AFC Bournemouth Issue MAJOR Vitality Stadium Warning Ahead Of Everton

AFC Bournemouth have issued supporters with a comprehensive matchday guide ahead of the first home game of the 2026/27 season, with Everton the visitors to a what is significantly redeveloped Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

With substantial work having taken place over the summer, supporters have been warned to allow extra time for their visit and familiarise themselves with a number of changes before arriving at Dean Court.

One of the biggest alterations concerns stadium entry. The turnstiles have been moved to the perimeter of the ground, creating a new system which allows supporters to move freely around the stadium footprint once inside. For the Everton fixture, only Gates A and B will be in use - located at the North and South of the Main Stand, with all 24 turnstiles available rather than supporters being allocated a specific entrance.

The turnstiles will open three hours before kick-off, and a 100 per cent search policy will remain in operation. Supporters must have a valid ticket to enter the stadium footprint, including the Fan Zone and Superstore, and are advised to have their digital ticket downloaded before arriving.

As previously signalled, digital ticketing will now be used throughout the season, with tickets accessed through the AFC Bournemouth mobile app. Season ticket holders can forward tickets to members of their Friends & Family list or place them on the club's ticket exchange.

The ticket office has also moved for the 2026/27 campaign and can now be found in the VIP West car park, between the VIP Gate and Gate B. The VIP entrance itself will remain restricted to hospitality ticket holders.

Food and drink facilities have been expanded around the stadium, including the Great Escape Bar between the Vitality Steve Fletcher Stand and Vitality West Stand, a new container-style outlet behind the East Stand and several mobile catering points.

There are also dedicated accessibility provisions in place. The Changing Places facility remains behind the East Stand, while every bank of perimeter turnstiles includes an accessible gate. Similarly, a free accessible shuttle bus will also operate between Bournemouth railway station and the stadium, running from four hours before kick-off until two hours after the final whistle.

AFC Bournemouth have reiterated that supporters must pay close attention to the stadium's prohibited items policy, with a number of articles banned from entry.

The club has also stressed that food purchased outside Vitality Stadium will not normally be allowed inside, although discretion will be applied where food is required because of a medical condition or allergy. Face coverings such as balaclavas, ski masks and helmets will also result in entry being refused.

Supporters can expect to see an increased presence of Supporter Services staff around the ground, identifiable by purple tabards, with assistance available for ticketing, directions and general enquiries.

The refurbished Superstore in the north-west corner will open when the turnstiles do and remain open throughout the match and for 30 minutes after full-time.

Meanwhile, construction is still ongoing in the south-east and north-west corners of the stadium, with both areas expected to open in the coming weeks.

The club has acknowledged that supporters will continue to encounter construction work during the 2026/27 season as the wider project progresses towards increasing the capacity of the Vitality Stadium.

With Everton providing the opposition for the first home fixture, Bournemouth supporters are therefore being asked to plan ahead as they return to a stadium which will look and operate very differently from the one they left at the end of last season.