Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth is set to enhance the capacity of the Vitality Stadium by installing around 600 additional hospitality seats for the upcoming term. This move is part of the club’s broader plan to add a total of 1,500 extra seats, with the new hospitality seats being distributed across the main and east stands. The initiative aims to boost match day revenue, as hospitality currently accounts for 40% of this income despite making up only 6% of the stadium’s capacity.
Jim Frevola said: “Squad cost ratio is a big consideration for all clubs now, like our size. The big clubs that are in Europe every year, they’re living with it because UEFA rules have always had squad cost ratio, so they were always managing around it. For us, we voted against squad cost ratio. I think that’s pretty well known, although maybe not officially. We did vote against it, but we’re prepared to manage through it. That’s the league rules. We support the league, but it’s a big consideration.”
Jim Frevola continued: “That’s pretty much the entire Premier League, right? If we don’t do this thing, it’s more harmful to the supporters and to the club and to the town and to all of us together. If we don’t do this, we’re hurting ourselves even more. So we understand fully it’s not going to be an easy conversation. It’s going to be a difficult conversation.”
Jim Frevola added: “We’re going to talk to them about it. We’re going to walk them through the process. We’re going to embrace them through relocation. We’re going to appreciate their frustration. We’re going to invite them in. Those two sessions aren’t going to be fun, but I hope they’re going to be helpful. I hope they’re going to understand why we’re doing it. I hope they leave thinking we are transparent, honest, and sympathetic to the situation.”
The expansion plan is part of a trend among Premier League clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Manchester City, who are also looking to enhance their stadium capacities. Frevola emphasized the importance of this move for the club’s sustainability and growth within the league. The club is committed to engaging with fans throughout the process, ensuring transparency and addressing any concerns related to seat relocations.
AFC Bournemouth has actively engaged with its fan advisory board to ensure that groups of supporters can remain together where possible. For smaller groups, this may be feasible within their current stands, while larger groups might need to relocate to the new south stand or one of the corners. The club is also considering increasing the number of safe standing areas, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the overall fan experience.
This strategic initiative underscores Bournemouth’s dedication to maintaining its Premier League status and ensuring long-term success. By expanding the stadium and increasing hospitality offerings, the club aims to strengthen its financial footing and continue thriving in the competitive landscape of English football.
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