“This acquisition is a strategic and logical step as we pursue AFC Bournemouth’s and Black Knight Football Club’s continued ambitions,” said Owner and General Partner Bill Foley. “We have acknowledged that accommodating more of our growing fanbase is integral to our goals for the club, and this move will allow us to pursue all options moving forward. We appreciate Structadene’s stewardship of the stadium and for working with us to return it to its natural home with the club.”
The acquisition comes on the heels of the opening of the club’s new state-of-the-art Performance Centre, further underscoring a wave of ongoing investment in infrastructure and facilities to support both player development and the overall supporter experience.
With a current capacity of 11,286, Vitality Stadium is the smallest in the Premier League, but it has played an outsized role in the history of AFC Bournemouth. Formerly known as Dean Court, the ground has been central to many of the club’s most memorable moments, including its dramatic rise from the brink of relegation and financial collapse during the 2008–09 season—when it overcame a 17-point deduction—to an astonishing series of promotions that led to its historic Premier League debut in 2015, following a decisive home victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Founded in 1899, AFC Bournemouth—affectionately known as "The Cherries"—has transformed from a modest lower-league side into a strong Premier League competitor. The club’s resurgence began in earnest in 2009, climbing three divisions in just six seasons and becoming one of English football’s most remarkable success stories.
Vitality Stadium has also welcomed the global football elite, including hosting Real Madrid in 2013, and more recently, Bournemouth celebrated its first-ever Premier League victory over four-time defending champions Manchester City in 2024. Off the pitch, the stadium has held a central role in the Dorset community, staging a wide range of events such as Elton John’s 2006 concert and the Cruiserweight World Championship victory of Bournemouth’s own Chris Billam-Smith in 2023.
By regaining control of its iconic stadium, AFC Bournemouth now holds the keys to its next chapter. Ownership enables the club to more effectively plan renovations, explore potential expansions, and safeguard the stadium’s rich heritage—ensuring Vitality Stadium continues to be a proud and vibrant home for generations of Cherries supporters to come.
