4th Draft BCFC First-Time Fan Guide

ASHTON GATE
FIRST-TIME
FAN GUIDE

CONTENTS
This First-Time Fan Guide has been designed to ensure
that supporters visiting Ashton Gate get the most out of
their matchday experience irrespective of the result on
the pitch.
This guide contains everything from information for
families, travel advice, ticketing information, Bristol City
history and more!
• Contact us
• Brief history
• Getting to the gate
• Tickets
• Stadium
• Stadium timings
• Additional facilities
• Junior Reds
• Red & Robyn
• Fan Experience Ambassadors
• Matchday activity
• The Bristol Sport Store
• Concessions
• Safety & security
• Safeguarding

WELCOME TO ASHTON GATE, WE ARE THE ROBINS!
The Robin is symbolic in its tenacity and its spirit.
The first bird to start the dawn chorus, the last to stop singing at night.
Traditionally, the robin represents hope, revival, new beginnings and good things to come.
Whilst small, and considered ’cute’; don’t let that fool you.
The robin is aggressively territorial and quick to drive away intruders.
Home is theirs to protect; boldly and bravely.
Ashton Gate is our home, our territory, our fortress to defend.
Bristol is our community, our family to protect and care for.
We support and nurture our own academy to develop them into first team players through
opportunity.
Our bravery and fearlessness allows us to play with freedom, to entertain our fans and to
inspire our community.
We play to win, we exist to inspire, we Always Believe
We look forward to welcoming you to Ashton Gate – Enjoy the game! COYR

CONTACT US
If you have any specific enquires ahead of your visit to Ashton Gate, please email supporter
services at supporterservices@bristol-sport.co.uk or call 0117 963 0600.
Supporter Liaison Officer - Jerry Tocknell.
Jerry never misses a matchday and is on hand to help where he can with your queries and
concerns.
slo@bcfc.co.uk | 0117 963 0600 | @BristolCitySLO on X.
Disability Liaison Officer - Gareth Torpy.
Gareth can help with any enquiries regarding equal access and make necessary arrangements
to improve a disabled fan’s match day experience.
gareth.torpy@bristol-sport.co.uk | 0117 963 0600.
Safeguarding
If you have a concern regarding safeguarding, please email safeguarding@bristol-sport.co.uk
or call the Safeguarding Team on 07880 140411.
FOLLOW US
X: @bristolcity | Instagram: @bristolcityfc | TikTok: bristolcityfc | Web: https://www.bcfc.co.uk

BRIEF HISTORY
Bristol City was formed in 1894 under the name Bristol South End Football Club and played their games at St.
John’s Lane, Bedminster.
The club was renamed Bristol City Football club in 1897.
Bristol City FC merged with Bedminster FC, a professional club which played their matches a mile away from
St. John’s Lane – at Ashton Gate.
After one season (1900-01) playing at both St. John’s Lane and Ashton Gate - and then three seasons back at
St. John’s Lane - Ashton Gate became the new permanent home of Bristol City FC.
Between 1901 and 2006 Bristol City experienced a period of promotion and relegation between the First
Division and the Third Division before being promoted (back) into the Championship in 2007. In 2012 City were
relegated once again before earning promotion in 2015. Bristol City have been a consistent side in the
Championship since then.
For more information click here.

ASHTON GATE EIGHT
On February 3rd, 1982, eight players tore up their contracts to save the club from financial ruin – an act which
will never be forgotten.
Bristol City were just minutes away from folding with the club set to cease trading at midday.
There was seemingly only one way out of the hole: the club would be declared bankrupt; a new club would be
formed under a new board and the players who were on long-term deals would be asked to tear up their
contracts. Without these measures, the club would no longer exist.
Enter the Ashton Gate Eight. These men were given the ultimate ultimatum and made the heroic sacrifice for
your club.

GETTING TO THE GATE
Ashton Gate Stadium is easily accessible by public transport and a special matchday
services (only applicable for City men’s fixtures).
For further travel information visit https://www.bcfc.co.uk/ashton-gate/getting-here/
24-48 hours before matchday at Ashton Gate we will publicise a ’Gate Guide’ which will be
posted on our social media and website. The ’Gate Guide’ will contain travel information
relevant to the fixture.
We will endeavour to inform supporters of any traffic or travel information ahead of
fixtures on our website and social media but encourage supporters to also check local
news and transport companies.

MATCHDAY BUS
Three dedicated supporter bus services operate on Bristol City men’s
first-team home league games. These services operate from Winterstoke
Road, just yards from the main entrance to Ashton Gate Stadium and at
convenient times for those attending games.
Please note services for cup competitions may vary. Matchday shuttle
busses are also only run for select City Women’s fixtures.
For more information including ticket information and payment methods
visit https://www.bcfc.co.uk/ashton-gate/getting-here/
For more information on the AG1 click here
For more information on the AG2 click here
For more information on the AG3 click here

PUBLIC BUS
• Ashton Gate is well connected to Bristol and surrounding areas by an extensive public bus network.
• The easiest way to plan your route is the Travel West Journey Planner - click here.
• Many services across Bristol are operated by First Bus – you can find more information on their routes here
TRAIN
• Ashton Gate is well served by local and national rail services. For the lates information, journey planning and
tickets please visit www.gwr.com
• Bristol Temple Meads – Mainline station with trains running directly to most parts of the UK, including Wales
and Scotland. It is a 40-minute walk to Ashton Gate Stadium, or you can use the matchday AG3 service.
• Parsons Street – This station serves much of Somerset, South Wales and Bristol (journey time to Temple
Meads approximately 5 minutes). It is a 15-minute walk to Ashton Gate. Please note Parsons Street does
NOT have step-free access.

WALKING
Ashton Gate is less than a 30-minute walk from most of South, Central and West Bristol and you can use the
postcode BS3 2EJ to plan your route.
Click here for our walking map with various trails that pick out interesting locations along the way!
CYCLING
Ashton Gate is easily accessible by bike via several dedicated cycle paths in Bristol. We also have plenty of
bike racks next to the South Stand at the stadium as well as a free to use handy bike pump. Click here for a
map of nearby cycle paths.
AIR & BOAT
Bristol Airport is just 15 minutes' drive from the Stadium. The Airport Flyer Service A1 stops at Parsons, just 15
minutes' walk from Ashton Gate.
Number Seven Boat Trips operate a cross-harbour ferry service. Click here for more information.
Bristol Ferry Boats also run a waterbus service. Click here for more information.

PARKING
If you opt to drive to Ashton Gate, please be aware that many local streets are covered by a Resident Parking
Scheme.
We strongly advice that you park at the Portway Park & Ride – this is particularly ideal for supporters using the
motorway – or the Brislington Park & Ride where you can use the Matchday Supporter bus services to
complete your journey.
There is no stadium matchday parking but ther are unofficial off-site parking options. Click here fore more
information.
CLEAN AIR ZONE
Please be aware that central Bristol, including many roads near Ashton Gate, is not part of a Clean Air Zone
(CAZ) where non-compliant vehicles will be charged between £9 and £100 per day to drive. Click here to find
out more.

TICKETS
How do I purchase tickets for an upcoming fixture? – Visit our ticketing page at:
https://tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk/en-gb/categories/bristol-city
Children under the age of 18 months will not require a ticket to enter the stadium – but will
be required to sit on their guardian’s lap throughout the game.
Bristol City proudly launched Digital Tickets for the 2023/24 season. For all the information
on digital ticketing click here
Tickets for cup matches are priced dependent upon the opponents, the profile of the
fixture and the competition.
Match tickets are non-refundable apart from in exceptional circumstances, in which case
our Supporter Services team will assess each case on its own individual merits.
The club operates a specific ticketing policy for disabled supporters and will ensure that
the scheme does not discriminate between disabled people with differing impairments.
For all general ticketing enquiriesl, please visit our dedicated ticket FAQ page here

STADIUM
Ashton Gate was renovated in 2016 with a £50m rebuild
project. Now a 26,462-seater stadium and consists of three
inter-linked concourses comprising of the Dolman Stand,
South Stand and double-tiered Lansdown Stand – all which
host Home supporters on matchday.
The Atyeo Stand hosts away supporters.
Please note we are a fully cashless stadium are for
increased speed of service and improved hygiene. All
major contactless debit and credit cards are accepted.

KEY STADIUM TIMINGS
Please note all timings are subject to change and we strongly advise that supporters check the ‘Gate Guide’ in advance of the fixture
for confirmed timings.
KICK OFF TIME TURNSTILES FAN VILLAGE
SUPPORTER SERVICES
PHONELINE
TICKET OFFICE
3:00pm 1:00pm (2 hours before KO) 12:00pm (3 hours before KO) 10:00am-12:30pm 10:30am-3:15pm
12:30pm 10:30m (2 hours before KO) 10am (2.5 hours before KO) 9:00am-10:30am 9:30am-12:45pm
7:45pm 6:15pm (1.5 hours before KO) 4:45pm (3 hours before KO) 10:00am-5:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
8:00pm 6:30pm (1.5 hours before KO) 5:00pm (3 hours before KO) 10:00am-5:00pm 5:00pm-8:15pm

ADDITIONAL STADIUM FACILITIES
BABY CHANGING
Baby changing facility units are installed in the following areas:
• West stand concourse disabled toilet – next to W10/11
• West stand concourse female toilet – next to W10/11
• West stand 2nd floor, Lansdown restaurant disabled toilet – VIP 1 end
• West stand 3rd floor, disabled toilet – VIP 1 end
• Heineken Lounge disabled toilet
• South/West corner disabled toilet next to A8
• Kofi Lounge – coffee shop
PRAYER ROOM
City supporters can access a prayer room in the Dolman Lounge 2. Supporters can access
this via VIP 3. There will always be a steward at VIP 3 to help direct you.
We advise supporters to check the ‘Gate Guide’ ahead of each game for any changes or
updates.

JUNIOR REDS
There is a dedicated Family Area located in the Upper Lansdown Concourse. Supporters
sat here will be with other like-minded fans.
The Family area is situated in the upper Lansdown concourse on level four. It can be
accessed via two stairwells either end of the ground floor concourse or via the lifts
provided.
The Great British Sports Show host a range of activities for junior supporters to enjoy in
the family area before pre-match.
Also make sure to have a go on our Kick Ball Game Frame which is in the South Stand
Concourse or the Fan Village.
The Robins Foundation will also be operating white board activities like ‘Guess the
Attendance’ and Guess the Score’ in the family area.
All activities begin as soon as turnstiles open and end 30 minutes before kick-off.
Please check the ‘Gate Guide’ and City’s social media ahead of the game for specific
information.
All activities are FREE of charge, just join the queue and wait your turn!

RED & ROBYN
Red & Robyn are Bristol City’s official mascots, and they never miss a matchday.
They are regulars in the Family Area, but you can also find them flying around Ashton Gate
visiting the club shop, concourses, Fan Village, and pitch side pre-match.
If you bump into Red & Robyn, feel free to ask for a photograph, challenge them to a
dance-off or just give them a high five.
Make sure you follow Red & Robyn on X @RedAndRobyn and Instagram @rednrobyn and
keep up to date with all things Junior Reds.
Here you can also see their matchday schedule and what they get up to. We advise that
supporters check the ‘Gate Guide’ and social media ahead of the game.
Click here for Red & Robyn’s standard 3pm KO schedule.
Click here for Red & Robyn’s standard 7:45pm KO schedule.

YOU REDS! JUNIOR REDS MAGAZINE
New for the 2023/24 our junior supporters can collect their FREE copy of the latest YOU
REDS! edition (at selected fixtures).
New issues of YOU REDS! are released over the course of the season and each copy is
filled with fun activities, posters, player signing pages, player interviews and more!
YOU REDS! are free to collect from the below locations:
• The Bristol Sport Store
• Pop-Up retail outlets
• Fan Experience Ambassadors
• Ticket Office
Please note that YOU REDS! is released and available on a first come first served basis and
there will be fixtures between each issue where there are no copies available.
We will advertise the release of new issue on our website, social media and the fixture’s
‘Gate Guide’.

FAN EXPERIENCE AMBASSADORS
Our Fan Experience Ambassadors are on hand to help and guide supporters. They are
simply here to help with any matchday query or concern that you may have.
Fan Experience Ambassadors are situated on all main entrances, turnstiles and within the
Fan Village.
Our Fan Experience Ambassadors are easy to identify by their pink here to help vests.
Please approach them with any questions you have – especially if it your first time at
Ashton Gate!
You will often find them on hand to manage queues and manage activations. Fan
Experience Ambassadors also assist in handing out our Junior Reds Magazine!

MATCHDAY ACTIVITY
Matchday at Ashton Gate has more to offer than 90 minutes of top-class football.
Pre-match make sure you visit the Fan Village and take advantage of the live music on the
main stage.
The Independence Sports Bar is the perfect meeting point ahead of kick-off and with it’s
“largest indoor pub screen in Europe” and home to the famous World cup meme. You can
enjoy watching all the very best of live TV sporting action here too.
Take advantage of the concession offerings, free family area activities and pre and post-
match tunes!
If you have any big screen announcements, send them to announcements@bcfc.co.uk by
midday the day BEFORE the fixture to allow admin time to approve.
At half-time two supporters go head-to-head in the Thatchers Apple Race! It is so much
fun and worth a watch. Please note that the half time activation is weather dependant.

THE BRISTOL SPORT STORE
Make sure to visit The Bristol Sport Store on matchdays. Here you can purchase
everything from home and away kits, training wear, leisure wear, accessories, novelty
items and more!
The Bristol Sport Store is located within the South Stand, alongside our Independence
Sports Bar and Kofi Coffee Shop.
The Bristol Sport Store is situated at the south end of the stadium, in the south stand, and
is accessed by the Winterstoke Road entrance.
On weekday matches the store will close 30 minutes after full-time whistle.
Saturday/Sunday matchdays: Opens 10am to 30 minutes after full-time whistle.
On matchdays there are multiple retail locations for your convenience;
Fan Village pop up – Open in line with the Bristol Sport Store
Concourse (A8) pop up - Open in line with turnstiles
Family Area pop up – Open in line with turnstiles
The store is a card only store and will not accept cash payments for any purchases.

CONCESSIONS
Food and drink options are available at Ashton Gate for
cashless purchase.
Here at Ashton Gate, we have dozens of outlets throughout
the Stadium and Fan Village to suit every taste and budget.
Make the most of your stadium experience by arriving early
and soak up the pre-match or event atmosphere.
From Loaded Fries to Doughnuts, we’ve got you covered!
We pride ourselves on going local wherever we can – with
more than 50% of our food and drink travelling less than 12
miles to Ashton Gate Stadium – you’ll see all the usual West
Country favourites from Thatchers Gold to Buxton Pies;
Bristol Beer Factory to Mark’s Bread on offer here at BS3.
VEGETARIAN & PLANT-BASED
Ashton Gate has several plant-based options to choose
from. Please refer to our food map for further details.

THE FAN VILLAGE
On matchday fans can look forward to a wide selection of food and drink in our Fan
Village. From fish and chips; to pulled pork; burgers and fries to churros.
Arrive early and enjoy! Our Fan Village opens three hours before kick-off.
Please always check the Gate Guide ahead of matchday in case of any variation to
opening time.
THE INDEPENDENCE SPORTS BAR
The Independence Sports Bar is located at the main Winterstoke Road entrance to Ashton
Gate and sits between the Lansdown and South Stands.
Here you can find ‘Loaded Fries’ and a selection of Bristol Beer Factory beers, as well as an
array of Thatchers Cider and more.
KOFI
Come and get your coffee fix in Kofi Lounge. Situated next to our Independence Sports
Bar and Store.
A friendly coffee lounge serving high-quality ethically sourced coffee, and a range of
sweet treats and savoury snacks, with sustainability at our heart.

FEED THE GOAT
Located on the corner of the South Stand and Dolman Concourses.
Wholesome Caribbean cooked meals, vegan and dietary requirements covered, including
curried goat, nan’s stew and ital stew.
JOLLY HOG
Lansdown Stand lower tier.
Serving hot dogs, bacon and pulled pork, Jolly Hog is owned by three brothers, including
former rugby player Olly Kohn, who also runs the Wapping Wharf restaurant, Pigsty.
JUNIOR SUPPORTERS
Young City fans can enjoy free fruit on matchdays as part of our commitment to promote
healthier lifestyles for children.
Free fruit is available from the Upper Lansdown kiosks so Junior Reds can tuck into a
healthy matchday snack.
Junior Supporters can make the most of the pick-n-mix stand in the Upper Lansdown
Family Area as well as chose from a selection of soft drinks and treats at most
concessions.

SAFETY & SECURITY
Bristol City and Ashton Gate stadium is committed to ensuring that all supporters that visit
Ashton Gate have a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you see or hear any racist, homophobic or any other abuse around the stadium, please
report it to our text line on 07770 736 047.
BAG POLICY
Please try and leave your bags at home. Only bags that comply with our Bag Policy will be
permitted entry into the stadium. No left luggage/bag drop facilities are available at the
stadium.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to bring a bag or other equipment with
you to a match, please email our Disability Access Officer on Gareth Torpy
on gareth.Torpy@bristol-sport.co.uk or SLO@bcfc.co.uk. We have a restricted bag policy
and only those under the size of A4 will be allowed into the stadium and will be subject to
a search.
PUSHCHAIRS
Pushchairs are not allowed in the stadium and there are no onsite facilities for storing
them.

SAFETY & SECURITY
The following articles must not be brought within the Stadium, any person found to be in
possession of such items will be refused entry to The Stadium or ejected as appropriate.
Knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items,
laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon
and/or compromise public safety.
Any article that might be used as a weapon, be deemed to be offensive or abusive, or
compromise public safety, will be confiscated and or reported to the police.
Flag poles greater than 1m in length and flares. Bottles, glass vessels, cans, flasks.
Frisbees and similar items, dangerous or hazardous items, illegal substances, explosives or
ammunition; fireworks, knives, blades or other weapons, firearms, scooters, skateboards or other
skates. Laser devices, smoke canisters, signs or items with corporate or inappropriate branding,
unauthorised fliers, spray paint, large industrial style “permanent“ marker pens, prams / push
chairs, transmitting devices, professional cameras & recording devices (This applies to cameras
that have interchangeable lenses), large suitcases, lap tops, and back packs (trip hazards), illegal
merchandise items, water bottles (need to have the ability to decant), illegal charity collection
utensils, motor bike helmets, umbrellas, darts, hampers and cold boxes, air horns, alcohol and
animals (except service dogs & guide dogs).
Musical Instruments: Any unauthorised musical instruments: trumpets, drums and other devices
capable of causing a disturbance or nuisance. However, we will consider requests to bring
musical instruments when they are made in advance by emailing: Supporter Services
Supporterservices@bristol-sport.co.uk

SAFEGUARDING
If you have a concern regarding safeguarding, please email safeguarding@bristolsport.co.uk
or call the Safeguarding Team on 07880 140411
LOST CHILDREN
All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you are
attending the stadium with young children, we recommend that they wear a wristband
that can be collected at the turnstiles (upon request) or can be collected from the
Information Area situated on the South Stand/Lansdown corner concourse near A8/S17/
S16. These wristbands have the Safeguarding phone number printed on them.
We have two repatriation locations – one located inside and one outside the stadium
premises. Should you be separated from your child please notify the nearest steward
immediately or contact the Safeguarding Team on: 07880 140411.
LOST PROPERTY
Please visit the Bristol Sport Store or call on 0117 9630637 for lost property enquiries.