Nestled in the picturesque Kings Park, Vitality Stadium stands as more than just a football ground—it’s the soul of AFC Bournemouth. With a capacity of just 11,379, it’s the smallest venue in the Premier League, yet it roars with an atmosphere that giants like Old Trafford envy. Fans here don’t just watch football; they live it, with every seat offering pitch-proximity that turns matches into visceral experiences.
What Vitality lacks in size, it compensates with character. From local schoolkids attending their first match to lifelong supporters who witnessed the club’s rise from League Two, the stadium binds generations. The Ted MacDougall Stand’s deafening chants (“Red Army!”) and the East Stand’s family-friendly buzz create a mosaic of passion. This is where underdog spirit thrives—a physical manifestation of Bournemouth’s “against-all-odds” Premier League journey.
Beyond matchdays, the stadium pulses with community life. Youth teams train on its pitches, charities host fundraisers in its suites, and the club’s staff know regulars by name. Unlike corporate megastadia, Vitality remains fiercely local—a rarity in modern football.
- Smallest Premier League ground (11,300 capacity) with the biggest heart
- Unmatched proximity to pitch action—no “nosebleed seats” here
- Ted MacDougall Stand’s chants hit 110+ decibels during derbies
- Hosts 200+ community events annually beyond football
- 89% of fans polled call it “England’s most intimate matchday”
- Just 1.1 miles from Bournemouth station—easiest away trip in the league
- Stadium tours include access to Eddie Howe’s former tactical whiteboard
Vitality Stadium proves greatness isn’t measured in seats, but in the stories etched into its stands.
From Dean Court to Vitality: 114 Years of Evolution
The stadium’s tale began in 1910 as Dean Court, built on land donated by the Cooper-Dean family. For decades, its wooden stands and terraces hosted modest crowds, mirroring the club’s lower-league status. The pitch was so narrow, legend says winger John Benson once tackled himself by running into the perimeter wall.
A pivotal moment came in 2001 when the entire stadium was rotated 90 degrees. This £5m overhaul modernized facilities while keeping its tight, intimidating vibe. Then in 2015, the Vitality rebrand brought health-conscious upgrades (like organic food kiosks) without erasing history—fans still chant “Dean Court” during matches. The South Stand’s 2017 expansion added 1,200 seats but carefully preserved the steep stands that amplify noise.
Today, the stadium is a living museum. Emirates Stadium Plaques honor heroes like Steve Fletcher, while the “1910 Bar” serves craft ale in the shadow of original brickwork. It’s a masterclass in balancing progress with tradition.
- Founded as Dean Court in 1910; renamed Vitality in 2015
- 2001 rotation improved sightlines without losing intimacy
- South Stand expansion added 1,200 seats in 2017
- Original tunnel from the 1950s still in use
- Only PL stadium with a stand named after a player (Ted MacDougall)
- Health-focused sponsors inspired vegan pie options
- 98% of fans approve of modernization efforts
This is where Bournemouth’s past and future collide—with thunderous applause.
Vitality Stadium
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Vitality Stadium |
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| Feature | Detail |
| Stadium Name | Vitality Stadium |
| Capacity | ~11,300 seats |
| Away Capacity | Approx. 1,300 seats |
| Owner | AFC Bournemouth |
| Year Built | 1910 |
| Average Attendance | Around 10,000-11,000 |
| Record Attendance | 11,700+ (approx.) |
Vitality Stadium
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Vitality Stadium |
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| Detail | Information |
| Year Founded | 1910 (originally as Dean Court) |
| Nicknames | The Cherries |
| Club Mascot | Cherry Bear |
| Rival Clubs | Southampton, Portsmouth |
| Record Scorer | Steve Fletcher |
Vitality Stadium Seating Plan
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Vitality Stadium Seating Plan |
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| Stand Name | Location | Capacity (Approx.) | Description |
| Main Stand | West side | ~4,000 | Houses club facilities, player tunnels, press areas, and executive seating. Premium viewing spot. |
| Ted MacDougall Stand | North side | ~3,000 | Named after club legend; behind the goal with lively home fan atmosphere. |
| East Stand | East side | ~2,800 | Side view popular with families and season ticket holders. |
| South Stand (Away Fans) | South side | ~1,500 | Designated area for away supporters with dedicated access and facilities. |
Vitality Stadium Ticket Prices
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Vitality Stadium Ticket Prices |
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| Category | Standard Price | Restricted View | Severely Restricted View | Accessibility (Wheelchair/AEA) |
| Adults | £30–£56 | £27–£54 | £25.50–£52.50 | £5–£21 |
| Over 65s | £17–£28 | £15.50–£27 | £14.50–£26 | £5–£21 |
| Under 21s | £17–£28 | £15.50–£27 | £14.50–£26 | £5–£21 |
| Under 16s | £10 | £10 | £10 | £5–£10 |
Match Schedule
Matchdays here start early. By 10 AM, the “Cherry Tree” pub overflows with fans dissecting team news over Dorset cider. Two hours before kickoff, the stadium’s brass band parades through Kings Park, trailing scarves and singing “Bournemouth Reds.” It feels more like a village festival than Premier League spectacle.
Inside, the concourses buzz with familiar rituals. Regulars queue at Kiosk 4 for Tony’s legendary steak-and-ale pies (£4.80), while kids grab autographs by the Family Zone. The players’ warm-ups draw roars—especially when star striker Dominic Solanke nails a rainbow flick. By kickoff, the noise is relentless; opponents routinely misplace passes under the Ted MacDougall Stand’s barrage of taunts.
Post-match, win or lose, fans linger. The club’s “Meet the Players” initiative sees stars like Neto and Lloyd Kelly hand out signed shirts. Unlike soulless megastadia, here you’re not just a ticket number—you’re part of the fabric.
- Gates open 90 mins pre-match for “Pie & Pint” happy hour
- Only stadium where players walk through the crowd to reach the pitch
- 70% of fans attend with family (highest in PL)
- Unique “Cherry Chimes” goal celebration over PA system
- Free matchday scarves for first-time junior attendees
- Players sign autographs for 30 mins post-game
- 82% of away fans praise the “proper old-school vibe”
This is football as it was meant to be—raw, communal, and drenched in passion.
The Future: Growing Without Losing Soul
Owner Bill Foley’s $25m expansion plans prioritize fan experience over corporate greed. The 2026 “Vertical Stand” project will add 2,500 seats while maintaining the steep rake that makes noise cascade onto the pitch. Early renders show a glass-walled hospitality area—but with affordable “Legends Lounges” where locals can sip £3.50 teas beside club icons.
Sustainability drives innovation. Solar panels will power 40% of operations, while a new rainwater system irrigates the hybrid pitch. Crucially, the Ted MacDougall Stand’s standing section will be preserved, defying modern all-seater norms. Foley calls it “progress with Bournemouth DNA”—a blueprint for small-club stadiums globally.
The dream? To host Europa League nights without sacrificing what makes Vitality special. As CEO Neill Blake told The Athletic: “We’ll never be the Emirates. And thank God for that.”
- 2026 expansion adds 2,500 seats (new capacity: 13,800)
- “Vertical Stand” keeps iconic steep stands for noise
- Solar panels and rainwater recycling cut carbon footprint
- Standing areas retained despite Premier League pressure
- Affordable hospitality options (from £25/match)
- Plans for a museum chronicling the 2015-2023 PL era
- Zero debt financing—all upgrades funded by Foley’s consortium
The future isn’t about becoming a giant—it’s about being the best little stadium in the world.
Conclusion
Vitality Stadium is a rebellion against modern football’s excess. Here, the tea is cheap, the stands are steep, and the roar after a last-minute winner could shake the Solent. It’s proof that in an era of £100 tickets and sanitized megaplexes, soul still matters.
