From celebrating every epic victory to supporting each other through defeat, football stadiums certainly bring people together. Nothing beats cheering on your team from the stands as you watch the game unfold right in front of your very eyes.
Whether you’re a Bournemouth local or are an away fan visiting for a game, Vitality Stadium makes for a fun day out or weekend activity. Better known as Dean Court, this popular stadium is home to Premier League team AFC Bournemouth, hosting a range of exciting matches throughout the season. With a capacity of over 11,000, the stadium has come a long way since its humble beginnings back in 1910, when it consisted of just a tiny single stand.
If you’re thinking of visiting Vitality Stadium, then why not take the stress out of things and plan ahead? Our guide to Vitality Stadium will tell you everything you need to know about Bournemouth F.C’s stadium, including how to get there and what there is to do in the area.
Vitality Stadium is in Kings Park, Boscombe, which is a suburb of Bournemouth in Dorset, UK. Its full address is: Dean Court, Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.
Roads can get very busy around Vitality Stadium, particularly if you’re travelling during matchdays. With two railway stations within walking distance of the ground, why not save the hassle of traffic and parking, and hop on the train instead?
Things to do at Vitality Stadium
Matches
With Bournemouth AFC (nicknamed The Cherries owing to their cherry red shirts) promoted back to the Premier League for the 2022/23 season, you’re guaranteed to witness some epic clashes at the ground. As well as Premier League games, the stadium also hosts FA Cup games throughout the season, so you won’t be short of opportunities to go and support your team.
Vitality Stadium tickets
If you’re heading to Vitality Stadium for a match, buy your tickets online in advance. Those with a season ticket can renew theirs annually—or if you’re looking to buy your annual membership, keep an eye on the stadium’s website for any ticket news.
Vitality Stadium superstore
If you’re looking for something to remember your trip by, then why not check out the Vitality Stadium superstore? Here you can get your hands on the latest merch including books, keyrings, stationery, and towels, or represent The Cherries with your very own kit.
Events and hospitality
Hosting an event? With a variety of spaces for meetings and parties, Vitality Stadium is the perfect place to bring everyone together. Choose from suites and executive boxes or book the Champions Top Floor Restaurant if you want to impress your group with a mouth-watering three-course meal.
Junior Fanzone
If you’re visiting with children under 16, you can head to the Junior Fanzone before the match, where young supporters will be able to enjoy a host of pre-game entertainment. Enter with your matchday ticket and enjoy fun activities like face painting, games, competitions, table tennis rallies, and power penalties. It’s the perfect way to pass the time before the game!
Things to do near Vitality Stadium
Match days can get incredibly busy, so to avoid crowds as you make your way towards the stadium, we’d recommend getting there at least an hour before kick-off. Bournemouth train station is located right at the centre of the town, so there’s plenty to do within walking reach. There’s also tons to see in neighbouring Poole.
Thrill-seekers should head straight to Rock Reef activity centre, which offers 28 climbing walls, as well as a number of adrenaline-filled challenges and ziplines. Alternatively, get competitive with a round of golf at Bournemouth Gardens Classic Mini Golf or the Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, or check out Boscombe Pier and beach on sunnier days.
Tips for enjoying Vitality Stadium
Visiting a new place is always fun, and to keep things moving nicely you can follow these tips for a stress-free day at Vitality Stadium:
- Roads are likely to be congested around match times, so we’d recommend taking public transport to Vitality Stadium and arriving at least an hour early.
- Don’t forget that supporters under the age of 16 can head to the Fan Village, perfect for taking in the pre-match atmosphere and enjoying some refreshments.
- Make sure you bring a bag that’s small enough to fit under a stadium seat or avoid bringing a bag altogether if possible.
Food and drinks
No trip to a stadium would be complete without some delicious match time grub, and at Vitality Stadium, you won’t have to look far to find it. Within the ground, a pre-game food kiosk serves a full range of hot food and drinks such as burgers, homemade pies, and hotdogs, which is guaranteed to warm you up even on the coldest of days. After a refreshing beverage? Home supporters can find a range of alcoholic and soft drinks at either the 1910 Bar or The Great Escape Outdoor Bar Area.
If you’ve arrived early or want to stay after the match, there are a range of pubs, cafés, and restaurants around the stadium to choose from. Pubs and cafes close to the stadium include The Brew Café at a five minutes’ walk away, Queens Park Hotel Bar at just a three minutes’ walk, The Bell Inn at a two minutes’ walk away, and Cherries Café at an eight minutes’ walk.
If you’re after a sit-down meal, head to Central Story Street Food or Pizzeria Via Roma, which are both just a 15-minute walk away. Or for those looking for something quick and delicious to grab on the way back to the station, Smithson’s Fish & Chips is the place for you, as it’s located right next to Pokesdown Station.
Places to stay near Vitality Stadium
Thinking about a weekend stay in Bournemouth? You can find plenty of accommodation options around the Vitality Stadium, with pricing to suit all sorts of budgets. These include The Queens Park Hotel, which is just a five-minute walk from the stadium, and Premier Inn Bournemouth East, Travelodge Bournemouth and The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel, all of which are a 15-minute walk from Bournemouth station.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful getaway just outside of Bournemouth, Christchurch is just a seven-minute train journey away and offers some stunning coastal views.
Vitality Stadium accessibility
Vitality Stadium welcomes fans of all abilities, and you can find a range of facilities to assist those with additional needs, and you can find out more on their website. These include raised viewing areas, audio headsets, accessible toilets, low counters, sensory packs and more.
