AFC Bournemouth has officially started the historic expansion of Vitality Stadium. The Premier League’s smallest ground will grow from around 11,300 to 20,196 seats, with the project including a new south stand, filled-in corners, upgraded hospitality areas, improved media facilities and better accessibility for fans.

Goal: A major increase in Vitality Stadium's capacity

Club officials, project contractors and development partners gathered at Vitality Stadium to officially mark the start of construction. Among those attending the ceremony were Chief Operating Officer Jim Frevola and President of Football Operations Tiago Pinto.

The event was largely symbolic, marking the beginning of a new chapter in AFC Bournemouth's history. The club says the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium is intended not only to expand the stadium but also to preserve its unique atmosphere and the close connection between players and supporters. According to Bournemouth, the project forms part of the club's long-term growth strategy as it prepares for its first-ever European campaign.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment will be a substantial increase in capacity. Vitality Stadium currently holds around 11,300 spectators, making it the smallest venue in the Premier League. Once completed, capacity will rise to 20,196 seats—an increase of more than 9,000. As Jim Frevola explained, one of the project's main objectives is to give more local supporters the opportunity to attend Premier League and European matches.

Redevelopment will transform Vitality Stadium

The most significant changes will take place on the South Stand. The existing structure will be completely demolished and replaced by a modern stand accommodating around 6,800 supporters. Importantly, the new stand will be built behind the current one, allowing the club to minimise disruption during the season. The first steel components are expected to be installed this autumn, while most construction work will continue alongside the league campaign.

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The redevelopment also includes a major expansion of the North and East Stands. Two new corner sections will be completed this summer, adding approximately 800 to 900 seats. The club hopes they will be ready before Bournemouth's first home Premier League match of the new season. Ultimately, all four corners of the stadium will be enclosed, improving both acoustics and the overall viewing experience.

Work is also progressing on the roof of the Main Stand, with the new structure expected to be completed within the coming weeks. At the same time, contractors are installing new perimeter fencing, foundations for modern entry turnstiles and upgraded sanitary facilities. The project also required the removal of the stadium's floodlight pylons, whose massive concrete foundations meant dismantling took almost a week.

New hospitality and media facilities at AFC Bournemouth stadium

The redevelopment extends well beyond additional seating. The project includes entirely new hospitality areas, premium suites and dedicated spaces for sponsors and corporate partners. Existing VIP facilities, including the popular Bubbles Lounge and Champions Lounge, are also being refurbished. Their terraces will be covered, allowing them to operate throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. The club hopes these upgrades will make the stadium more attractive outside matchdays as well.

Expanding the media infrastructure is another key element of the project. New television studios and broadcaster facilities will be built, including in the stadium's north-west corner. Commentary positions, technical facilities and broadcast infrastructure will also be upgraded to meet the requirements of European competitions and international television coverage.

© AFC Bournemouth | AFC Bournemouth has officially started the historic expansion of Vitality Stadium. The Premier League’s smallest ground is set to grow to 20,196 seats, with a new south stand, enclosed corners, hospitality areas and improved accessibility for fans.

Fan comfort at Vitality Stadium remains a priority

Improving accessibility is another important part of the redevelopment. Each new corner section will include lifts providing access to dedicated seating for supporters with reduced mobility, as well as accessible restrooms that comply with Premier League standards. An additional lift will also be installed at the main entrance to the West Stand.

Bournemouth officials have repeatedly stressed that the project has been designed with supporters in mind. Wider concourses will reduce queues at entrances, concession stands and restrooms, while expanded circulation areas beneath the stands will improve crowd movement on busy matchdays. Jim Frevola admitted that one of the most common complaints from supporters in recent years concerned long waiting times before entering the stadium. The redevelopment is intended to address exactly those issues.

Project remains on schedule

According to the club, construction is progressing as planned despite several major projects taking place simultaneously. Alongside the stadium redevelopment, work is continuing on a new playing surface, UEFA-required facility upgrades and improvements to the club's sporting and administrative buildings.

Around 100 workers are currently on site, with construction taking place across almost every part of the stadium. One of the first visible changes is the installation of new black seats featuring the red AFCB lettering, replacing the faded seating previously in use.

If work continues according to schedule, the complete redevelopment of Vitality Stadium is expected to be finished in the summer of 2027.