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AFC Bournemouth's stadium expansion project continues to gather momentum, with fresh signs of progress visible throughout the Vitality Stadium as work continues ahead of a historic 2026/27 season.
Supporters returning to the ground this summer will notice a number of significant changes as the first phase of the redevelopment project moves forward.
New seats installed as expansion work accelerates
The Vitality Stadium has become a hive of construction activity in recent weeks, with new black seats now installed in parts of the North Stand while other sections remain temporarily without seating as work continues.
Scaffolding has appeared around various areas of the ground, while side panelling has also been removed to allow construction teams access as part of the ongoing redevelopment.
Away from the stands, work has begun on diverting the existing cycle path behind the South Stand. The new route will create space for a dedicated outside broadcast compound, one of several enabling works approved by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council earlier this year.
The current phase of the project also includes a new perimeter fence, additional turnstiles and foundations for the future South Stand expansion.
This summer's work will see two stadium corners filled in while construction begins on a new South Stand behind the existing structure, allowing Bournemouth to continue using the current stand throughout next season.
Once completed, the redevelopment will increase capacity from around 11,300 to more than 20,000.
FGG says: Momentum is building behind a landmark project
After years of discussion about expanding Dean Court, Cherries supporters can finally see tangible progress being made around the ground.
The enabling works may not be the most eye-catching part of the redevelopment, but they are a crucial step towards delivering a stadium capable of supporting the club's long-term ambitions in the Premier League.
With capacity set to rise beyond 20,000 and construction activity increasing throughout the summer, the challenge for Bournemouth will be maintaining that momentum as the next phases of the redevelopment take shape.