Supporter Communication - Ticketing & Stadium - August 2026
Welcome back! We are excited for supporters to return to the stadium and looking forward to enjoying many special moments with you all throughout the season. There are a lot of changes which have taken place over the summer so please take time to read these notes carefully.
Ticketing
Digital ticketing
In line with the Premier League digital ticketing requirement beginning in 2026/27, all tickets will be issued digitally. Supporters will access their tickets via the AFC Bournemouth mobile app.
Supporters in a strong ticketing relationship with juniors under the age of 16 will have the junior’s ticket added to their app. Additionally, supporters who wish to access another supporter’s digital ticket within the app can set up an App Ticketing Relationship. Supporters can manage their ticket relationships in the Friends & Family section of their online ticket account.
For supporters requiring assistance registering an online account, accessing their digital ticket, or those that are unable to use a smartphone or email address, please contact the ticketing team.
Season ticket holders may also utilise options to forward a ticket to a member of their Friends & Family list, or, list their ticket for resale via the club's ticket exchange. Both of these ticket management options can be found in the app or via their online ticketing account.
Ticket Office Location
For the duration of the 2026/27 season, the ticket office is now located in the VIP West car park, between the VIP Gate & Gate B.
Stadium Development updates
Over the summer, turnstiles to enter Vitality Stadium have been relocated, the club have adopted a perimeter turnstile model allowing freedom of movement within the stadium footprint.
Supporters will need to have a valid matchday ticket to gain access through the turnstiles to the Fan Zone and Superstore on matchdays.
The club will continue to adopt a 100% search policy at perimeter turnstiles to ensure spectator safety. We would also like to remind spectators that any bags larger than A4 in size will not be permitted into the stadium unless previously authorised for medical reasons.
For this fixture, only gates A and B will be available. Supporters will be able to use any of the 24 turnstiles at gates A and B to enter the stadium rather than being restricted to a specific turnstile.
The VIP gate is only accessible to those supporters with a hospitality ticket.
Turnstiles will be open from 3 hours before kick-off.
Once supporters have entered through the perimeter turnstiles, they will be able to move freely around the stadium’s exterior. Supporters will have access to all concourses across the stadium should they wish to utilise these prior to kick-off.
You may be required to produce your ticket as you enter the stadium and on request from stewards, please ensure that it has been downloaded prior to arrival at the stadium.
Food and beverage options
The Great Escape Bar
Our outdoor bar area is situated just in between the Vitality Steve Fletcher Stand and Vitality West Stand. There are a number of food and drink facilities around this area for supporters to enjoy.
East Stand
On the stadium’s perimeter, behind the Vitality East Stand there is a container style outlet where food and drink can be purchased. This facility has an accessible lowered counter which can be utilised by disabled supporters and has the benefit of being a quieter area of the stadium.
Mobile outlets
There are several mobile outlets around Vitality Stadium offering a variety of food and drink.
Accessible Facilities/Disabled Supporters
Changing Places
The club’s Changing Places Unit will remain at the back of the East Stand. The unit provides a larger accessible facility with a ceiling hoist and changing bench. The facility is accessible to home and away supporters.
Access gatesEvery bank of turnstiles around the perimeter has an accessible gate. Lanes will be identifiable with members of the Welfare Team on hand to assist supporters with disabilities to enter the stadiums footprint.
Welfare TeamThe club’s welfare team are on hand to assist with any accessibility, safeguarding or EDI concerns on matchday as well as to help with general enquiries. They wear pink high visibility tabards and are located in all four stands.
Accessible Shuttle Bus Service
The free accessible shuttle bus service will run from Bournemouth Train Station to Vitality Stadium and back on matchdays from 4 hours before kick-off and for 2 hours after the final whistle. The service will be provided by Riverside Travel, further details have been shared directly with disabled supporters.
Prohibited items
Supporters are reminded of the clubs prohibited items list:
Supporters are still able to purchase items from Superstore, if any of these items are not permitted to enter the stadium, supporters will be able to arrange collection after the game.
New Stadium Map
Supporter Services
Supporters will notice a significant increase in Supporter Services staff who will be present throughout Vitality Stadium to provide assistance with ticketing, wayfinding and general supporter queries. Supporter Services staff are identifiable by purple tabards.
Superstore
The AFC Bournemouth Superstore will remain in the Northwest corner of the stadium, over the summer the Superstore has been refitted to ensure it is able to provide the best experience for our supporters.
The Superstore will be open from turnstiles opening and will now remain open throughout the game and for half an hour after the final whistle.
The new Superstore - Away from home, based at the Sovereign centre, will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Thursday – Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday. On matchday’s it will close 2 hours before kick-off.
New Corners
Work continues to the Southeast and Northwest corners of Vitality Stadium with the expectation for these to be open in the coming weeks. More details will be communicated as soon as these are available.
Travel and Parking Updates
Supporters are reminded of changes to parking arrangements at Vitality Stadium which will be in place from the start of the season. The club is committed to working with supporters and local stakeholders to encourage and promote more active and sustainable travel to matchdays.
Ongoing Construction works
As we move through the 2026/27 season there will be ongoing construction work throughout Vitality Stadium as we work towards increasing capacity to provide more opportunities for our supporters to attend matches. We appreciate the patience and understanding that you have shown whilst this process is ongoing and look forward to sharing another successful season with you all.
Fan Engagement Plan 2026/27