Track Tickets
Dean Court Stadium Tickets, Fixtures & Seating Guide
From Bournemouth City Centre: The stadium is approximately 25 minutes' walk from Bournemouth's main shopping area and pier. Head east along Holdenhurst Road for about 1.5 miles until you reach the roundabout with Kings Park Drive. Turn right onto Kings Park Drive and the stadium appears on your left. Alternatively, catch the M2 bus from Bournemouth Square (every 7-10 minutes), which costs £4.10 for a day ticket or £3.10 with a valid match ticket. Ask for a "dayrider" ticket and mention your match ticket for the discount. The journey takes around 15 minutes and drops you in Boscombe, just a short walk from the ground.
From Pokesdown Station: This is your closest rail option at just 1 mile from the stadium—a 15-20 minute walk. Exit the station, turn right onto Christchurch Road (A35), walk 400 metres, then turn right into Gloucester Road. Follow this street all the way into Kings Park where you'll see the stadium. Important note: Pokesdown station is not wheelchair accessible. If you're traveling from London, direct trains from Waterloo reach Pokesdown in approximately 2 hours. The P2 and P3 Yellow Bus services also run from Pokesdown station every 20 minutes if you prefer not to walk.
From Bournemouth Central Station: Most mainline trains arrive here. It's a 30-minute walk to the stadium but straightforward. Exit via the south entrance (facing the Asda supermarket), turn left toward the main road, then turn left again onto Holdenhurst Road. Walk straight for 25 minutes until you reach the roundabout, then turn right onto Kings Park Drive. From Bournemouth station, you can also catch a quick train to Pokesdown (2-3 minutes) or take a taxi for approximately £7-8.
From London: Direct trains depart from Waterloo every 30 minutes, taking between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes depending on the service. Alternatively, trains from Paddington via Reading are available. The last direct train back to London after evening matches typically departs around 21:12, often before full-time. Check South Western Railway's website for extended services on matchdays.
From Bournemouth Airport: The airport sits just 4.5 miles from the stadium. Take the 737 Jetbus to Winton Banks, then connect to the Unibus U3 which stops near the ground. Total journey time is approximately 45 minutes. A taxi costs around £15-20 and takes 15 minutes in normal traffic.
By Car: Follow the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road toward Bournemouth. Exit at the sign for Boscombe/Kings Park. Take the second exit at the roundabout onto Kings Park Drive and the stadium is immediately on your left. Brown road signs with a football icon will guide you. Note that the A338 between Ashley Heath Roundabout and Blackwater Junction is currently under reconstruction with contraflow and 40mph average speed cameras—allow extra time. On matchdays, expect heavy congestion within 1km of the stadium from 90 minutes before kick-off.
By Taxi or Rideshare: From Bournemouth station, expect to pay £7-8 for a 10-minute journey in normal traffic. Matchday prices may increase slightly. Drop-off is easiest at the roundabout on Kings Park Drive. PRC Streamline Taxis offer a 10% discount to fans showing valid match tickets (call 01202 373737). Pick-up after matches can be difficult—consider walking to Boscombe (10 minutes) for better availability.
Where to Park at Dean Court Stadium
Parking at Dean Court Stadium requires advance planning, particularly for high-profile matches. The official South Stand car park, located directly behind the stadium on Kings Park Drive, operates on a pay-and-display basis costing £1-3.50 depending on the match. Payment is cashless only (mobile app, phone, or card). This car park typically fills 75-90 minutes before kick-off, so arrive early. After matches, expect 30-45 minutes to exit the car park due to surrounding residential streets creating bottlenecks.
Avonbourne College for Boys offers free parking for Saturday matches, opening from 12:30pm. Located approximately 10 minutes' walk from the stadium on Harewood Avenue (use this postcode: BH9 3RY for sat-nav), this facility avoids the worst matchday congestion. A steward mans the entrance until kick-off, and the car park usually clears faster than the stadium's official parking after matches. This is the best option for hassle-free parking.
Sovereign Shopping Centre provides alternative parking at £3.50 for 4 hours or £5 for 24 hours. It's a 15-minute walk to the stadium and offers more space than street parking. The multi-storey car park is located on Christchurch Road (postcode BH7 6SB for navigation).
Street Parking Warning: Residential roads within 1km of the stadium have strict matchday parking restrictions. Parking enforcement officers actively patrol on matchdays. Do not park in front of driveways or on restricted streets—you will be ticketed or towed. The club requests fans respect local residents. If you're determined to find street parking, try the roads south of Christchurch Road toward the coast, but arrive at least 2 hours early.
Pre-booking: The stadium car park cannot be pre-booked—it's first-come, first-served. For guaranteed parking, use Avonbourne College or Sovereign Centre.
Arriving Early: What to Do Around Dean Court Stadium
Most fans arrive 60-90 minutes before kick-off to soak up the atmosphere and avoid entry queues. Dean Court Stadium sits in a quiet residential area rather than a bustling entertainment district, but there are still worthwhile pre-match options nearby.
Fan Zone and Club Shop: The Junior Fanzone, located outside the Family Stand, opens 2.5 hours before kick-off. It features face-painting, child-friendly food, and opportunities to meet Cherry the Bear, the club mascot. The AFC Bournemouth Superstore sits at the corner where the North and West Stands meet on Thistlebarrow Road. It's worth a browse for official merchandise, though prices are typical Premier League markup. Open from several hours before kick-off.
Boscombe Area (15-minute walk): The most convenient pre-match hub. Mello Mello Bar (677 Christchurch Road) welcomes away fans and offers cheap drinks—German pints for £3. It has screens showing live sports and a friendly atmosphere, though the décor is admittedly basic. Q Sports Bar, newly opened on Christchurch Road, provides a modern alternative with quality food including reasonably priced pizzas. It's family-friendly with Sky and TNT Sports on large screens. Marroy's Bar, also on Christchurch Road, serves excellent pizzas at good prices and is welcoming to both home and away supporters.
The Sir Percy Florence Shelley (Christchurch Road) is a Wetherspoons that allows away fans in neutral colours—no team shirts permitted. Expect cheap drinks and standard Wetherspoons food. Located 10-15 minutes' walk from the stadium.
For Home Supporters: The 1910 Supporters Bar at the ground is home fans only. The Queens Park Hotel (Holdenhurst Road, 5 minutes from the stadium) is another popular pre-match spot for Cherries fans and has historical connections—in 1910, players used its back room as a dressing room. The Portman Hotel on Ashley Road (10-minute walk across Kings Park) welcomes both home and away fans, serves food, and displays AFC Bournemouth memorabilia.
Photo Opportunities: Walk around the stadium's exterior for shots of the compact four-stand design. The training ground sits directly opposite, adding character. Kings Park itself offers pleasant greenery and a view of the stadium's roof structures. For the best architectural photos, arrive when sunlight hits the Main Stand's west-facing exterior.
Timing Recommendation: Arrive 75-90 minutes early if you want to visit Boscombe for drinks and food. If you're just heading straight to the stadium, 45-60 minutes before kick-off gives you time to enter without stress and grab a drink inside.
Where to Buy Food & Drink Before the Match
Dean Court Stadium's residential location means limited immediate options, but Bournemouth town centre and Boscombe (both walkable) offer excellent variety.
Quick Options Near Stadium: Street food vendors occasionally set up on matchdays near the stadium entrances, typically offering burgers, hot dogs, and sausage rolls for £8-12. Selection varies by match. Inside the stadium, kiosks sell standard football ground fare—pies, sausage rolls, burgers, hot dogs—with prices around £4-6 per item. The queues at half-time are substantial given the stadium's size, so eat beforehand if you're particular about food quality.
Boscombe (10-15 minute walk): As mentioned, Marroy's Bar and Q Sports Bar serve quality pizzas that are significantly better than stadium food. Both are reasonably priced (£10-15 for a pizza) and quick to serve. Stop here 90 minutes before kick-off for a proper meal. Baxters (Christchurch Road) is another option with BT Sport on screens.
Bournemouth Town Centre (30-minute walk or 15-minute bus): For those making a day of it, the town centre offers everything from chain restaurants to independent eateries. Sixty Million Postcards is rated among Bournemouth's best sports bars with excellent food and craft beers, though you'll need to allow time for a meal (arrive 2+ hours before kick-off). Brewhouse & Kitchen Bournemouth serves quality British pub food with a large craft beer selection. The English Rose Café (1 mile from stadium) serves traditional English breakfasts and comfort food at very reasonable prices.
For Families: Many fans opt for quick bites in Boscombe or bring snacks from the Sainsbury's at the end of Christchurch Road near Pokesdown station. The stadium allows small amounts of food brought from outside (check current policy).
Last Orders Timing: If eating in Boscombe, aim to finish and head to the stadium 45-50 minutes before kick-off to clear security and find your seat comfortably. Restaurants in town centre need a 2+ hour pre-match window to eat and travel.
Price Ranges: Budget £8-12 for quick street food, £10-15 for Boscombe pubs/bars, £15-25 for sit-down restaurants in town centre. Stadium prices range £3.50-6 per item.
Stadium Features & Weather Considerations
Dean Court Stadium is fully covered with roofs over all four stands, protecting the majority of fans from rain. However, the stadium's coastal location near Boscombe brings weather considerations that affect match comfort significantly.
Roof Coverage: The Main Stand, North Stand (Steve Fletcher Stand), and East Stand all have self-supporting roofs that cover fans well. The South Stand (Ted MacDougall Stand) has a roof supported by two front pillars—these pillars create restricted views for some seats directly behind the goal. The roofs feature perspex panels allowing natural light, making day matches particularly pleasant. Most seats stay dry in moderate rain, but heavy downpours with wind can wet the front rows (rows 1-10) in any stand.
Exposed Sections: Wheelchair-accessible spaces are mostly pitchside, making them the most exposed to elements. The club provides ponchos and blankets during poor weather for these positions. Front rows across all stands (rows 1-15) catch wind-blown rain. Away fans in the East Stand blocks 21-24 are relatively well protected but should still dress appropriately.
Bournemouth Weather Patterns: The football season (August-May) sees varied conditions. August and September start warm—daytime matches can be hot, particularly in the East Stand where afternoon sun hits. By October through March, coastal winds make the ground feel colder than the temperature suggests. Evening matches from November to February require serious layering; the open corners between stands create wind tunnels. April and May usually bring milder weather, though rain remains possible.
Sun Considerations: Afternoon kick-offs (3pm Saturday matches) put the sun low in the west during autumn and winter months. Fans in the East Stand face the sun directly, making it difficult to watch play during the first half. The Main Stand enjoys shade in these conditions. Summer evening matches (rare due to the season schedule) keep the sun above the stadium roof, causing minimal glare issues.
What to Wear: For autumn/winter evening matches, dress in layers with a waterproof outer layer and a warm hat. Coastal wind is the real enemy—windproof jackets help enormously. Spring matches (March-May) are unpredictable; bring a light waterproof. August/September matches often require sunscreen and caps, especially for East Stand seats. Check the weather forecast and dress for 5 degrees colder than predicted due to wind chill.
Wind Exposure: The corners between stands are noticeably windier. If you're sensitive to cold, avoid corner sections (the junction between Main Stand and North Stand, or North Stand and East Stand).
Stadium Facilities & Amenities
Dean Court Stadium's compact size means facilities are functional rather than luxurious, but they meet the needs of most fans. The club has upgraded amenities in recent years to meet Premier League standards.
Food & Drink Offerings: Each stand has concession kiosks offering standard football ground fare: sausage rolls, pies (typically steak or chicken), burgers, hot dogs, crisps, chocolate bars, and soft drinks. Pricing is £3.50-6 per item—not cheap, but roughly mid-range for Premier League grounds. One fan reported £3.50 pints of Fosters, potentially the cheapest beer in the division. The quality is adequate but unremarkable; if you're particular about food, eat before entering. Vegetarian options are limited, usually comprising veggie burgers and cheese-based items. Vegan options are minimal—inquire at kiosks but don't expect extensive choice. Alcohol is available in concourses for most sections (prohibited in Family Sections).
Queue Management: Half-time queues at concessions and toilets are substantial given the stadium's size. If you want food or drink at half-time, head down at 43-44 minutes to beat the rush. Otherwise, expect 5-10 minute waits. Many experienced fans buy refreshments 10-15 minutes before half-time and take them to their seats to avoid queues entirely.
Toilets: Toilet facilities are distributed across all stands, adequate in quantity for the sections they serve. Cleanliness is generally maintained to acceptable standards, though by the end of matches facilities show wear. Half-time creates long queues—use facilities before matches or during the first half if possible. Accessible toilets (16 throughout the stadium) have level access, braille signage, and alarms. A Changing Places facility in the south-west corner provides enhanced amenities for supporters with profound disabilities.
Best Time to Use Facilities: Go before the match (arrive early enough to allow time) or during play when crowds are minimal. Half-time queues make using toilets or buying refreshments frustrating.
Other Amenities: The Main Stand houses the 1910 Club bar for season ticket holders, offering a premium pre-match and half-time experience. Standard ticketholders cannot access this bar. The AFC Bournemouth Superstore is located at the corner of the Main Stand and North Stand on Thistlebarrow Road, selling official merchandise. First aid points are situated in each stand—ask any steward for directions if needed. Lost property is handled through the Main Stand offices. The stadium does not offer extensive phone charging facilities—bring a portable charger if your battery runs low. WiFi is not freely available to general admission fans. ATMs are not located within the stadium—ensure you have cash or cards before entering (most vendors accept contactless payments).
1910 Club Hospitality: For premium matchday experiences, the 1910 Club (located on the Main Stand's top floor) offers hospitality packages including welcome drinks, three-course meals, pitch views, balcony access, dedicated hosts, and player interviews pre- and post-match. Dress code is smart casual (football shirts, shorts, trainers, jeans, and hats are permitted, reflecting a relaxed approach). Register interest through the club's official website.
Inside or Outside?: The compact nature of the stadium means once you're inside, facilities are relatively accessible from any seat. However, the stadium operates a no re-entry policy—if you leave the stadium, you cannot return. Ensure you have everything you need before entering.
What to Bring & What Not to Bring
Knowing what's allowed at Dean Court Stadium prevents entry delays and frustration. Security policies are strictly enforced at all turnstiles.
Recommended to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Layers for autumn/winter, waterproof jacket, warm hat. Even with roofs, coastal wind makes the stadium feel colder than temperature suggests.
- Portable phone charger: No charging facilities available inside. Your phone battery will drain taking photos and checking scores.
- Small snacks: Check current policy, but small personal food items are typically allowed. Buy from supermarket beforehand to avoid stadium prices.
- Cash and cards: Most vendors accept contactless, but carrying some cash provides backup. No ATMs inside the stadium.
- Binoculars or small camera: If you're in the away end or high rows, binoculars help you follow play at the far end. Standard cameras (no professional equipment) are allowed for personal use.
Allowed But Check Specific Rules:
- Small bags: Bag size restrictions vary. Bags must fit under your seat—generally, think small backpack or medium handbag maximum. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are prohibited. Away fans face thorough bag searches at turnstile F; minimize what you carry.
- Food and drink from outside: Small amounts of personal food are often permitted, but check the club's current policy. Bringing your own bottle of water is typically fine; large amounts of outside food or full meals are not.
- Cameras: Personal cameras for non-commercial use are allowed. Professional photography equipment (long lenses, tripods, recording equipment) requires media accreditation.
Prohibited Items (common restrictions, verify current policy):
- Large bags/backpacks: Anything that won't fit under a seat.
- Glass bottles: All glass containers are banned for safety.
- Alcohol: No bringing your own alcohol under any circumstances. Purchase inside if desired.
- Umbrellas: Banned in most sections as they obstruct views and pose safety risks. Bring a hooded raincoat instead.
- Flares, smoke bombs, fireworks: Absolutely prohibited. Possession results in ejection and potential prosecution.
- Offensive clothing or banners: Political or offensive slogans on clothing or banners are prohibited.
- Selfie sticks: Often banned as they obstruct views of fans behind you.
- Recording equipment: Professional recording equipment requires permission. Personal phones for short clips are generally accepted, but check policy.
Mobile Tickets: Dean Court Stadium accepts mobile tickets directly from email or the club's app—no need to print. Ensure your phone is charged and screen brightness is sufficient for turnstile scanners. Having a screenshot backup helps if mobile signal is poor.
For Away Fans: The away section (turnstile F) employs electronic wands and thorough bag searches. Pack light—every item is checked. This security process causes delays, so arrive 60+ minutes early. Bags should be minimal; consider a pockets-only approach if possible.
Children: If bringing kids, pack snacks, small toys or distractions for delays, and an extra layer in case they get cold. Don't forget any medical items they need (inhalers, medications).
Stadium Entry & Bag Checks
Understanding entry procedures at Dean Court Stadium helps reduce stress on matchday, particularly for first-time visitors.
What to Expect at Entry: All fans undergo bag searches and ticket scans at turnstiles. Security staff check bags by hand, opening all compartments. Metal detectors or electronic wands are sometimes used, especially for away fans. The process typically takes 2-3 minutes per person unless there's a queue. Peak entry times (30-15 minutes before kick-off) see queues build to 10-15 minute waits. Stewards check tickets thoroughly—have yours ready, ideally on your phone with screen brightness high.
Turnstile Locations: Different sections have designated turnstiles. Check your ticket for specific entry point:
- Main Stand: Multiple turnstiles along the western side. Family Sections use turnstiles A (South) and B (North).
- Steve Fletcher North Stand: Turnstiles along the northern side.
- Ted MacDougall South Stand: Turnstiles along the southern side.
- East Stand - Home Fans: Turnstiles for blocks 20-21.
- East Stand - Away Fans: Turnstile F exclusively (blocks 21-24).
Bag Search Process: Security staff open bags and check contents. Common items causing delays: multiple layers of bags (backpack with inner bags), electronics requiring removal for inspection, too many items loosely packed. Pack efficiently with easy-to-inspect contents. Hard-sided coolers, large bags, or overstuffed backpacks are rejected at entry—you'll be asked to return them to your vehicle or leave them outside (no guarantee of retrieval).
How Long Checks Take: For a fan with a small bag and mobile ticket, entry takes 2-3 minutes from joining queue to reaching your seat. During peak times (25-10 minutes before kick-off), add 10-15 minutes for queuing. Away fans at turnstile F face longer checks—electronic wands and 100% searching add 5-10 minutes even off-peak. For high-profile matches or local derbies, security increases further.
Mobile Ticket Requirements: Dean Court accepts mobile tickets from the club's app, email tickets displayed on phone, or digital wallets (Apple Wallet, Google Pay). Ensure your phone is charged and brightness is high enough for scanners to read QR codes or barcodes. If you're worried about battery, take a screenshot of the ticke
Best Seating to Leave Quickly After the Match
Exiting Dean Court Stadium quickly after the final whistle requires strategic seat selection. The stadium's location in a residential area with narrow surrounding streets creates inevitable bottlenecks, but certain sections offer faster escapes.
Fastest Exit Sections: The East Stand blocks 20-21 (northern end, home supporters) have the most direct route to the main paths leading toward Pokesdown station and Boscombe. If you need to catch a train immediately after the match, these sections get you out quickest, you're walking against the main crowd flow heading toward the stadium car park and Bournemouth direction. Exit via the East Stand gates and head straight down Gloucester Road toward Pokesdown station (15-minute walk).
For Bournemouth Station/Town Centre: Main Stand seats near blocks 8-9 (southern end) give relatively quick access to the southern exits leading toward Holdenhurst Road and Bournemouth Central station. However, the walk is still 25-30 minutes, so leaving 5 minutes early makes minimal difference if you're walking this route. Consider staying for the final whistle, then waiting 15-20 minutes before departing, crowds thin dramatically after this period.
For Car Park Users: If you parked at the South Stand car park, sitting in the South Stand (Ted MacDougall Stand) or southern sections of the Main Stand gives you shortest walking distance to your vehicle. However, this doesn't solve the car park exit problem, you'll still wait 30-45 minutes to get out regardless of when you reach your car. The best strategy is to leave at 85 minutes if a result is clear, or wait 20-30 minutes after the final whistle for congestion to ease.
Sections to Avoid for Quick Exits: The upper rows of any stand funnel through narrow stairways and concourses, creating bottlenecks. Corner sections face the longest walks to any exit due to stadium geometry. The North Stand (behind the goal) has you walking the full length of the pitch to reach most exits.
Strategic Timing: Leaving at 85-90 minutes (when the result is decided) gets you ahead of the crowd. However, if you stay until the final whistle, the masses leave between 0-10 minutes post-match. If you wait 15-20 minutes, grab a drink, use the facilities, check your phone, the exits and surrounding streets clear significantly. This applies particularly to car park users: sitting in your car for 20 minutes listening to post-match radio is easier than sitting in traffic.
For Train Users: The last train from Pokesdown after evening matches typically departs around 22:16-22:30. Check South Western Railway's schedule for your specific match date. If you're in East Stand blocks 20-21 and leave at the final whistle, you'll comfortably make this train with 10-15 minutes to spare. If you're in the South or West stands, leave at 88-90 minutes to ensure you catch it. For London-bound travelers, South Western Railway occasionally extends services on matchdays, check their website for the latest information.
Alternative: Wait Out the Crowds: Several fans recommend waiting 20-30 minutes post-match at nearby pubs. The Bell Inn (915 Christchurch Road, right outside Pokesdown station), Mello Mello Bar, and Q Sports Bar all welcome post-match crowds. A 20-minute pint means you walk to the station or car park with minimal congestion.
Best Seating Sections During Bad Weather
Dean Court Stadium is fully covered with roofs over all four stands, protecting most fans from rain. However, the quality of protection varies by section and row, and coastal winds can drive rain horizontally.
Fully Protected Sections: The Main Stand, Steve Fletcher North Stand, and East Stand offer the best weather protection. Rows 10 and higher in these stands stay dry in all but the most extreme sideways rain. The roofs extend far enough forward that moderate rainfall affects only the first few rows. If you're visiting during autumn/winter when rain is likely, book rows 15-25 in these stands for guaranteed dryness.
Partially Protected Sections: The Ted MacDougall South Stand's roof is held up by two front pillars, creating slightly less overhang than other stands. Rows 15+ stay dry, but rows 1-10 catch wind-blown rain during storms. The roof does provide coverage, but it's the least effective of the four stands.
Most Exposed: Pitchside wheelchair-accessible positions across all stands are the most exposed to weather. The club provides ponchos and blankets during poor weather, but these positions will get wet in heavy rain and are windiest. If you're using a wheelchair space and weather looks poor, request an elevated platform position when booking, the 31 elevated wheelchair positions offer significantly better weather protection.
Wind Considerations: The corners between stands are noticeably windier and catch more horizontal rain. If you're seated in the junction between Main Stand and North Stand, or North Stand and East Stand, expect colder conditions and more rain exposure than central sections. Coastal winds are Dean Court's biggest weather challenge, bring windproof layers.
Front Rows Risk: Rows 1-10 in any stand carry some risk of getting wet during heavy rain with wind. If you prioritize staying dry over being closest to the pitch, choose rows 15+. The view trade-off is minimal, you're not so high that you feel detached from the action, but you're comfortably under the roof overhang.
Safe Standing Consideration: The away section in the East Stand (blocks 21-24) converted to safe standing in 2024. Standing throughout the match in poor weather means more exposure to wind and cold compared to sitting. If you're visiting and weather is terrible, consider requesting standard seating if available (unlikely given conversions).
Emergency Rain Protection: The stadium concessions sell basic rain ponchos on matchdays, though quality and availability vary. Pack a lightweight, compact rain jacket in your pocket just in case. On particularly wet days, arrive early enough to secure a seat in the better-protected middle rows if seating is unassigned in your section.
Best Time to Enter Dean Court Stadium by Seating Section
Gates at Dean Court Stadium open 90 minutes before kick-off. Given the stadium's intimate size and limited capacity, congestion at certain entry points builds quickly as kick-off approaches.
General Recommendation: Aim to enter 45-60 minutes before kick-off. This avoids peak crowding (30-15 minutes before kick-off) and gives you time to use facilities, buy refreshments, and settle in. Arriving later than 30 minutes before kick-off means joining substantial queues at turnstiles and concession stands.
Main Stand: Entry via turnstiles A (South Family Section), B (North Family Section), and other Main Stand gates. This is the stadium's largest stand with approximately 3,500 capacity. Despite its size, entry is generally smooth. Arrive 40-45 minutes before kick-off for a relaxed experience. The Main Stand houses the 1910 Club bar for season ticket holders, which gets busy 60 minutes before matches.
Steve Fletcher North Stand: Entry processes quickly as it's one of the smaller stands (around 2,500 seats). Arriving 35-40 minutes early is sufficient. This stand houses the club's most vocal supporters, so atmosphere builders arrive earlier, expect growing noise from 60 minutes pre-match.
Ted MacDougall South Stand: Similar to the North Stand in size (~2,400 seats). Entry is straightforward, though the two roof pillars at the front mean arriving early helps secure better sightlines if you don't have pre-assigned seats. Arrive 40-45 minutes early.
East Stand - Home Fans: Blocks 20-21 are the premium seats with best views. These fill early, so arrive 50-60 minutes before kick-off if you want to settle in and grab a drink. The broadcast camera and commentary positions occupy block 20's upper section.
East Stand - Away Fans: Accessed via turnstile F (blocks 21-24), the away section undergoes thorough security searches. Electronic wands and bag checks are standard. On matchdays with large away followings, queues build significantly. Away fans should arrive at least 60 minutes before kick-off, more for high-profile matches. Some visiting fans report searches taking 5-10 minutes during peak times. The club urges supporters to "enter as early as possible" for away sections.
Family Sections: Located at the ends of the Main Stand (turnstiles A and B), these sections welcome families with children. The Junior Fanzone outside opens 2.5 hours early, so families often arrive 90+ minutes before kick-off to let children enjoy pre-match activities, meet Cherry the Bear, and get face-painted. Entry to the family sections themselves is smooth, 45 minutes before kick-off works well.
Accessible Seating: Wheelchair-accessible positions are distributed across all stands, with accessible parking in the Main and South Stand car parks (present blue badge on arrival). Arrive 60+ minutes early to allow time for accessible entry procedures and positioning. Contact the disability access team ([email protected]) in advance for specific guidance.
Peak Times to Avoid: The period from 25-10 minutes before kick-off sees the worst congestion at all turnstiles. If you arrive during this window, expect 10-15 minute delays getting through security and into your section.