Skip to content

Vitality Stadium | A F C Bournemouth football ground guide

Vitality Stadium guide

The Vitality Stadium, formerly known as Dean Court, is a football stadium in Kings Park, Boscombe, a suburb of Bournemouth, Dorset, England, and the home ground of AFC Bournemouth. The stadium is located on the site of the old Dean Court, which was demolished in 1997. The new stadium was built on the same site and opened in 1999. It has a capacity of 11,379.

The Vitality Stadium has hosted a number of high-profile matches, including FA Cup ties against Manchester United and Chelsea, and UEFA Europa League matches against FC Porto and Galatasaray. It has also hosted England Under-21 international matches.

The stadium is named after Vitality, a British health and wellness company. The company signed a 10-year sponsorship deal with AFC Bournemouth in 2013.

The Vitality Stadium is a popular venue for concerts and other events. It has hosted concerts by artists such as The Killers, Coldplay, and Robbie Williams. It has also hosted the Bournemouth Air Festival, a major annual air show.

The Vitality Stadium is a well-appointed stadium that provides a good experience for both fans and players. It is a credit to AFC Bournemouth and to the city of Bournemouth.

Here are some of the key facts about the Vitality Stadium:

  • Capacity: 11,379
  • Opened: 1999
  • Surface: Grass
  • Home team: AFC Bournemouth
  • Sponsorship: Vitality (2013-present)
  • Notable matches: FA Cup ties against Manchester United and Chelsea, UEFA Europa League matches against FC Porto and Galatasaray, England Under-21 international matches
  • Other events: Concerts, Bournemouth Air Festival

Pubs near the Vitality Stadium for home and away fans

  • The Queens Park Hotel is a traditional pub with a large beer garden. It is a popular spot for both home and away fans before and after matches. Address: 482 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 9AR. Phone: 01202 720096.
  • Mello Mello Bar is a more modern pub with a large screen showing live sports. It is a popular spot for away fans. Address: 677 Christchurch Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6AA. Phone: 01202 729038.
  • The Cricketers Arms is a traditional pub with a good selection of beers. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Address: 41 Windham Rd, Bournemouth BH1 4RN. Phone: 01202 985056.
  • The Bell is a traditional pub with a large beer garden. It is a popular spot for both home and away fans before and after matches. Address: 915 Christchurch Rd, Pokesdown, Bournemouth BH7 6AX. Phone: 01202 097404.

All of these pubs are within a short walk of the Vitality Stadium.

Here are some other options if you are looking for something a little different:

  • The Mary Shelley is a gastropub with a focus on locally sourced food. Address: The Quadrant Centre, Bournemouth BH1 2AD. Phone: 01202 786510.
  • Sixty Million Postcards is a cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Address: Dorset, 19-21 Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AF. Phone: 01202 292697.
  • The Old Fire Station is a microbrewery with a taproom and restaurant. Address: 36 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8AD.

These pubs are all a bit further from the stadium, but they are worth the trip if you are looking for something special.

Hotels near the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth

  • The Orchid Hotel is a 4-star hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It has a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • The Green House is a 3-star hotel located within a 10-minute walk of the stadium. It has a garden, a terrace, and a bar.
  • Hotel Miramar is a 4-star hotel located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. It has a swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room.
  • Hampton by Hilton Bournemouth is a 3-star hotel located a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It has a fitness centre, a bar, and a restaurant.
  • Travelodge Bournemouth is a budget hotel located a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It has free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception.

All of these hotels have good reviews and are within walking distance of the stadium.

Here are some other hotels that are a bit further away from the stadium but still within easy reach by public transportation:

  • Langtry Manor Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Bournemouth. It has a spa, a golf course, and a tennis court.
  • The Connaught Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the town centre. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
  • The Cumberland Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the town centre. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.

These hotels are all a bit more expensive than the hotels listed above, but they offer a higher level of luxury and amenities.

How to get to Vitality Stadium

  • By car: The stadium is located at Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF. From London, take the M25 to the M3. Exit at junction 13 and follow the signs for Bournemouth. The stadium will be on your left.
  • By train: The nearest train stations are Bournemouth and Pokesdown. From Bournemouth station, take the P2 or P3 bus to the stadium. From Pokesdown station, it is a short walk to the stadium.
  • By bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the stadium. The P2 and P3 buses run from Bournemouth town center, and the 22M bus runs from Poole.
  • By bike: There is a cycle path that runs from Bournemouth town center to the stadium.

Once you arrive at the stadium, there is plenty of parking available. There is also a designated drop-off zone for coaches and taxis.

Official club website

A.F.C Bournemouth

Fan forums and websites

AFCB Podcast – Back Of The Net

Things to do at Vitality Stadium

  • Watch a football match. Vitality Stadium is home to AFC Bournemouth, a professional football club that plays in the Championship, the second tier of English football. The stadium has a capacity of 11,329 and is known for its passionate atmosphere.
  • Take a tour of the stadium. The stadium offers a variety of tours, including a behind-the-scenes tour, a matchday experience tour, and a family tour. Tours are available for all ages and abilities.
  • Visit the club shop. The club shop sells a wide range of AFC Bournemouth merchandise, including kits, shirts, hats, scarves, and more.
  • Enjoy a meal at the stadium. There are a number of restaurants and bars at Vitality Stadium that offer a variety of food and drinks.
  • Attend a corporate event. Vitality Stadium is a popular venue for corporate events, such as conferences, meetings, and banquets. The stadium has a variety of spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes.

If you are a fan of football or simply looking for a fun and exciting day out, Vitality Stadium is a great place to visit. The stadium offers a variety of activities and events that are sure to entertain people of all ages.

Things to do near the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England

  • Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This museum has a large collection of art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
  • Explore the Lower Gardens. These gardens are home to a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as a bandstand and a lake.
  • Take a walk along Boscombe Chine Gardens. These gardens are known for their Chinese-inspired features, such as a pagoda and a waterfall.
  • Visit Bournemouth Beach. This beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
  • Go shopping at Castlepoint Shopping Centre. This shopping centre has over 100 stores, including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, and Next.
  • Have a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. Bournemouth has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from traditional British food to international cuisine.

If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day, here are a few suggestions:

  • Visit the Bournemouth Aquarium. This aquarium has over 1,000 different species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
  • See a show at the Bournemouth Pavilion. This theatre hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
  • Visit the Bournemouth Discovery Centre. This museum has exhibits on the history of Bournemouth and the surrounding area.

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do in Bournemouth.