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Vitality Stadium Seating Plan

The home of AFC Bournemouth, Vitality Stadium—also known by its original name of Dean Court—goes all the way back to 1910, and was rebuilt from scratch in 2001.

With a capacity of just 11,307 fans, it’s no surprise that Vitality Stadium tickets sell out every match. In 2024, club owner Bill Foley laid out plans to increase attendances with a new 18,500-capacity stadium next door, ready before 2027/28.

For supporters, AFC Bournemouth tickets are a taste of grass-roots English football in the Premier League, with four single-tier stands close to the pitch. The box-like configuration of the stands also helps trap the noise, so the Dean Court atmosphere can catch you by surprise.

Without further ado, let’s get started with our guide to the Vitality Stadium seating plan, with extra depth on the ground’s various stands, the best places to sit, and accessibility.

What are the Stand Names at Vitality Stadium?

The four stands at Vitality Stadium are the East Stand, Ted MacDougall South Stand, Main Stand, and the Steve Fletcher North Stand. So let’s go into more detail on what each stand offers:

East Stand at Vitality Stadium

Capacity: 3,300+

Rows: About 18

This longside stand has hardly changed since the ground’s reconstruction in 2001. For the home fans, the East Stand provides classic TV-angle views across the pitch to the dugouts.

The broadcast camera and commentary positions are right on the halfway of the East Stand, taking up the top half of Block 20.

The southernmost end of the East Stand accommodates the visiting supporters at Vitality Stadium.

Found in Blocks 24, 23, 22 and a portion of 21 and accessed by turnstile F, there are around 1,500 seats available for away fans at Dean Court.

In 2024, the entire away section was converted to safe standing. This is something for visiting fans to keep in mind when considering the Vitality Stadium layout, because it can affect views if you prefer to sit.

Ted MacDougall South Stand at Vitality Stadium

Capacity: 2,400

Rows: About 18

The newest stand at Vitality Stadium is this shortside southern stand, with loyal Cherries fans singing all match.

Named for prolific 1970s striker Ted MacDougall, the South Stand was built quickly in the summer of 2013 after AFC Bournemouth won promotion to the EFL Championship.

Before 2013 there had been a temporary stand at this end of the stadium for just over a year from 2010. For most of the time since Dean Court’s completion in 2001, this end of the football ground was left empty.

The South Stand has a different configuration to the other stands in the Vitality Stadium seating plan. While all of the other stands have self-supporting roofs, this stand has two pillars holding the roof up at the front.

These pillars can get in the way, especially if you sit directly behind the goal. So if you get Vitality Stadium tickets in the South Stand you may end up with a restricted view.

Lastly, for larger FA Cup and EFL Cup away allocations, some of the away blocks will be on the east side of this stand.

Main Stand at Vitality Stadium

Capacity: 3,200+

Rows: About 16

Vitality Stadium’s western longside stand is the most upmarket of all. The Main Stand features the Directors’ Box, the dugouts, the players’ tunnel and the press box. For prime views of the action, you can’t do much better than the Main Stand.

Many of the stadium’s facilities are located in the Main Stand or nearby, including the AFC Bournemouth Superstore, at the north end of the stand by turnstile B.

The north-west corner of the stadium is home to the club’s fanzone, revamped in 2024 with international pop-up food vendors.

AFC Bournemouth’s family section can be found in the Main Stand, in Block 1 at the south end (turnstile A), and Block 9 at the north end (turnstile B). This is complemented by the Junior Fanzone on matchdays, next to the superstore.

Finally, the Main Stand is home to all of Vitality Stadium’s hospitality lounges and private boxes, all lined up in a strip at the very top of the stand.

Steve Fletcher North Stand at Vitality Stadium

Capacity: 2,400+

Rows: About 18

Dean Court isn’t known for its rowdiness, but hardcore Cherries fans make a lot of noise in this end. A Bournemouth matchday staple for decades is the incessant Boscombe (Back of the Net) belting out of the North Stand.

Recognising that the North Stand is the haunt of the most active fans, in 2024 the club converted a large portion of the North Stand into safe standing.

This section is at the back in Rows J to R, in every block across the stand (10-15). Many long-term Bournemouth season ticket holders have a spot here.

The North Stand is named in honour of forward Steve Fletcher, who made a record-breaking 726 appearances for the Cherries from 1992 to 2007 and 2009 to 2013. Fletcher now works as an ambassador for the club.

Where is the Best Place to Sit in Vitality Stadium?

This all depends on what kind of football matchday experience you want from the Vitality Stadium layout. Let’s talk you through some options:

The North Stand: For the Best Atmosphere

Without question, the best place to be if you want non-stop chanting is the North Stand.

The new standing section has helped raise noise levels at Vitality Stadium, even when things aren’t going so well on the pitch.

Now, the loudest fans are spread across the back end, rousing the rest of the stand and the wider stadium.

The Main Stand: Perfect for Families

Head to the far ends of the Main Stand (Blocks 1 and 9 on the Vitality Stadium Plan) for Vitality Stadium seats that are ideal for family outings.

There’s a lot of younger fans in these parts due to an enforced ratio of no more than two adults per junior.

The vibe is a bit more easygoing in the Family Section, and smaller kids will love the Junior Fanzone.

Opening 2.5 hours prior to kick-off, this area entertains wee ones with face-painting, child-friendly food and the chance to meet team mascot Cherry the Bear.

The East Stand: For the Best Views at Vitality Stadium

The views in Blocks 20, 21 and 22 are hands-down the best at Dean Court outside of the hospitality areas in the Main Stand.

In the East Stand the sightlines are completely unbroken, as opposed to some central pitchside seats in the Main Stand where your view may be blocked by the dugouts. So it is possible to get too close to the action at Dean Court!

Unlike the Main Stand, the East Stand is also filled with lively Cherries fans, so you can mix views with atmosphere in these non-hospitality seats.

The Main Stand: For the Premium Experience

One of the advantages of having such a small football ground is that all the in-stadium hospitality lounges—The Cherry Orchard and The Boardroom—are pitch-facing.

They can be found at the top of the stand, and from here it’s a short walk to your padded seat, located in a privileged spot.

The bustling Cherry Orchard lounge offers a three-course meal, a fully-licensed bar, half-time tea & coffee and a post-match interview with Bournemouth man of the match.

The Boardroom is a little more opulent, with halfway-line seating, a deluxe fine-dining experience, and inclusive drinks.

Accessibility at Vitality Stadium

Home wheelchair user spaces: 287 positions, including 31 on elevated platforms. These spaces are located in all four stands. Most positions are pitchside, with ponchos and blankets provided during bad weather. Personal assistants sit adjacent to wheelchair users.
Away wheelchair user spaces: 11, with 8 on elevated platforms.
Easy access seats are available for ambulant disabled supporters and personal assistants. Sensory Vitality Stadium seating is also provided on elevated platforms.
There are 16 accessible toilets with level access, braille signage, alarms, and other amenities. A Changing Places facility is available outside in the south-west corner.
Complimentary audio commentary headsets are available, and matchday programmes are offered in alternative formats on request.
Sensory packs are offered, including noise-cancelling headphones, a soft football, and an autism awareness card.