Bournemouth already reaping Vitality Stadium redevelopment benefits as Jim Frevola drops new update

AFC Bournemouth are already seeing significant benefits from their Vitality Stadium redevelopment, with food and drink sales rising by 42% following the introduction of a new perimeter fence.

President of business operations Jim Frevola has also revealed further plans to improve the matchday experience as the Cherries continue expanding their home.

How Vitality Stadium redevelopment is already benefiting Bournemouth off the pitch

The first phase of Bournemouth's stadium improvements has introduced a new perimeter fence, allowing supporters to move around the stadium footprint rather than being restricted to their individual stands.

Frevola told the Daily Echo that the changes had been extremely well received, with more than 10,000 supporters entering the perimeter area before kick-off against AC Milan.

The increased space has encouraged fans to arrive earlier, congregate around the concourses and purchase food and drinks before matches. Frevola confirmed that pre-match food and beverage consumption had risen by approximately 42%.

The club's president of business operations stressed that the objective was not simply to increase revenue, but to improve the overall experience by providing more points of sale, reducing queues and offering greater weather protection.

Further upgrades are planned beneath the stadium's newly developed corners, including additional televisions, bars and standing tables. The club also hopes to introduce more furniture around the perimeter once construction activity eases.

The reinstallation of the second permanent floodlight is another important milestone, as removing the temporary crane will free up space around The Great Escape and the surrounding fan zone.

Bournemouth are also exploring additional weather protection around the ground, including areas behind the North Stand.

Once the next redevelopment phase is complete, the stadium is expected to accommodate around 17,000 to 18,000 supporters.

FGG says: Bournemouth's stadium investment already delivering for fans

The 42% increase in food and drink sales is an encouraging early return, but the more important development is how the new perimeter is changing the matchday experience.

Giving supporters more space to socialise, access refreshments and shelter from the weather makes sense as Bournemouth prepare for a larger stadium.

With more bars, televisions and fan-zone improvements planned, the Cherries are showing that stadium redevelopment can deliver benefits before the full expansion is complete.