"Parking around the ground is absolutely shocking" - How Bristol City stadium Ashton Gate is rated on Tripadvisor | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at some of the reviews given regarding experiences at Ashton Gate

Ashton Gate has been Bristol City's home since 1904, after the Robins opted to move from their St John's Lane base to the previous home of Bedminster FC.

And, it would be fair to say that the stadium, which underwent a major regeneration in the mid-to-late 2010s, has given supporters a number of memorable moments, such as Bristol derby victories over their fierce cross-city rivals, Rovers, as well as famously defeating Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-final stage back in the 2017/18 campaign.

The 27,000 capacity stadium - which can also hold up to 32,000 when in "concert mode" - was refurbished at a reported cost of nearly £50m - and is also home to Gallagher Premiership side, Bristol Bears, as well as being the headquarters of Bristol Sport.

Of course, depending on a number of factors, anyone's experience in BS3 can so often vary, and with that in mind, Football League World looks at some of the reviews given on Ashton Gate on Tripadvisor.

Ashton Gate earns "top marks" in certain reviews

Whilst a number of the more recent reviews regarding the experience when inside the stadium reflect on a Take That gig which was hosted in June 2024, the latest opinion which references sport, based on an experience in May, was an overly positive take on the ground.

In a review titled 'Fantastic place to watch sport', it stated: "Fantastic place to watch football or rugby. Great facilities and a great view from anywhere in the stadium. Top marks all round."

Another verdict which reflected on the encounter between the Robins and Reading FC on February 9th 2022 - which ended 2-1 to the hosts - claimed : "Visited for the Bristol City V Reading game. One of best the football grounds I have been to. Clean and well organised, with plenty of bars, eateries and facilities. A good friendly atmosphere."

A long-written opinion from April 2023 also reflected on a multitude of facets - of which varying verdicts were dished out - despite handing the stadium an initial five-star rating and beginning with : "Have been many times as a home fan and possibly biased but have managed to drag my Man Utd supporting brother along to some games and he's a big fan of the stadium."

However, it would be fair to say that some were less than impressed with their own experiences when visiting the West Country, with the first of those referencing a hospitality experience when the Reds took on West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day 2022.

"As a boxing day treat, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to hospitality before the game, even though we hold season tickets, each paying £150 so £300 altogether. IT REALLY WAS NOT WORTH IT, so please don't waste your money."

One notable criticism from visiting supporters was also a lack of parking within the immediate vicinity of the stadium.

"Good stadium with good facilities but the parking around the ground is absolutely shocking. There are no pay and display car parks in the surrounding areas as there are with other football clubs. Most football clubs have arrangements with local businesses who open up there sites and charge a fee to park. At one point I even asked a police officer for directions to a pay me display car park but even the police officer could not help."

Bristol City's form at Ashton Gate

The atmosphere at Ashton Gate has definitely improved in recent times, regardless of the fact City have so-often found it difficult to break into play-off contention and return to the top flight for the first time since 1980.

However, it must be said that the club's home form last campaign was a strong point, with Liam Manning's side picking up 37 of their 62 points on home turf, which included a notable 1-0 victory over eventual champions, Leicester City.