Bournemouth Ready to Host Matches Amid Ongoing Stadium Redevelopment
Bournemouth can begin the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium “at any minute” and should be ready to host a match “the next day,” according to Jim Frevola, the president of business operations.
The multi-phase project aims to expand the Premier League’s smallest stadium, increasing its capacity to over 20,000 seats by the summer of 2027. However, the immediate focus is on their upcoming home fixture against Everton on Saturday, August 29.
“It will absolutely be ready,” Frevola stated during an interview with BBC Radio Solent. “There are pieces of the project that won’t be finished, but that is going to take another year or two.”
He explained that the objective was never to have the stadium 100% ready for the first match, only to ensure it is functional. According to Frevola, the corners of the stadium should be prepared shortly after the season begins, with hopes that at least one corner could be operational for the match against Everton.
Frevola noted that favorable weather conditions this summer have contributed to the progress made. “We have managed to get so much done,” he added.
The redevelopment includes the creation of a new perimeter gate, which is expected to streamline the queuing process for fans. Additionally, they have replaced seats that had faded from red to pink, excluding those in the South Stand. Inside the Main Stand and the tunnel, renovations have also aligned with Premier League and UEFA compliance standards.
Bournemouth can halt the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium “at any minute” and be ready to host a match “the next day”, according to president of business operations Jim Frevola.
The Cherries’ multi-phase project will see the Premier League’s smallest stadium increase its capacity to over 20,000 seats by summer 2027, but the immediate priority is their home fixture against Everton on Saturday, 29 August.
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“It will absolutely be ready,” Frevola told BBC Radio Solent. “There are pieces of the project that won’t be finished, but that is going to take another year or two.
“We have a long project ahead of us and a lot of work to do. The plan was never to be 100% ready for the first match, it was just to be ready and we will be.
“As I think we put out publicly, the corners will be ready shortly after the start of the season and we are still on target for that. The progress might come in stages, but there is a chance one corner will be ready for Everton.
“The weather has cooperated this summer so I appreciate that. There is so much we have managed to get done.
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“We have created an all-new perimeter gate which will allow for an open concourse and help with all the queuing issues we’ve had in the past. We have redone all of the seats that had faded from red to pink, with the exception of the South Stand.
“We have also done work on the inside of the Main Stand and the tunnel to be Premier League and Uefa compliant.”
Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds
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