Bristol City visitor guide (Ashton Gate, Robins), England

Ashton Gate has been the home of Bristol City F.C. since 1904. The stadium was converted to an all-seater venue during the 1990s; the current capacity is 21,497, although the current capacity for football matches is around 19,500. The most recent addition to the ground was the Atyeo Stand, which was built in 1994 and named in honour of John Atyeo, a Bristol City legend who scored 351 goals in 645 appearances for the club. Plans to redevelop the rest of the ground (one stand dates from 1928) have been put on hold as Bristol City has announced that they plan to move to a new stadium close to Ashton Gate.

Fans visiting Ashton Gate will find themselves housed in the Wedlock Stand. Also known as the East End, the Wedlock Stand is regarded as the spiritual home end for many Bristol City fans. The stand is split between home and away supporters with around 2,800 of 5,500 seats usually going to visiting fans. The low roof of the stand produces some good acoustics, which lend to a lively atmosphere although some of the pillars supporting the roof can restrict the view from certain seats. The grounds facilities are fairly run-of-the-mill with the usual snacks and drinks being available inside the stadium (it should be noted that alcohol isn't available for visiting supporters). The stadiums location Southeast of Bristol City Centre means that visiting fans won't find many hotels near Ashton Gate, so the best advice is to look for something more centrally located.

As well as football matches, the ground also hosts rugby matches and musical concerts. Recent bands to play at Aston Park include Bon Jovi, Elton John and The Who.

Getting To Ashton Gate

By Car

Fans travelling to Ashton Gate by car should exit the M5 at Junction 18 and travel along the A4 (the Portway). Follow signs for the A38 (Bristol Airport/Taunton) continuing over the swing bridge (Brunel Way) before branching left into Winterstoke Road. The ground will be visible on your left. Parking at the ground is restricted so it may be best to try and find a space down a nearby street.

By Public Transport

Bristol has many historic sites and a good transport system, visiting fans may wish to take advantage of this being choosing an Ashton Gate hotel in the city centre and travelling to the ground by public transport. Parson Street is the closest train station to Aston Gate, but away fans coming to Bristol by train will probably arrive at the main station, Bristol Temple Meads. This station is over two miles from the ground so taking a taxi is well advised and will set you back about £4-6. It is possible to walk but allow up to 45 minutes for the journey.

Abus provide a match day bus service (Service A), picking fans up at Temple Meads one hour before kick-off. Other pick-up locations include Old Market (Temple Way), Haymarket and Centre.  After the match buses leaving from Ashton Road will return fans to their pick-up points.

Here are football stadiums close to Bristol City: