that these blocks are standing areas. Separate guidelines are available upon request.

Anyone wishing to gain entry to Wembley Stadium carrying flags or musical instruments without prior permission will not be permitted to enter with them. Wembley Stadium have strict policies with regards to supporters bringing in musical instruments or flags. For more information please contact [email protected] at the Club.

Wembley Stadium is a public transport destination with limited on-site parking. The stadium is well served by national and local rail networks.

Car Parking

Parking for supporters and supporter coaches can be purchased via www.wembleyofficialparking.com . Car Parking is charged at £120 per coach and £40 per car if booked in advance. Parking is subject to availability and may be subject to price increases on match day.

Blue Badge Parking at Wembley Stadium is available to purchase at a cost of £25 per space via www.wembleyofficialparking.com. Subject to availability and may be subject to price increases on match day.

Related news

Check out our gallery of photos from Thursday night's win

Wales international's reaction to Norwich win.

Whites boss reacts to semi-final success.

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Wrexham afc women announce u.s. summer tour dates, made possible by ally financial.

TICKETS FOR 'THE WREX COAST TOUR' AVAILABLE TODAY

WREXHAM, Wales , May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wrexham AFC Women are set to make their U.S. debut this summer with their highly anticipated 'Wrex Coast Tour.' The three-game series features competitive matches against top-tier clubs, with two fixtures in Los Angeles against SoCal FC and Tigres Femenil U19, followed by a night game in Portland against Portland Thorns Academy.

Tour Dates:

Friday, July 19th, 2024 @ 7 PM - UCLA Drake Stadium, Los Angeles, CA - Wrexham AFC Women v. SoCal FC

Sunday, July 21st, 2024 @ 3 PM - UCLA Drake Stadium, Los Angeles, CA - Wrexham AFC Women v. Tigres Femenil U19

Friday, July 26th, 2024 @ 7 PM - Providence Park, Portland, OR - Wrexham AFC Women v Portland Thorns Academy

Wrexham AFC Women's U.S. Tour is made possible by title sponsor Ally, a financial services company with the U.S.'s largest all-digital bank and a leading brand in women's sports. Ally's support will help elevate Wrexham AFC Women's presence globally, accelerating its ambitions of becoming a top club worldwide. Ally is also a sponsor of the Men's Wrex Coast Tour, where the men's team will face off against AFC Bournemouth in Santa Barbara , Chelsea in Santa Clara , and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Vancouver , with all remaining tickets on sale now.

Co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds shared their excitement for the Women's Wrex Coast Tour in a video announcement that can be viewed  on YouTube.

Wrexham AFC Women manager Steve Dale said, "Having heard the stories around the Men's tour last season, it is great that the Women's team will have the same opportunity. The time it will provide us to prepare for the upcoming league campaign will be vital in our quest to improve on our third position."

"Our focus on elevating women's sports makes Ally the perfect teammate to bring Wrexham AFC Women to the U.S. for the first time," said Andrea Brimmer , chief Marketing and Public Relations officer, Ally. "The Wrex Coast Tour gives them the stage they have rightfully earned by capturing hearts with their stories and brilliant play."

Tickets for Wrexham AFC Women's games go on sale today. Visit WrexCoastTour.com for ticketing links and additional information for all matches. Fans can also follow @WrexhamAFCWomen on social media for live updates from the team as they prepare for their U.S. debut.

Wrexham AFC's current sponsors – Betty Buzz, Four Walls Whiskey, Gatorade, HP Inc., STōK Cold Brew Coffee, and United Airlines – will all play a significant role throughout the tour to help bring the excitement of Wrexham to North American fans.

About Wrexham AFC Women Wrexham AFC Women, the official women's football department of Wrexham AFC, was reformed in 2018. Following the takeover of the Football Club on February 9, 2021 , Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made an immediate financial investment into the women's football section, and in 2023, the Club achieved promotion to the top tier of Welsh women's football, the Adran Premier. Wrexham AFC Women were subsequently able to realize their ambition of becoming the first semi-professional women's football team in Wales . The team also holds the all-time Welsh domestic football attendance record of 9,511, set at the Racecourse Ground on March 26, 2023 .

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wrexham-afc-women-announce-us-summer-tour-dates-made-possible-by-ally-financial-302144929.html

SOURCE Wrexham AFC

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley interview: ‘I want this team to play in Europe’

When you spend most of your time writing and talking about bad examples and cautionary tales, you can get a bit… well, negative.

We imagine that British consumer rights expert Martin Lewis finds it hard to believe there are some utility companies that are not trying to fleece everyone, Gordon Ramsay struggles with the idea that anyone else can make a decent beef wellington or Roy Keane will ever accept that today’s players want it as much as he did.

Advertisement

Good football club owners are our blindspot. We know they exist but they get crowded out by all the rubbish ones creating havoc in plain sight. So, when we do get to meet a good one, we should mark the occasion by getting out of the way and letting them speak for themselves.

And that is what we propose to do with this interview with Bill Foley, the 78-year-old businessman who bought AFC Bournemouth in December, adding the Premier League club to a growing stable of sports teams that includes the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League .

Foley spoke to us from his California home on the morning of game five in the Western Conference semi-final between the Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers, a game his team would win to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Since their launch as the NHL’s 31st team in 2017, the Golden Knights have made the play-offs in five of their six seasons, reaching the Stanley Cup finals in their first campaign. No NHL expansion team has ever been so successful, so quickly.

Bournemouth lost at Crystal Palace on Saturday but their mission — avoid relegation — has already been accomplished, a feat few thought was possible when the newly promoted team got thumped 9-0 by Liverpool in August. That is not an experience Foley intends to go through and he will be setting his team loftier goals than survival in the seasons to come.

Before we let him speak for himself, we should make it clear that when we say he is a “good owner”, we obviously do not know how his ownership of Bournemouth will pan out; British football’s history is packed with owners who made good first impressions only to leave to a chorus of boos, and that could easily be Foley’s fate.

But he has already achieved more than many by not promising too much and actually delivering tangible improvements. He has put his money where his mouth is and has made himself available to fans and the media. And, most of all, he has a plan that has already worked somewhere else.

Bournemouth fans, meet the newish custodian of your club. Golden Knights fans, here is the boss’ latest venture…

The Athletic : We know you have plans to make every game at Bournemouth feel like a real, stand-alone event, and we’re told that is what you have achieved with the Golden Knights. To those who haven’t ticked it off their bucket list yet, what is a Vegas Golden Knights game like?

Foley : Well, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and, when we got the team, our business plan was to be competitive with all the shows on the Strip. So, we have a big pre-game in the Plaza and then our Drumbots (the official drumline of the Golden Knights) march in with our cheerleaders and lead the fans into the game. It’s a big show.

And we love doing skits. We have our own production company and we try to do a new skit every month. At the start of the season, I was in one based on the scene in Dumb and Dumber where the killer is sat between them in the truck and they’re playing “it”. So, it was me and (Golden Knights players) William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault. We also have a pre-game show where our knight fights the other teams’ mascots. So, we have a pretty big entertainment and video department and we put a lot of money into it.

Look, it will never be that at Bournemouth but we are buying some really big LED screens that we can show videos on and we’re starting every game with “Hey Jude”. We’re doing all kinds of little things. In the NHL, we have rally towels — they’re little towels that might say Golden Knights or have our logo on them. So, we put a “Red Army” rally towel on every seat and, at first, people didn’t really know what to do with them but then some of them got it and started waving them around. We weren’t sure how that would go down but it was OK.

The Athletic : Why “Hey Jude”? Is it just your favourite Beatles song?

Foley : Yeah, I like it but (president of business operations) Jim Frevola came up with the idea. And the fans seem to love it.

The Athletic : And everyone knows the words! But getting back to what you can do at Bournemouth, when you bought the club there were some over here who said “he does know about the stadium, doesn’t he?” You did, of course, but what is the plan?

Foley : Obviously, it is inadequate. It’s too small and we don’t have the right hospitality assets. We have 13 or 14 suites but we need 30, maybe 33. We can sell them — our pre-game meals and bars are packed.

We really have two choices. We still have five years on our lease at the stadium. The South Stand is a temporary stand, so if we wanted to renovate the stadium we could tear that down and put about 5,000 seats down there with a two-tier deck and have it wrap around and join the Main Stand. The trouble is, you would then need to build a second deck there and almost push it over the Main Stand, and we’d still be stuck with the concourses and inadequate hospitality.

So, the best approach is to try to build a new stadium and to do it economically, spend £80-90million ($99.6m-$112.1m), with the right hospitality and about 20,000 seats. We don’t need much more than that but we do need to open up our ticketing to new fans. They’ve been using a points system until now — you get a point for attending a game — but that just means everyone in the stadium looks like me: old, white guys. We want younger people. The tickets aren’t that expensive but to widen our fanbase we need to expand. We’re very intent on accomplishing that mission.

The Athletic : Sounds expensive…

Foley : No, we could get some pre-payments on suites, we could get some PSLs (personal seat licenses, or debentures, as they are known in the UK) in certain areas of the stadium to raise some financing. We’ve actually got a separate group that is interested in being a partner in the stadium. We don’t think the money is going to be the problem; it’s more a matter of timing.

But, in the meantime, the stadium was old and decrepit, so we’ve wrapped it with AFC Bournemouth slogans and logos, and we’ve painted it, inside and out. We’ve now got approval to do a good-sized food and beverage opportunity outside the South Stand. That will enable us to move some of the things that happen in the Main Stand that take up a lot of space and aren’t as profitable as they should be, and then we can use that space for more high-end hospitality. There’s a big demand for that.

We want to get some real pre-game activity going outside and we’re making a lot of progress. I’m proud of the work the guys have been doing, Jim Frevola and his team. He was my chief sponsorship officer at the Golden Knights and then he went to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He’s running the business side of the operation. He hasn’t gotten rid of people, he’s just brought some new ones in and moved others. They were understaffed before and maybe lacked some experience. Two of our big sponsors — great partners — weren’t paying enough money, so Jim told them “You’re going to have to pay double from next season”, and they have renewed.

The Athletic : It was that easy?

Foley : Their contracts were about to expire and we said we wanted to renew you but it’s not for £700,000, it’s £1.5million, and it’s not for £400,000, it’s £800,000. I don’t want to name them but they are key sponsors.

We have the worldwide rights to AFC Bournemouth. At the Golden Knights, I have an 80-mile radius where I have complete control. In Bournemouth, I have the world. If we have £12-13million in sponsorships today, why don’t we have £80m? Then we’ll have real revenue coming in to reinvest. For me, it’s a pretty easy fix. Obviously, it’s going to take time: we’re not going to go from £13million to £80m overnight, but we can do it. We’ve got an international operation up and running in Vegas and Bournemouth, and Jim has opened a sponsorship office in London — that’s where the companies are.

I’m happy with where we’re going but the reality is we need a new stadium. Our other gating issue is that our current training ground is where the stadium will go. That means we need to get our new training facility built and move our first team, academy and women’s team there. It’s north of Bournemouth (at the former Canford Magna Golf Club). We have the space, we have 57 acres, and we’ve built one pitch. We’re building the indoor pitch right now and we’re just about to start the training facility. It should be ready in the fall of 2024.

That will mean we can move our business operations to where the training facility is now (in Kings Park, next door to the Vitality Stadium) so we can work on our stadium plan and have more room for hospitality at the stadium. Our offices are taking up space that we should be selling. We’ve got a whole plan for expanding our restaurants and bars. We want people to come an hour or two before the game, and stay an hour or two afterwards. But we have to make it easier. And if some of them don’t want to drink a better glass of wine or beer, that’s fine, they can drink a less expensive one. We’re going to give fans options. And we’re seeing the results already. We’re trying to do something every week but the big changes will come over the summer.

The Athletic : There’s a lot going on. Are you worried it could be too much, too soon? British football fans can be quite conservative.

Foley : We’re not afraid of change. We want to make things better. I want this team to play in Europe. Our ultimate goal is not to worry about avoiding relegation but to move way up the table. To do that, we’ve got to improve our team, improve our facilities, our infrastructure. We have to be a place where players want to go, where agents will say this is a place you want to go. Not a stepping stone but a destination.

I know we can do it because I did it with the Golden Knights. We were an expansion team and we had our expansion draft but when we tried to get some free agents, none of them wanted to come. Their agents said, ‘You’re just going to lose, we don’t know about your facilities’ and so on. So we invested quite a bit of money in first-class training facilities and a first-class arena. And we started doing things for players that other teams weren’t doing. We showed them we’d take care of them. Now we’re a destination. If you talk to players, they want to come to Vegas. It’s a competitive advantage. That’s why I went for Bournemouth. I am completely confident we can do it.

The Athletic : The fans are going to love hearing that but, getting back to the stadium, it sounds like you have a lot of freedom to make changes at the Vitality Stadium. It begs the question: why didn’t your predecessor Maxim Demin do it?

Foley : I don’t think he was as focused on the gameday experience as I am. When I go to the games, I try to sign every autograph and stop for every picture. I want the fans to think I’m just another guy. I happen to be fortunate enough to own the team but I’m one of them. The previous ownership focused on bringing players in but not the fans’ experience or making the place a destination. I’m just using the Golden Knights as my playbook, frankly. We built our team here from scratch.

I was talking to Loic Fery (co-owner of French side Lorient, where Foley has a minority stake) today about what we want to do, and he definitely got it. That’s another very good opportunity we have. We have a path to majority ownership and, as of June, we’ll have about 40 per cent of the team. It’s a place where we can put players and buy players. The multi-club model is the second part of the story. If I’m going to acquire players, why don’t I acquire them from myself? It’s a lot less expensive. The only downside is if you have two or three really good teams, only one can play in Europe.

The Athletic : We’re glad you brought that up because we wanted to ask you about what we thought was admirable but slightly unusual honesty in this business, as you have made it clear Bournemouth is the flagship in your multi-club fleet…

Foley : It is.

The Athletic : Most owners of several clubs don’t say that out loud because no European fan wants their team to be a farm team. Do you regret it?

Foley : I’m just being honest. Many players in Ligue 1 want to move to the Premier League, and we want to give them that opportunity. We want Lorient to be very good and if they can play in Europe, we would want them to do that. We don’t want Loic to sell all of his best players. We want him to have the opportunity of reaching Europe. But if a player wants to move on, I don’t want him to move to Liverpool or Arsenal — I want him to move to us.

The Athletic : Quite right, too, but to return to the new stadium, you made it sound very straightforward. Unfortunately, building stadiums rarely goes smoothly in the UK. Are you completely confident you can do this on time and on budget?

Foley : I am. We’ve established the budget, we have our plan. We’re going to three different firms to develop the design, based on our budget. We have to stick to it. I can’t afford to spend £120-150million on something that won’t return value. We’ll have a functional stadium, with the right hospitality assets. That’s where the ticket sales and food and beverage sales are — it’s the piece of the puzzle we need.

We’ve been in touch with the local authorities. The land is available. We’ve got to move a running track, which isn’t that big of a deal. The actual stadium will go where our training pitches are. The only thing that gives me pause is if we could somehow rehabilitate the current stadium by adding 8,500 seats and make it work; it would be easier because I could do it in stages and wouldn’t need to spend so much right away. I’d start with the South Stand next year. I’m just not sure how doable it is. There is a plan but I’m not sure if it will give us the extra suites we need.

The Athletic : Would the current landlords (London-based property group Structadene, who bought the stadium when the club was desperate for money in 2005) give you a reasonable price for it?

Foley : We have an advantage because it can only be a stadium and we only have five years on our lease.

The Athletic : That’s because there is a sporting-use covenant on the land?

Foley : Right. So, the clock is ticking. We know they’ll sell us the stadium at a reasonable price and that price gets more reasonable the longer we wait. If we move out, I guess they could go back to the council and say “We’ll tear it down and build affordable housing”, which is fine but that could take a while, so time is on our side.

But I wrestle with this with Jim and Neil (Blake, the club’s CEO): can we improve the stadium or do we have to build a new one, with all the procedural headaches that might come with that? We built the Dollar Loan Center (home of the Golden Knights’ farm team the Silver Knights and Foley’s Indoor Football League team the Knight Hawks) in Henderson with the cooperation of the city last year and that went smoothly, but it’s tougher everywhere now.

The Athletic : So why risk spoiling a good thing in Las Vegas with English football?

Foley : Because it’s the greatest sport in the world and the Premier League is the best league. I’ve been fooling about with football for three years, looking at opportunities in other leagues. But it’s like when I decided to expand my wine business. I looked at South Africa, Argentina, Chile, France, Spain, Italy, and I settled on New Zealand because you have the rule of law, English speaking, varietals I like, and a stable currency. Football for me came down to the UK and the Premier League. I had opportunities to be a minority owner in a number of other teams but, as you can probably tell, I’m not a good minority owner.

The Athletic : Ha! Well, we are aware of some of those opportunities but, looking from the outside, it looks like you made a good call.

Foley : I’m very happy. I know we can improve the team. We need to be embedded in the community and vice-versa. I know some of the guys on the team don’t like talking to the press but (I say), “The press will write what it’s going to write but, if you talk to them, they’re more likely to tell your story”. I’ve used the same philosophy at the Golden Knights. I’m going to be honest and transparent.

The Athletic : And long may it continue. But on your choice to invest here, English football appears to be very popular in the US. Should we worry that it’s just a flash in the pan and next year something else will be fashionable?

Foley : No, it’s the real deal. Americans love it. We’re developing local fan clubs for Bournemouth. People are getting up early to watch games in bars at 7am on the West Coast. The Premier League is very understandable to Americans. There’s always been a close relationship between the US and the UK. MLS has started to get out of its own way a bit and has gained acceptability in the US. It’s still only the eighth or so best league in the world but the stadiums are filling up and people are more engaged with it. But Americans love the Premier League. It’s the best football in the world. I hope I’m not going to irritate my Italian and Spanish friends, but it just is.

The Athletic : That will certainly help to win us over, Bill. But, as a final thought, do you acknowledge that sometimes, some of your compatriots have come to the Premier League and perhaps behaved as though they know it all, and maybe not listened very much? We hasten to add that Brits have been doing the same for centuries.

Foley : Ha! Well, that can be an American trait and I know quite a few of the other owners and some of them definitely do think they know it all. But there are exceptions.

The Athletic : But, clearly, we do have some things to learn from what you have created at the Golden Knights, right?

Foley : Well, thank you. I’m going to do a little bit of it at Bournemouth but we don’t want to scrap established traditions. We want to make improvements and be a bit different, but I’m very cognisant of the history of Bournemouth and the Premier League. We’re not going to be ugly Americans that come in and change this and change that because we think we know it all. We know we don’t, and we can learn a lot from you.

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Based in North West England, Matt Slater is a senior football news reporter for The Athletic UK. Before that, he spent 16 years with the BBC and then three years as chief sports reporter for the UK/Ireland's main news agency, PA. Follow Matt on Twitter @ mjshrimper