Frevola: Stadium Expansion Is All About Bournemouth's Community

Before AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium redevelopment officially got underway, president of business operations Jim Frevola insisted the project is about far more than increasing capacity, saying the expansion is designed first and foremost for the club's supporters and the wider community.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent during Monday's groundbreaking ceremony, Frevola described the milestone as a proud moment for both the football club and the town, while acknowledging the frustration many fans have experienced at being unable to secure tickets during Bournemouth's rise to the Premier League and Europe.

Having relocated to Dorset three-and-a-half years ago, Frevola admitted he still has to "pinch" himself when reflecting on the significance of the occasion.

"I pinch myself that I get to be part of days like this," he said. "To be part of something that, not only from a professional standpoint is a source of pride, but from a community standpoint is a source of pride, is an honour and a privilege that I don't take lightly.

"It's a massive day for the town. It's a massive day for the football club. I can't thank everybody that's been involved enough. There's been so much work behind the scenes between the council, the club and our staff. Today is the first step."

Frevola reiterated that the long-term goal is to ensure more local supporters can watch Bournemouth in person, rather than attracting visitors from outside the area.

"My biggest frustration is when people say they can't come to the matches, they can't bring their parent, their spouse, their partner, their friends or their kids - especially the kids," he explained.

"We want to get that next generation of Bournemouth supporters here. It's not about bringing in folks from London or tourists. This is about bringing in the community that loves this football club, has always loved it, but just can't crack that 11,286 capacity.

"So to get it to 20,000 is going to be a remarkable achievement for us all. It's all about this town."

The redevelopment comes ahead of Bournemouth's first-ever European campaign, with around 800 additional seats expected to be available when Everton visit later this summer following the completion of the corner infills.

Asked whether the timing was ideal, Frevola pointed to owner Bill Foley's ambition for the club.

"It comes at whatever time Bill says it comes at," he joked. "He's been consistent in his belief and ambition that this team will compete at the highest levels, not only in the Premier League but also in Europe.

"I've been with the guy for about 10 years now, from Vegas to here. Everything he touches turns to gold - he wins. But he does it with all the right intentions and with the people in mind. He genuinely cares about this football club."

Although the ceremonial groundbreaking marked the official start of construction, Frevola stressed work has already been progressing behind the scenes since planning approval was secured.

"We were preparing behind the scenes even during the season," he said. "It's been fast and swift and our team are on top of it. I can't wait to get everybody out of here today so we can carry on.

"If we take a two-hour lunch break, we're going to be behind schedule. I mean that."

Alongside the increase in capacity, the first phase of works will deliver upgrades required for UEFA competition, including improvements to media facilities, changing rooms and stadium infrastructure.

However, Frevola believes supporters will notice just as much difference away from the action on the pitch.

A new stadium perimeter will allow fans access to concourses, food outlets and toilet facilities much earlier before kick-off, with plans for an expanded fan zone designed to improve the overall matchday atmosphere.

"It's all about the supporter experience," he said. "We're trying to do it in ways we see other English football clubs doing. We've taken little bits from Chelsea and Aston Villa and tried to incorporate ideas like Boxpark themes, stages for bands and fan zones.

"For three-and-a-half years I've listened to people complain about the lines and the queuing to get into the stands. We're trying to address all of those concerns with more facilities, more food and drink options.

"I want people to come here, forget about anything that's stressing them out Monday through Friday, and have a party and a great time."

Frevola added that, despite the ambitious schedule, the redevelopment remains on course.

"We are on track," he said. "I ask my crew that about seven times a day. I walk around the stadium every morning and every night, and right now everything's on target."

Reflecting on the transformation since Black Knight Football Club's takeover, Frevola believes supporters are witnessing a fundamentally different AFC Bournemouth.

"It's a different football club today in so many ways," he said. "The training ground, the players, the people around the club - it's been exciting to be part of.

"It'll be a different club when you see it on the pitch on August 29th."