AFC BOURNEMOUTH have announced plans to expand their Vitality Stadium to almost double its current capacity.
The renovations will require the demolition of the current South Stand, as well as the expansion of the existing North and East stands.
The changes aim to take their approximately 11,300 seater stadium to a new capacity of around 20,500, according to a plan submitted to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council.
Bournemouth secured the ownership of their stadium from property company Structadene in April, opening the door to expansion plans.
The Cherries had previously sold the ground to the company to escape financial issues 20 years ago.
The Vitality’s 11,300 capacity is the smallest among teams set to compete in this upcoming Premier League campaign.
The new expansion would make it only the second smallest, leapfrogging Brentford’s G-tech Community Stadium with 17,000.
They would also be nipping at the heels of third smallest capacity Burnley’s Turf Moor stadium, with 22,000.
A Bournemouth club statement said: “The expansion and improvement of the stadium represents a major milestone in the club’s history and its stated journey to be a top performing club in the Premier League. “
Other modernisation efforts will include a new club shop, fan zone and relocated turnstiles to improve matchday experiences.
A public exhibition is set to take place at the stadium regarding the expansion on July 21 .
Fans and locals are invited to attend a presentation from club personnel and advisors, as well as to pose their questions and concerns.
The clubs statement continued: “Feedback from local residents and the public will help shape the proposals and inform how the Club can continue to support the communities that are an important part of the AFC Bournemouth success story.”
Bournemouth will be buoyed by a strong 24/25 season that saw them finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since the 16/17 campaign.
The Cherries have also received a significant cash injection of around £100million so far from the summer sales of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Jaidon Anthony.
Manager Andoni Iraola will hope to build on this new financial support – and the improved home support after the expansion – to make a push for European football over the coming years.
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