Guide To The Gate: Cardiff Blues

• Bristol Rugby face Cardiff Blues in opening round in European Challenge Cup opener
• Fans urged to arrive early to avoid queues; Fan Village open from 5pm
• Live music, food stalls and bars open around the stadium
• Dolman ticket holders encouraged to come to Fan Village

As supporters prepare to pack Ashton Gate, here’s a simple guide to each stand and the stadium.

TICKETING

Over 7,000 tickets have already been sold for the match. We are expecting a significant walk up on the day, so please arrive early to avoid queues. Alternatively, you can buy online until 5pm on matchday.

Supporters can buy a membership for just £20 and receive discounts on matchday tickets here.

The brand new ticket office is located in the Winterstoke Road Fan Village for all matchday ticket sales, collections, along with press and scout ticket collections.

The ticket office is open from 5pm.

FAN VILLAGE

In the Fan Village (which opens at 5pm), situated outside the Sports Bar & Grill, will be:

- Food stall and bars
- Live music pre-match and post-match

The Sports Bar & Grill is open from 3pm.

Ticket holders in the Dolman are encouraged to enjoy the Fan Village pre and post match, while supporters will be able to access the bars outside at half-time.

TRAVEL

Please use public transport where possible.

The First Bristol bus routes will be in operation, including our dedicated service from Bristol Temple Meads.

Find out full details by clicking here.

There is a bike rack in the South-East corner.

Remember, parking is limited around the stadium at Ashton Gate and there are no spaces available on site.

WI-FI

Ashton Gate Stadium has partnered with Bristol University’s Zeetta Networks in a world-first stadia WiFi technology trial.

The trial will initially focus on the South and Dolman concourses and if successful will then be extended throughout the stadium and into the seating areas.

To connect to the network (free of charge) simply join ‘Ashton Gate EdgeZ’ and fill out the short form to get browsing.

(Note: this is not yet available in the West or Atyeo Stands).

LANSDOWN STAND

The Lansdown Stand lower tier is open to supporters, accessible via turnstiles 1-15.

As well as toilet facilities, food and drink stands – including a coffee shop - will be open inside the concourse.

Please note, the Lansdown Stand interior, much like the South Stand at the beginning of last season, has not been fully decorated. This will include Bristol Rugby memorabilia as part of the ‘clubhouse’, which will be in place in the New Year.

Smoking will be in a designated area along the Lansdown Stand rear walkway.

SOUTH STAND

The store will be open from 10am.

Home and away replica shirts, ranging from three months to 5XL will be available on sale, while training wear is also in store.

In the South-East corner there will be a Real Ale and Pasty Bar.

The smoking area remains unchanged from last season, outside the rear of the stand.
 
DOLMAN STAND

One of the concession stands will again be “drink only”. In addition there will be 14 fast-pour stations.

There will also be a pasty shed and Scrumpy Pig stall, plus a Pulled Pork station just outside the turnstiles.

The smoking area remains unchanged, in the alley behind the stand.

ATYEO STAND

The number of taps in the Atyeo has increased from 8 to 36 as we welcome supporters back again for Friday night rugby.

In the Atyeo Stand car park there will be the usual burger van and a Lavazza Coffee station, but please walk around to the pedestrianised area behind the Lansdown Stand pre and post match to enjoy the entertainment of the Fan Village.

The smoking area remains unchanged, outside the rear of the stand.

Remember, the new discount rates for season card holders is now operation. (20% for dual, 15% for season card PLUS, 10% for season card member, 5% for Forever Bristol members).

Friday's match is proudly sponsored by Burges Salmon.