Marco Rose delivers “top” Vitality Stadium verdict as Bournemouth expansion continues

Earlier today, Bournemouth played their first home match of the new Premier League season as they welcomed Everton to the Vitality Stadium.

While the match could have gone either way, the spoils were eventually shared thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from James Tarkowski.

The pitch at the Vitality Stadium looked pristine throughout the match, much to the delight of the club's new manager, Marco Rose, who waxed lyrical about his new home in the build-up to kick-off.

Rose talks up the Vitality Stadium

Over the summer, redevelopment work began at the Vitality Stadium, which will eventually see the stadium's capacity increase to more than 20,000.

While we are still a way off this project being completed, Rose is seemingly more than happy with the facilities he is currently working in. Speaking to reporters before the Everton match, Rose said:

“The locker room is top. Even my small office is bigger than my office in Leipzig! So it's cosy, everything in the right place. I looked at the opposition locker room. It looks quite good. I just said, oh, we are good hosts to provide these circumstances.

“So yeah, it looks really good and professional. I think it's quite nice really. You can look forward to going there!”

Marco Rose insists #AFCB don't need to overreact after conceding yet another goal from a set piece 🍒

James Tarkowski's late leveller meant Bournemouth were pegged back in a 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium

Rose spoke to @jordanclarkcouk 🔊⬇️https://t.co/rfvblMu3Zp pic.twitter.com/XOPkB4ukbd

— BBC Radio Solent Sport (@solentsport) August 29, 2026

Rose is also hopeful that the Cherries can take full advantage of their home stadium this season, urging supporters to create a formidable atmosphere. He said:

“I had a drive to the stadium when I arrived here, and it felt really good to get in there. I like these kinds of stadiums, and now we just have to create the right atmosphere. We're on the pitch with our supporters together.

“I'm quite sure that we can take advantage of our stadium.”

The work completed over the summer includes new seating in the corners, upgraded hospitality areas and improvements to the media facilities to meet European requirements.

FGG says: More to come from Bournemouth

Bournemouth have only taken one point from their opening two Premier League fixtures, but it could easily have been six, as they led in both. Last week, at Man City, they conceded two late goals to lose the match, while on Saturday, they conceded a last-minute equaliser. If Rose can iron out these lapses of concentration late on in matches, they will be a force to be reckoned with once again.