Lansdown hails support for derby clash

The Gallagher Premiership opener will see a stadium record attendance for a sporting event in BS3, with an attendance of 26,399 now confirmed.

The figure - which surpasses the 26,088 that enjoyed Bristol City overcoming Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in 2017 - includes a record number of hospitality clients too, with over 1600 attending.

“I’m immensely proud of the progress Bristol Bears have made over the past eighteen months and Friday night will be a fantastic example of that,” said Lansdown.

“To have a new record sporting attendance at Ashton Gate is testament to the hard work of all the staff involved at Bears, Bristol Sport and Ashton Gate. It not only underlines what we can achieve through a shared vision, but also shows that the city of Bristol is getting behind its rugby team.

“It’s a great way to kick off the new season and, on behalf of myself and all of the board members, we’re right behind Pat Lam and his team.

“I truly believe this is just the beginning of a thrilling journey for the Bears and I’m excited about what the future holds.”

For everything you need to know about Friday’s game, check out the Gate Guide here.