History and description

Bedminster FC merged with Bristol City in 1900, and as a result the club initially played at St John's Lane. But in 1904 they returned to Ashton Gate Stadium. The ground was gradually developed over the years, hosting an international match between England and Wales in 1913. In 1935, Ashton Gate saw its record attendance when 43,335 people attended a FA Cup tie versus Preston North End.

In 1958, a new main stand, the Williams Stand, opened. In 1970, the new Dolman Stand was built on the opposite side.

The ground remained largely unchanged until the 1990s, when it got converted into an all-seater. At the same time, the new Atyeo Stand was built behind one of the goals. One year later, a new lower tier got added to the Dolman Stand.

In the 2000s, Bristol City started to explore the possibilities of building a new modern stadium. Plans were made for a 30,000-seater just south of Ashton Gate in the Ashton Vale area, dubbed Ashton Vale Stadium. However, heavy resistance of local residents and environmental groups first delayed and ultimately cancelled the plans.

In late 2013, Bristol City Council presented plans for the redevelopment of Ashton Gate. First, as a back-up for the Ashton Vale plans, but since April 2014 as their principal plans.

Beginning in the summer of 2014, both the Williams and Wedlock Stand were rebuilt, while the other two stands received refurbishment. The works were completed in 2016 and increased seating capacity from 21,000 to 27,000.

(photos of the present Ashton Gate below)

How to get to Ashton Gate

The Ashton Gate Stadium is located in Bristol and is about two miles from the city center. The walk from Temple Meads station takes about forty minutes though Parson Street rail station is located closer to the stadium, a ten to fifteen-minute walk. Trains run once every hour from Temple Meads station for the five-minute journey.

On matchdays a special shuttle bus service operates from Temple Gate near Temple Meads station to the stadium. It runs one hour before kick-off and buses return after the match has finished.

You can also catch city bus 24 (from The Haymarket) or regional buses X1, X3, X4, X6, X8, and X9 (from Bristol Bus Station).

Address: Ashton Road, Bristol, BS3 2EJ

Bristol City Tickets

Tickets for Bristol City games can be bought online or by phone. Tickets are available at the stadium on the day of the match. Bristol City only very occasionally sell out.

Bristol City have two ticket pricing categories: Silver matches (which are the cheapest), and Gold matches. Tickets for Silver matches cost between £23.00 and £31.00, while tickets for Gold matches cost between £28.00 and £36.00. These prices are more expensive if bought on the day.

Relevant Internet links

The official website of Bristol City Football Club is www.bcfc.co.uk, while the official website of Ashton Gate Stadium is www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk. The tourist guide to Bristol is www.visitbristol.co.uk, and the bus and shuttle bus information website is www.abus.co.uk