Premier League owner confirms new stadium TWICE the size of current home… but will need to knock down training ground
BOURNEMOUTH are planning to build a new stadium right next to their current ground.
Owner Bill Foley confirmed the news, announcing the stadium will be built on the site of their training ground.
GettyThe Vitality Stadium holds just 11,329 fans[/caption]
GettyBournemouth owner Bill Foley announced plans to build a new stadium[/caption]
The Vitality Stadium has the second smallest capacity in the Premier League with just 11,329 seats.
Foley revealed the new ground will hold 18,500 fans, though one stand will be capable of having an additional tier built on it, taking the overall capacity to around 22,000.
The American is also pleased to increase the percentage of hospitality seats from around six per cent to 16-17 per cent.
The current training facility will have to be knocked down to make way for the new arena, which Foley promises will “change” Bournemouth for the better and “move the club forward”.
Foley, 79, bought a majority share in the Cherries in December 2022 and became chairman of the club.
He owns several sports teams including Ligue Un side Lorient but is hoping to make Bournemouth a mainstay in the Prem.
Foley succeeded in that ambition last season as Gary O’Neil steered the club to safety, only to be sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has guided Bournemouth to 12th this season thanks in part to the goals scored by Dominic Solanke.
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Keeping the striker will likely be another aim of Foley’s amid interest from Tottenham.
A source told SunSport: “Spurs want to sign a striker in the Summer. The club hasn’t replaced Harry Kane so recruiting a new forward is a big priority and Solanke is someone they are closely monitoring.
“They’ve sent scouts to watch him already several times this season, and they will continue to track him into the New Year.
“He ticks a lot of boxes for Spurs, and Bournemouth know if he carries on showing the kind of form he is then they will struggle to stop other clubs from sniffing around him. They are bracing themselves for bids.”
