/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F10%2Fimago1084568745h.jpg)
AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium passed another important test as the Cherries celebrated their first-ever home Europa League fixture with a memorable 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz.
The opening of both stadium corners helped create a vibrant atmosphere on a historic night for the south-coast club.
Vitality Stadium redevelopment passes Europa League debut test
Footage shared on social media captured Sturm Graz players warming up on the pitch as away supporters filled the newly opened north-west corner ahead of kick-off.
The north-west and south-east corners welcomed fans for the first time, adding around 800 seats to the stadium's capacity.
The south-east section accommodated travelling supporters, with the latest opening marking another step forward in the ongoing redevelopment.
The occasion provided a significant test of the ground, which is still undergoing redevelopment works, with a record crowd attending Bournemouth's first European home match.
Supporters enjoyed a pre-match fireworks display and unveiled a tifo celebrating the club's journey from League Two struggles to European football.
On the pitch, Evanilson opened the scoring with a stunning header from a cross by veteran defender Adam Smith before late goals from Rayan and Alvaro Rodriguez secured a 3-0 win.
The result made Bournemouth the first English club since Bolton Wanderers in 2005 to win their opening two matches in a major European competition, having beaten Real Sociedad in their first league-phase fixture.
Meanwhile, construction continues elsewhere at the Vitality Stadium, with piling underway on the foundations for the new South Stand. The planned two-tier structure will become the stadium's largest, with its upper tier intended to open later this season.
FGG says: A landmark night for Bournemouth on and off the pitch
This was a landmark night for Bournemouth, and the newly opened corners helped provide the atmosphere expected of a European occasion.
The stadium handled a record crowd while the team delivered an emphatic result, making it a successful early test for the redevelopment.
There is still plenty of construction ahead, particularly on the South Stand, but the latest milestone shows the project progressing alongside the club's on-pitch ambitions.
With AC Milan due to visit next week, Bournemouth have another major opportunity to showcase their evolving home.