AFC Bournemouth has marked a key moment in the club’s history with a ceremony to officially celebrate the start of the Vitality Stadium redevelopment project.
AFC Bournemouth held a ceremonial groundbreaking to recognise the beginning of a transformation that will shape the future of the club for generations to come.
President of Business Operations Jim Frevola was joined by President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto as work continues on the ambitious Vitality Stadium redevelopment.
AFC Bournemouth is a professional association football club based in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England (UK). The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
Dean Court, currently known as the Vitality Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England (UK) and is the home ground of the AFC Bournemouth. The stadium currently has a capacity to accommodate 11,307 supporters.
As part of the Vitality Stadium redevelopment, the south stand will be demolished and rebuilt, while the north and east stands will be expanded and corners infilled to provide more than 9,000 additional seats and hospitality facilities.
The wider scheme also includes significant public realm and infrastructure improvements around the stadium campus, including enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, landscaping and improved accessibility.
AFC Bournemouth said the groundbreaking occasion celebrated far more than the start of construction.
It marked another significant step in the club’s long-term vision to enhance the matchday experience for supporters while preserving the unique character and atmosphere that has made Vitality Stadium home for decades.
The Vitality Stadium redevelopment will increase the stadium’s capacity, modernise supporter facilities and strengthen the club’s ability to welcome more local fans through its gates, all while remaining at its historic home, Dean Court.
Speaking during the ceremony, Frevola reflected on the importance of the occasion.
He said: “This marks the beginning of the next chapter in our club’s history.
“This redevelopment is about creating a stadium that’s worthy of our supporters. Our vision is to preserve everything that makes Vitality Stadium special – the atmosphere, the intimacy and the connection between the players and supporters – while creating a modern home everybody can be proud of for decades to come.”
The ceremony also recognised the collective effort behind the project, with thanks paid to BCP Council, project partners and contractors, alongside the many people who have helped bring the redevelopment to life.
Above all, the milestone served as a celebration of AFC Bournemouth’s supporters, whose backing has helped the club progress from its proud history to an exciting future in the Premier League.
As redevelopment work continues over the coming months, the ceremony will stand as one of the defining moments in the club’s ongoing journey, representing both its ambitions for the future and its commitment to remaining rooted in the heart of the local community.
The club thanked the supporters for their continued patience and support while work progresses, with the club looking forward to welcoming fans into an enhanced Vitality Stadium in the years ahead.
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