With plans being developed for a new stadium for AFC Bournemouth, we're taking a salivating look at what the future might have in store for our club. We've scoured the world for what we feel are best stadia with a capacity broadly within the club's stated range - around 20,000, give or take a few. We're going to talk about what we like about them, what features we think can be incorporated into a new stadium for us - and where they could be improved. A new entry in the top 10 will be published every few days until we've completed our countdown - and then we'll collate it all into one post for posterity. Allianz Field is the home of MLS side Minnesota United, located in St. Paul, Minnesota nestled almost equidistant from the hearts of the twin cities. The stadium features a striking sweeping curve and a groundbreaking translucent PTFE fabric skin that gives the stadium a dynamic, flowing appearance at a fraction of the cost of metal panels and allowing for striking lighting displays. Designed by the architects Populous, it opened in 2019 with an initial capacity of 19,600 at a cost of a cool $250m USD. The stands are the steepest in the MLS - meaning that the furthest seat from the pitch is only 125 feet - 38 metres - away, so fans are kept close to the action. There are a total of 17 different seating types available which enables ticketing to be aimed at numerous different prices. At the South End of the stadium there is a single-tier safe standing terrace known as the Wonderwall which can accommodate 2,900 supporters. Set underneath the electronic scoreboard, the stand has an unusual and distinctive pyramid shaped design and again has a steep rake to keep all fans close to the pitch. In terms of hospitality, the main stand has 4 different hospitality clubs and 21 boxes. At the northern end of the ground there is a manually operated scoreboard and a huge supporters' bar with a beer garden feel that has a dual aspect overlooking both the pitch and thee surrounding area. Allianz field is a stunning stadium and a perfect initial size for AFC Bournemouth. It is easily expandable by filling in corners and can be taken to nearly 25,000 seats. <iframe width="900" height="387" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8Hr74K7es8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> ✅ 2,900 safe standing places in a single-tier safe standing bank behind the goal ✅ Asymmetrical design of stands prevents the soulless bowl trap ✅ PTFE skin creates an aesthetically stunning shape ❎ The pyramid shape of safe standing stand ❎ Smaller, uncovered end at the north end of the stadium - lots of US stadia have uncovered stands but that's not suitable for British winter rain ❎ Side stands taller than the ends behind the goals. US stadia are often this way - as is Brighton's AMEX stadium, but we prefer the support behind the goal to be as big as possible10. Allianz Field, Minnesota
What we like
What we'd change