AFC Bournemouth’s president of business operations, Jim Frevola, offered on social media to host an NHL ice hockey game at the Vitality Stadium on social media.
Responding to a tweet from NHL Network broadcaster and former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes, Frevola offered up the Dean Court ground as a potential venue for a game in an international stadium series.
Come to the Vitality! @NHL @KevinWeekes @afcbournemouth, Bill Foley and @GoldenKnights would be happy to host! #vegasborn #afcb🍒 https://t.co/EXwfu708WY pic.twitter.com/H7kByiDYnb
— Jim Frevola (@jimfrevola) November 11, 2025
Weekes posted that the idea, one he suggested four years ago to the league, was being discussed, and asked followers on X where they would like to see games played, suggesting Old Trafford or the Allianz Arena as potential venues.
The Vitality Stadium (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)
But bringing the sport to Bournemouth could see another of Cherries owner Bill Foley’s sports teams feature in a European stadium game.
Foley’s very first sporting investment was the Vegas Golden Knights, as he and the Black Knight Sports and Entertainment business were awarded an NHL expansion franchise back in June 2016.
That became the Vegas team, which began playing in the 2017/18 season, with Foley pledging that the team would win the Stanley Cup within six seasons – something they achieved in 2023.
The Vitality Stadium has hosted other events beyond football in the past, including concerts and Chris Billam-Smith’s WBO cruiserweight title winning fight against Lawrence Okolie in 2023.
Chris Billam-Smith beat Lawrence Okolie to become world champion (Image: Stuart Martin)
Bournemouth east MP Tom Hayes said he has discussed with the football club about how hosting more than football could enhance the town’s offer for tourism and bringing fans to the town.
The MP said he was excited at the potential for hosting ice hockey at the stadium
“I love the idea of hockey under the open sky at Vitality Stadium,” he said.
“It would give Bournemouth and the region a chance to experience something new and bring great energy to the town and the sport. I’m sure the atmosphere would be incredible and I hope this idea catches fire.”
American football, baseball and basketball games from the USA’s top leagues have all been frequently hosted in the UK in previous years.
NHL games have been held in the UK 15 times before, but the most recent game between two NHL sides was back in 2007, when the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings played a two-game series at the O2 Arena.