Tony Pulis backs new Bristol Rovers home in Bristol City comparison amid Memorial Stadium uncertainty

Tony Pulis believes Bristol Rovers should consider leaving the Memorial Stadium behind and building a new home as the club looks to secure its long-term future.

The former Gas defender says a modern, multi-purpose venue could transform Rovers both on and off the pitch, using Bristol City as an example of what can be achieved.

Tony Pulis thinks Bristol Rovers should build a new ground

Pulis, who made more than 100 appearances for Rovers across two spells, believes the club should explore the possibility of building a new stadium with support from the local council.

The 68-year-old acknowledged that some supporters would be reluctant to leave the Memorial Ground, but argued that the club's history of moving between grounds shows that its identity can survive a change of home.

“Me personally – and I'm away from it – I'd love the club to be able to build a new stadium backed by the council: a multi-purpose stadium that could be run as a business as well,” Pulis said.

He pointed towards local rivals Bristol City and what owner Steve Lansdown has done with their stadium as an example of the potential available to Rovers.

Pulis believes a first-class stadium with modern facilities could benefit everyone connected with the club while providing another source of revenue away from football.

Rovers remain at the Memorial Stadium for now, with Steve Evans tasked with leading the club's promotion push from League Two during the 2026/27 season.

FGG says: Rovers could follow Bristol City blueprint

There is plenty for Bristol Rovers to admire in what Bristol City have achieved with Ashton Gate.

The two clubs may be fierce local rivals, but City's modernised stadium has helped create a much stronger matchday and commercial operation.

That does not mean Rovers have to abandon the Memorial Ground tomorrow, but Pulis is right that a purpose-built, multi-purpose stadium could give the club a platform to grow.

The immediate priority, though, is getting out of League Two. A new stadium means little if Rovers cannot first deliver the on-pitch success needed to fill it.