Stadium Updates
The transformation and development of Vitality Stadium will secure the long-term success and sustainability of AFC Bournemouth.
The expansion and improvement of the stadium represents a major milestone in the Club’s history and its stated journey to be top a performing club in the Premier League.
Increase capacity to approximately 20,200
Enhance the matchday experience
Achieve full compliance with Premier League and UEFA Standards
Strengthen community impact
Implement cost-effective, low-disruption solutions during the redevelopment
New stadium perimeter fence line including relocated turnstiles
New ticket office
Demolish existing South Stand and build new grandstand (c.7,000 capacity)
Infill all four stadium corners to create additional general admission capacity(c.1,440 capacity)
Vertically and horizontally expand North and East Stands
New fan zone
New outside broadcasting (OB) area
Relocate existing floodlights from the corners and space along the grandstands
Partial rerouting of combined pedestrian /cycle route
Optimisation of car and cycle parking layout
Amend vehicle circulation routes
As the Club begins work on the enabling elements of the Vitality Stadium redevelopment, which were recently approved by BCP Council, we want to provide supporters with an important update on the programme of works scheduled for the upcoming close season.
The planning application for the full works is still at the consultation phase and will go to planning committee for approval in early May 2026.
At the conclusion of the 2025/26 season and subject to the relevant permissions, the current South Stand will be demolished, with the following construction sequencing set to take place:
• The new 3,000-seater lower tier of the South Stand will be constructed
• The South-East and North-West corners will be infilled
• Turnstiles for all stands will be relocated to the new perimeter, creating a larger outer concourse
• A newly built and relocated ticket office will become operational at the new perimeter
• Internal refurbishment of both the East and West Stands will be completed, including the introduction of three new hospitality spaces
• Overall stadium capacity will increase by over 1,500 seats
• Updated media seating and enhanced broadcast facilities will be incorporated within the West Stand
Supporters will continue to see construction of the South Stand upper tier throughout the 2026/27 season. The remaining corner infills, and extensions to the North and East stand will begin during the close season 2027 resulting in a capacity of approximately 20,200.
*Subject to planning and construction phasing.
Q: What is the proposed new capacity of the stadium?
A: The stadium will expand from 11,286 to approximately 20,200 seats.
Q: Will you add more season tickets?
A: Yes! The main goal for the project is to more than double the amount of season tickets, adding thousands.
Q. How will you determine who is offered a season ticket?
A: A combination of data points will be utilised to determine the purchase priority for new season tickets. These data points will include prior purchase history, Cherries Points priority status, etc. Our intention is to ensure that every Maximum Point Holder will have a purchase opportunity. More details will be shared in the coming months.
Q: Will you be adding more hospitality?
A: The plan is to add approximately 9,000 total seats during both phases of renovation. 8,400 of these new seats will be General Admission. We will be adding a few new hospitality areas in the Main and East Stands encapsulating the remaining 600 seats.
Q: What changes are being made to the South Stand?
A: The existing South Stand will be demolished and replaced with a new grandstand accommodating around 7,000.
Q: What improvements are planned for the West Stand?
A: Internal refurbishments will enhance player facilities, hospitality areas, concourses, etc. In addition, we plan to enclose both open-air patios on the second floor.
Q: What is planned for the North and East Stands?
A: These will be extended to add approximately 1,200 seats in the North and 1,700 in the East.
Q: What are the enabling works?
A: We will be installing a new perimeter fence line with relocated turnstiles to allow for easier ingress and egress. In addition, a new ticket office will be added to the exterior of the new perimeter fence line.
Q: Will you add any additional Fan Zones?
A: The plan is to add a new Fan Zone to be located on the SW corner of the stadium grounds, offering food and beverage outlets.
Q. Is the stadium going to host non-football events?
A: As is currently the case, hospitality spaces within the stadium would be used for non-football activities (i.e. conferences, meetings, business events, proms etc.) across the calendar year. During the off season the stadium may also host other events such as concerts or other sporting events. However, they would be infrequent.
Q: Will matches continue during construction?
A: Yes, construction is planned to minimise disruption and allow the stadium to remain operational during the football season.
The Council recognises how valuable AFC Bournemouth is to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with its continued success on the pitch, and their support for our local communities.
We have a positive relationship with the football club and have enjoyed like many, their recent successes on the pitch. We look forward to working with them on their plans to invest in the area and improve the matchday experience for fans at Vitality Stadium, via the appropriate planning and democratic processes.
