Ashton Gate Stadium
Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol is the home ground of Bristol City F.C. and Bristol Rugby Club (more commonly known as the Bristol Bears). The stadium is located in the southwest of Bristol and can seat up to 27,000 fans. CrossCountry provides regular train services to Bristol Temple Meads Station from across the UK, so getting to see an event at this landmark venue couldn’t be easier.
Getting to Ashton Gate Stadium by Train
Ashton Gate Stadium is less than thirty minutes away from Bristol Temple Meads Station by bus. You can find the latest details over at the First Bus website. A shuttle bus service also runs between the stadium and Temple Gate on matchdays.
Travelling to Ashton Gate Stadium by train is easy with CrossCountry. Popular local routes include Cardiff to Bristol, Cheltenham to Bristol and Exeter to Bristol.
About Ashton Gate Stadium
Ashton Gate Stadium first opened its doors in 1887, when it was home to Bedminster Football Club, who in 1892 went founded the Bristol and District League. Following a successful season in 1897-98 the club merged with their local rivals Bristol City. Bristol City had called St John’s Lane ground home until this time, but following the merger in 1900 they moved to Ashton Gate.
The record attendance for a game at Ashton Gate Stadium took place in 1935 when 43,335 fans descended on the venue to watch Bristol City play Preston North End.
Today, following a century of redevelopments, the stadium can comfortably host 27,000 attendees. These developments have seen the loss of two stands which were built in the 1900s. The Wedlock, or East End stand was built in 1928 but demolished in 2014 when it was scheduled for replacement. The other former stand was Williams Stand on the southwest of the stadium which was built in 1958. This was converted into a seated stand in 1990 but eventually demolished in 2015.
Today the redevelopment of the stadium is complete, with four new stands built since the 1970s, and the most recent being completed prior to the 2016-17 football season. New additions include solar power and new executive boxes. To accommodate the work on these new stands they even moved the pitch five metres and laid new grass to support the shared use between the football and rugby clubs.
The stadium became home to Bristol Bears Rugby Club in 2014, but this was not the first Rugby match the stadium had seen. Ashton Gate hosted two international Rugby Union matches, the first in 1908 and the second in 1999. It also hosted one rugby league match in 1911; making its rugby heritage almost as old as the stadium itself.
Ashton Gate Stadium has seen more than sporting matches inside its walls. Musical artists such as The Who, Neil Diamond, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, and the Spice Girls have all played concerts here.
Things to Do at Ashton Gate Stadium
There is plenty to do at Ashton Gate Stadium, besides watching rugby or football. The Independence Sports Bar opens for pre-match food and drink and can be reserved for private parties. The stadium provides several different hospitality packages in case you want to make the most of your visit.
There is also a range of meeting rooms and exhibition spaces available which might be perfect for your next corporate event. The venues can also be hired for private parties, weddings, or numerous other events. The stadium has even hosted charity dinners in the past.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to explore the rest of what Bristol has to offer. This historic city provides family entertainment, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment in abundance.
You won’t want to miss any of the spectacular games held at Ashton Gate Stadium, so book your tickets to this football and rugby venue today with CrossCountry.
(Hero image copyright Ben Sutherland, used under licence. Image has been cropped.)
