Vitality stadium

Vitality Stadium — the heart of football in Bournemouth

Vitality Stadium is a famous football arena that has absorbed the true spirit of the southern English town of Bournemouth. The stadium is renowned for its compact size, warm atmosphere and rich history. It is home to AFC Bournemouth.

This place, cherished and famous among many fans, was given the beautiful and fitting name ‘the Cherries’. Despite its modest capacity by Premier League standards, Vitality Stadium is deservedly considered one of the cosiest and most welcoming stadiums in England. Fans from all over the world come here every year. The stadium is considered one of the most atmospheric and passionate venues in the country. People leave this place filled with excitement and a whole range of unforgettable emotions.

History of the stadium

Vitality Stadium, formerly known as Dean Court, was opened in 1910 and has since become an important part of Bournemouth's sporting life. It immediately became popular with sports fans and local residents, who quickly recognised it as a place to spend their leisure time.

Originally built on a donated plot of land in Kings Park, the stadium was for a long time a modest arena with minimal infrastructure. But the road to elevation and fulfilment came quickly. In 2001, a complete renovation took place.

In agreement with the administration, the stadium was rotated 90 degrees around its axis, gaining new stands and a modern look. The city administration felt that this location was more suitable in terms of attractiveness and capacity. The majority of concerned local residents agreed with this opinion. And the stadium really did take on a new lease of life.

The name Vitality Stadium was legalised in 2015 as part of an agreement with the insurance company Vitality. Despite its compact size, the arena regularly hosts English league matches, as well as local and regional events. It is a venue for various sporting events, catering to people of all ages.

There are plans to expand the stadium further, as ticket demand is high, especially during the Premier League season. AFC Bournemouth is actively discussing the construction of a new arena or the modernisation of the existing one to increase capacity and improve infrastructure.

Which team plays at Vitality Stadium?

Vitality Stadium is home to AFC Bournemouth, nicknamed ‘The Cherries’. The team's aptly named club was founded in 1899. The Cherries have enjoyed considerable success in recent years, particularly with their promotion to the Premier League in 2015. The club's home games are played at Bournemouth Stadium, where fans can experience the lively atmosphere of English football. AFC Bournemouth is known for its attacking style of play and regular performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd, despite its limited resources. Thanks to the compact stadium, fans are literally ‘on the pitch’.

At the same time, every away game is a loud test. There have been many spectacular victories and many full-fledged, colourful games, and no one has remained indifferent to the atmosphere that flows within the stadium.

Where is Vitality Stadium located?

The stadium is located in the Boscombe area, in the eastern part of Bournemouth, Dorset, on the south coast of England. The exact location of Vitality Stadium is Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF, United Kingdom. The area where the stadium is located is known for its green space with the wonderful name Kings Park. Nearby are sports fields, tennis courts, residential areas and walking trails.

Getting to Bournemouth football stadium is easy. There are bus stops with various routes and destinations, as well as train stations within walking distance.

Vitality Stadium map

Here is a detailed map of Vitality Stadium:

• The north stand is reserved for families.
• The south stand is for away fans.
• The west stand is for VIPs and the press centre.
• The east stand is for the most passionate AFC Bournemouth fans.

Each sector has its own seat number, separate entrances and sanitary facilities. The stadium is conveniently designed to ensure quick evacuation and a good view from any seat. A detailed map of every route within the arena has been carefully planned and implemented.

How to get to the stadium

There are several ways to get to Vitality Stadium. Below are the main options for fans and visitors who want to watch a match or attend an event.

By bus

Convenient routes include: 1a, 1b, 2, 33, and M2. The stops are located 5–7 minutes' walk from the stadium. The fare from Bournemouth city centre is approximately £2. Children can travel for free with a valid card.

By train

The nearest station, Pokesdown, is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. You can also travel to Bournemouth Central Station and take a bus or taxi. From London, it is about a 2-hour journey by South Western Railway.

By car

If you plan to travel by car, the stadium is conveniently located off the A338 motorway. Satnav: BH7 7AF. Please note that traffic may be heavy on match days. It is advisable to plan ahead and consider alternative options.

Parking

Parking is limited but available near the stadium. The main car park is at Kings Park. Additional parking can be found in the surrounding residential areas. There are also free parking spaces available after 6 p.m. on the streets within a 1 km radius. However, it is best to plan your drop-off and parking in advance to avoid wasting time looking for a space. The best option in this case is to book in advance.

Contact

For questions regarding stadium operations and any other necessary information, please contact the following convenient sources:

• Official website: www.afcb.co.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)344 576 1910.
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.

Frequently asked questions