About AFC Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth is a professional football club based in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset. Formed in 1899 as Boscombe, the club adopted the name AFC Bournemouth in 1971 and have played at Dean Court since 1910. Nicknamed the Cherries (and sometimes Boscombe), they compete in the Premier League.

The club rose from regional leagues into the Southern League, joined the Football League in 1923, and have a long history in the third tier. Under Eddie Howe, Bournemouth won three promotions in six years to reach the top flight for the first time, winning the Championship in 2014–15. They have since enjoyed sustained Premier League spells, with a best finish of ninth. The ground was completely rebuilt in 2001 and is currently known as the Vitality Stadium for sponsorship; at 11,307 capacity it is the smallest in the Premier League.

For away fans, a visit to the Vitality Stadium offers a compact, vocal matchday with a typically tight allocation. The stadium is the most southerly in the Premier League and close to the coast, with Boscombe and Bournemouth town centre nearby for pre- and post-match options.

Quick Facts

Full Name: AFC Bournemouth

Nickname: The Cherries, Boscombe

Founded: 1899 (as Boscombe)

Stadium: Vitality Stadium (Dean Court)

Capacity: 11,307

Location: Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset

League: Premier League

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Vitality Stadium

Dean Court

Address

Kings Park

Boscombe

Bournemouth

Dorset BH7 7AF

Capacity

11,307

Opened

1910 (rebuilt 2001)

Pitch Dimensions

105m x 68m

Surface

Grass

Stadium History & Features

Dean Court was built on land granted by local benefactor J.E. Cooper-Dean in 1910; the ground took his name. The site was rebuilt and the pitch rotated in 2001; the club briefly played at Dorchester’s Avenue Stadium during works. It has since been known for sponsorship as the Fitness First, Seward, Goldsands and Vitality Stadium.

The stadium is single-tiered on all four sides, with large player images on perspex windshields, a small video screen in the Main Stand, and floodlights in each corner. Despite its size, it is known for a strong matchday atmosphere. The Ted MacDougall Stand was added in 2013 following promotion to the Championship.

Away Fan Seating

Away fans are located on one side of the East Stand. The typical allocation is 1,500, though it can be raised to 2,000 if required. Entry is via turnstile F in the south-east corner; turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off. Follow steward directions to your block.

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Getting to the Vitality Stadium

By Train

Pokesdown is the closest station, about 15 minutes’ walk. Exit right onto Christchurch Road, then right onto Gloucester Road, and continue to the stadium. The majority of services call at Bournemouth Central, which is about 30 minutes’ walk: turn left down Holdenhurst Road for around 25 minutes, then right onto Kings Park Drive; the ground is at the bottom on the left. A taxi from Bournemouth Central to the stadium costs around £8. Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Bournemouth.

By Car

Use postcode BH7 7AF for sat-nav. The stadium sits in Kings Park, Boscombe. Parking at the ground is limited and fills quickly; see the Parking section. Consider park-and-ride or parking further out and walking or using local buses.

By Bus

Local buses serve the area. From Bournemouth Central, routes such as the M2, 1C or 22 run to locations near the ground; the Sovereign Centre on Christchurch Road is a useful stop if you park there. Check current timetables on matchdays.

Travel Tip

Arrive early: stadium parking fills quickly, and concourses can get busy. Pokesdown is handiest for the walk to the ground; The Bell pub is directly opposite the station if you plan to stop before or after.

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Parking Information

Parking at the Vitality Stadium is limited. The club recommends arriving early and considering alternative options if you drive.

Official Parking

Parking to the south of the ground costs £1 for the match, payable on entry; you must have a valid match ticket. Spaces are limited and fill quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Sovereign Centre

The Sovereign Centre on Christchurch Road (BH1 4SX) offers matchday parking for £2.50, about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the stadium. Alternative to the stadium car park when full.

Other Options

Avonbourne Academies provide free parking about 10 minutes’ walk away, opening three hours before kick-off. There is limited street parking; always observe restrictions. Check local signage on the day.

Park & Ride / Train

Consider parking at a station with spaces and completing your journey by train to Pokesdown or Bournemouth Central, then walking or taking a taxi to the ground.

Important Parking Advice

Get there early if you need to park at the stadium. Have a backup plan—Sovereign Centre or Avonbourne—if the official car park is full. Use postcode BH7 7AF for sat-nav.

Pubs and Bars

Christchurch Road in nearby Boscombe has several pubs and bars. Some bars ask fans to cover club colours and some do not allow children; check before you go. Above we show some highly rated venues nearby; get more on the Follow Away App.

Marroy's Bar

Location: Christchurch Road, Boscombe

Distance: 5–10 minutes' walk from stadium

Wide range of drinks, reasonably priced; quality pizzas. Sky and TNT Sports, family-friendly, good disabled access. Opens from 10am. Tel: 01202 879677.

Q Sports Bar

Location: Near Vitality Stadium

Distance: 10 minutes' walk

Modern, family-friendly away bar. Draught Carlsberg, 1664, Estrella, Thatcher's, Guinness; pizza, burgers, chicken, fries. Pool, snooker, darts; 100" TV with Sky and TNT. Free membership at qsports.bar for 10% off drinks on match days. Tel: 01202 434416.

The Bell

Location: Opposite Pokesdown station

Distance: Short walk to stadium

Handy for fans arriving by train. Opens 10am Sat/Sun; TNT Sports, beer garden, BBQ and pub food, pool, darts, DJ and karaoke. Tel: 01202 097404.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Christchurch Road and Boscombe are popular with away fans. Some venues require colours to be covered or do not allow children. The Bell is ideal if you use Pokesdown; Marroy's and Q Sports Bar are both close to the ground.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

Concourse kiosks sell hot food, snacks and drinks. Check the Follow Away app or official sources for current prices; check on the day.

  • Pies: Hot pies and similar savoury options
  • Burgers & Hot Dogs: Standard matchday hot food
  • Chips: Available at most kiosks
  • Soft Drinks & Hot Beverages: Tea, coffee and soft drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer and other alcoholic drinks (ID may be required)

Near the Stadium

Marroy's Bar

Pizzas and drinks; popular with away fans close to the ground.

Q Sports Bar

Pizza, burgers, chicken, fries and similar; good for pre- or post-match.

The Bell

BBQ and pub food; opposite Pokesdown station.

Bournemouth Town Centre & Boscombe

Bournemouth town centre and Boscombe offer a range of restaurants, cafés and bars. Both are within walking distance of the Vitality Stadium. Many away fans drink or eat in Boscombe or on Christchurch Road before heading to the ground.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Vitality Stadium on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

Get more venues on the Follow Away App to find hotels and places to stay near the ground.

Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Away tickets for the Vitality Stadium are sold through your club's official ticket office or away scheme. The allocation is typically 1,500, or up to 2,000 when required, in the East Stand. Sales and eligibility follow your club's loyalty or ballot rules.

Ticket Prices

Pricing is set by AFC Bournemouth and communicated via your club. Concessionary rates may apply. Confirm exact prices and categories when you buy.

Important Ticket Information

  • Buy only through your club's official channels; never from touts or unofficial sellers.
  • You need a valid match ticket for £1 stadium parking.
  • Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off; follow steward directions to the away section.
  • Check your club's away ticket criteria, sale dates and collection arrangements.

Ticket Advice

Register for away tickets with your club and apply when sales open. The allocation is small, so demand can be high. Never buy from unofficial sources—you risk being refused entry.

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Stadium parking fills quickly; allow time for traffic and queues. Turnstiles open 90 minutes before kick-off.
  • Check Transport: Plan your route—Pokesdown is closest for the walk; Bournemouth Central is further. Trains from Waterloo serve both.
  • Club Colours: Some pubs ask fans to cover colours. Have a jacket or neutral layer if you plan to drink locally.
  • Pre-Match Food: Marroy's, Q Sports Bar and The Bell all serve food; concourse kiosks get busy closer to kick-off.

At the Stadium

  • Security Checks: Allow time for bag searches and any checks at the turnstiles. Prohibited items are listed on the club website.
  • Away Section: Away fans are in the East Stand; enter via turnstile F. Follow stewards and signs to your block.
  • Facilities: Toilets and food and drink kiosks are in the concourses behind the away section.
  • Atmosphere: The ground is compact and can be noisy despite its size; the single-tier stands are close to the pitch.

After the Match

  • Exiting: Stewards will direct you out. There may be a brief hold-back depending on the fixture.
  • Transport: Trains from Pokesdown and Bournemouth Central can be busy. The Bell is opposite Pokesdown if you want to wait.
  • Safety: Follow steward and police instructions. Keep to designated away routes where indicated.

General Advice

  • Weather: Bournemouth is coastal; check the forecast and dress accordingly. The stadium is largely open to the elements.
  • Cash & Cards: Many outlets accept cards; carrying some cash is still useful.
  • Mobile Coverage: Signal can be busy in and around the ground. Agree meeting points in advance.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and residents. You're a guest in the area.

Top Tip

Use Pokesdown if you can—it’s the shortest walk. The Bell opposite the station is a handy base. Park early or use Sovereign Centre or Avonbourne; the £1 stadium car park fills fast. Enjoy the Premier League’s smallest and most southerly ground.

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