Bristol City Women will be taking part in a pilot scheme for the remainder of the 2024/25 Championship season which will allow supporters to drink alcohol in their seats.
Fans inside the stadium will be able to drink in view of the pitch at women’s first-team matches at Ashton Gate, starting with next weekend’s clash with London City Lionesses.
Alongside the Robins, Birmingham City, Newcastle United and Southampton will all also be taking part in the scheme which serves as a step forward for football fans.
There has been a ban on alcohol in men’s football since 1985 when it was introduced as part of the Sporting Events Act with an aim to combat hooliganism. That legislation applies to the top five tiers of men’s football in England but so far, the ban at women’s games has been self-imposed by the authorities involved.
On the scheme, Bristol Sport CEO and Bristol City Women’s board chair Gavin Marshall said: “We are right behind this pilot and looking forward to seeing how it goes for the game against London City Lionesses and getting feedback from supporters.
“We believe that fans being allowed to enjoy their refreshment of choice in view of the pitch will add to what is already a great matchday experience.”
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Steve Kirby’s Vixens currently sit second in the FA Women’s Championship this season, level on points with table-toppers Birmingham City after the first 10 games of the campaign.
With the January transfer window now open, the Reds have already bolstered their squad with the permanent signing of Ireland youth international Lia O’Leary and the loan arrival of Jess Simpson from Manchester United.
After a break over the festive period, City get back underway with an FA Cup clash against Arsenal this weekend before their league season gets back underway against London City a week later.
That game will be the first of the trial with matches against Southampton, Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and Sunderland also set to allow supporters to drink alcohol in view of the pitch.