AFC Bournemouth FC Ground & Tickets
Ground: Vitality Stadium (Dean Court)
Capacity: 11,307
Location: Kings Park Drive, Boscombe, Bournemouth
Country: United Kingdom
The Ground
Vitality Stadium, located in the Kings Park area of Boscombe, Bournemouth, has been the home of AFC Bournemouth since the club's founding in 1899. Formerly known as Dean Court, the ground has evolved from a modest local venue into a compact and modern stadium.
The stadium originally opened in 1910 but underwent a major redevelopment in 2001, during which it was entirely rebuilt and rotated 90 degrees. The redevelopment marked a pivotal moment for the club, providing vastly improved facilities while maintaining the intimate feel that Dean Court had long been known for. In 2015, the stadium was renamed Vitality Stadium following a sponsorship deal..
Today, Vitality Stadium is fully owned and operated by AFC Bournemouth and remains an essential part of the local sporting landscape. With a seating capacity of approximately 11,307, it is the smallest stadium to have hosted Premier League football in the modern era. Despite its size, the ground is celebrated for its close-knit atmosphere and passionate support, especially from fans in the East Stand and North Stand.
The stadium follows a traditional four-stand layout, with each stand positioned tightly around the pitch, offering clear and intimate sightlines from every seat. Though lacking the large-scale facilities of bigger Premier League grounds, it makes up for it with a uniquely intense and personal matchday experience—often likened to a “proper old-school football ground.”
Official Tickets
Cherries Points System Tickets are sold in phases based on Cherries Points, which you earn by attending previous Bournemouth matches—home, cup, or even women’s games held at the stadium. New fans should attend a pre-season friendly, women’s match, or low-demand fixture to start accumulating points. Once you have enough points, you become eligible when tickets for high-demand fixtures are released.
Limited General Sale &Resale. Occasionally, low-demand matches drop into general sale—keep an eye on the website and club communications. There’s often a small resale window just before matchday for returned tickets—eligible to those with 1+ points, so stay alert. Note: Matches rarely reach this stage due to high demand.
Online Purchase. Log into your ticketing account on Bournemouth’s official site (tickets.afcb.co.uk) to view available fixtures. Buy tickets during your points-based eligibility window
Fanshop
AFC Bournemouth Superstore – Vitality Stadium
Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF, Between the Main Stand and North Stand, Vitality Stadium
How to get to the Stadium
By train
Train to Pokesdown Station– theclosest station to Vitality Stadium. From there, it’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the stadium. Alternatively, arrive at Bournemouth Station (BOU), then walk around 30 minutes or take a short taxi/bus ride to the ground.
By Car
From the M27 motorway, continue onto the A31, then take the A338 (Wessex Way) toward Bournemouth. Exit onto A3060 (Castle Lane East) or Holdenhurst Road, and follow signs for Kings Park and Vitality Stadium (Dean Court). Parking Options: South Stand Car Park (off Kings Park Drive): fills quickly on matchdays. Sovereign Centre Car Park (Christchurch Road): 10–12 minute walk. JustPark/private driveways: Nearby options can be booked in advance for easier matchday access
Airport / International Train/Travel
Bournemouth Airport
Take a taxi (15–20 mins) or Yellow Buses/U1 to Bournemouth town centre. From there, connect to Pokesdown or Bournemouth stations, then walk or take a short taxi to the stadium.
Eurostar: London St Pancras International
Take a Thameslink or Southeastern service southbound to London Bridge or Waterloo (via Underground if needed). From London Waterloo, board a South Western Railway train to Pokesdown or Bournemouth. Journey time: 1h 50m to Bournemouth. Walk: 20–30 minutes depending on arrival station.
Drive via Eurotunnel. Drive to Calais followed by Eurotunnel or ferry. Continue along the M20 → M25 → M3 → M27 → A31 → A338 toward Bournemouth. Journey time is approximately - 4h from Calais.
Around the Stadium
Queens Park Hotel (Holdenhurst Rd) – Just a short walk, this traditional pub offers a large beer garden and multiple screens —popular with home fans.
Mello Mello Bar (677 Christchurch Rd, – About 5 minutes away in Boscombe, modern and lively, it’s known to welcome both home and away supporters.
Bell Inn / The Bell (915 Christchurch Rd) – Also a 5-minute stroll from Pokesdown Station, this cozy pub is favoured by sports fans, with screens showing live matches
Cricketers Arms (near Pokesdown) – A pint in this classic pub is recommended by visiting fans for that proper community vibe.
Firkin Shed – Just across the street from Cricketers; popular with home fans and noted by fans as a good informal stop
Walkabout (Bournemouth town centre) – An Aussie-style chain with a lively vibe, screens, and consistent pub grub. 15 minutes walk.
O’Neills (Bedford Place) – Irish-themed bar offering food, drinks, and live music, great for fans who fancy a bit of ambience. 15 minutes walk.
The George Tapps (Old Christchurch Rd, – Comfortable setting with several screens and a beer garden for the quieter pre-match drink. 15 minutes walk.
Brass Haus (Bedford Pl) – Bavarian-style beer hall with live sport, German-inspired food and atmosphere. 15 minutes walk.
The Goat & Tricycle – A short walk from the centre, this pub offers craft beers, real ales, and a lovely beer garden ideal in warmer weather. 15 minutes walk.
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