The Memorial Stadium, known as The Mem, was built in 1921 and was given its name to honour local rugby union players who lost their lives in World War I. The stadium was originally the home of Bristol Rugby Club and became home to Bristol Rovers in 1996.
The West Stand has the look of a cricket pavilion and houses some executive boxes as well as an area of terrace. The stand only runs for about half the length of the pitch, straddling the halfway line. The Thatchers End is a small covered terrace and the East Stand contains covered seating to its rear and terracing to the front. It has open terracing on either side that is often given to the away supporters.
Memorial Stadium Statistics
Stadium Key Facts:
- Capacity: 12,300
- Address: Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0 AQ
- Year Opened: 1921
- Home Team: Bristol Rovers
- Record Attendance: 12,011 v West Bromwich Albion, 9th February 2008.
- Owner: Bristol Rovers Football Club
- First Fixture: 24th September 1921, Bristol v Cardiff (Rugby match)
Memorial Stadium Design & Architecture
The Memorial Stadium features a mix of seated and standing areas, reflecting its evolution over time. The main stands include:
- West Stand: This stand houses the club’s primary facilities, including changing rooms and hospitality suites.
- East Stand: Comprising both seating and terracing, it accommodates a significant portion of the fanbase.
- North Terrace: A popular standing area behind one of the goals, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
- South Stand: Historically a temporary structure, it has been subject to recent redevelopment plans.
Memorial Stadium Seating Plan
The seating layout at Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium is a combination of seated and standing areas, reflecting its long history and ongoing modifications. Here’s an overview of the key sections of the stadium:
1. West Stand:
- Features: A mixed-use stand housing the players’ changing rooms, media facilities, and corporate hospitality areas.
- Seating: Offers covered seating with a clear view of the pitch.
- Location: Runs along one side of the pitch.
2. East Stand:
- Features: A two-tier structure comprising:
- Upper Tier: All-seated area with a good view of the pitch.
- Lower Tier: A terraced section for standing fans.
- Location: Opposite the West Stand.
3. North Terrace:
- Features: A standing area behind one of the goals.
- Atmosphere: Known for its lively and vocal fans, contributing significantly to the matchday atmosphere.
- Location: Behind the northern goal.
4. South Stand:
- Features: A smaller, mostly temporary seated stand.
- Redevelopment: The club announced plans to replace the South and Southwest Stands with a modern structure, increasing capacity and improving facilities.
- Location: Behind the southern goal.
5. Additional Notes:
- The stadium has areas without a roof, such as parts of the East Stand and the South Stand, which can leave fans exposed to the elements.
- The away supporters are typically allocated a section in the East Stand and sometimes the South Stand, depending on ticket demand.
Memorial Stadium Tickets & Pricing
Tickets are priced on a match-by-match basis and differ depending on the area of the stadium you are sitting in. Bristol Rovers place each opponent into a category and price their tickets accordingly.
Terrace tickets for an adult for a Category A fixture cost £25, Category B will cost £20 and a Category C game costs £15. Tickets for seniors or those under the age of 21 for the different categories are £20, £15 and £10. Children under 14 are charged £10 for Category A and B games and £5 for Category C contests.
Should you wish to purchase a ticket for the East or West Stands, the different categories are priced at £35, £30 and £25 for adults. For under 21s and seniors, the tickets cost £30, £25 and £20 and children under 14 will pay £20, £15 and £10.
South Stand tickets for Category A fixtures cost £30 for adults, £25 for those under 21 and seniors and £15 for those under 14. Category B ticket prices are £25, £20 and £10 with Category C fixtures costing £20, £15 and £5.
How To Get Memorial Stadium Tickets
Tickets for Bristol Rovers’ matches at the Memorial Stadium from the club website: bristolrovers.co.uk or directly from the ground. Tickets for League One fixtures are available to buy on general sale via the website.
Match Day Atmosphere & Fan Experience
The Memorial Stadium elicits a range of opinions regarding its matchday experience and atmosphere.
There are many positive aspects to the ground, and one of those is the atmosphere. Many fans have commented how the ‘old school’ ambience of the stadium is a real plus point of any visit. The North Stand in particular is known for its vibrant atmosphere. Stewarding has also been commended by some visitors who praised the professionalism of the steamers which has added to the positive environment.
Some, however, have raised concerns in relation to the uncovered away end that leaves supporters open to adverse weather conditions. Traffic congestion and parking are also issues that have been raised as part of the matchday experience. Parking near the stadium can be a challenge due to limited spaces and narrow streets.
How To Get To The Memorial Stadium
By car from the north:
- Take the M5 heading south toward Bristol.
- Exit at Junction 16 for the A38 toward Bristol (Filton/Thornbury).
- Follow the A38 south toward Horfield.
- The Memorial Stadium is located on Filton Avenue. Look for parking options nearby as the stadium itself has limited parking.
By car from the south:
- Head toward Bristol using major roads or highways (e.g., M5 or A38).
- Use Gloucester Road (A38) to reach Filton Avenue, where the stadium is located.
- Parking is limited, so consider nearby parking options or park-and-ride services.
Bristol has multiple train stations that are close to the Memorial Stadium. The city’s main station is Temple Meads, which is ideal for those travelling from further afield. Bristol Temple Meads is a 19-minute drive from the Memorial Stadium.
Other stations include Ashley Down, Montpelier and Bristol Parkway. Ashley Down is approximately a 25-minute walk or an eight-minute drive from the Memorial Stadium. Montpelier Station is a 13-minute drive away and Bristol Parkway is a 14-minute drive.
How To Access The Memorial Stadium For Home Fans
Home fans are housed in the North, South and East Stands. Entry to the North Stand is through turnstiles 9-15 with the East Stand being accessed via turnstiles 18-23. The West and South Stands are entered through turnstiles 1-8 which are located are located in the corner between the North and West Stands.
You can park in the Bristol Rovers’ car park which can be accessed from the A38 (South) towards Bristol city centre. Continuing along the A38 Gloucester Road will bring you to Filton Avenue. The entrance to the club car park is the second right down this road. Parking is also available on the streets surrounding the Wellington pub.
Hotels Near The Memorial Stadium
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express is a three-star hotel that is approximately 1.4 miles northeast of the Memorial Stadium, which is approximately a 15-minute car journey. The Holiday Inn Express offers on-site parking and a free breakfast with your room booking. Rooms start at around £80 and include a breakfast.
- Address: South End, Temple Gate, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS1 6PL
- Telephone: +44 1438 312282
- Website: www.ihg.com
Future Inn Bristol Cabot Circus
Rooms at this four-star hotel will set you back around £80 for a night and is just an 11-minute drive away from the Memorial Stadium. Parking is available to guests overnight at a cost of £9 at the adjacent Cabot Circus car park. This is in Bristol’s clean-air zone, so check your car’s eligibility before travelling. Guests can enjoy free wi-fi, free cancellation and an on-site restaurant.
- Address: Bond Street South, Bristol, BS1 3EN
- Website: Hotels at Bristol Cabot Circus | Parking | Future Inns
Travelodge Bristol Central
The Travelodge Bristol Central is a three-star hotel with rooms that can be found starting as low as £42.99. The hotel is around a 16-minute drive from the Memorial Stadium.
The hotel offers early check-in from 12 noon at an extra cost of £15 and unlimited breakfast can be purchased at a cost of £9.99 per person. Parking is charged at £13.50 for 24 hours.
- Address: Anchor Road, A4, Bristol, BS1 5TT
- Website: www.travelodge.co.uk
Pubs & Bars Near The Memorial Stadium
Knights Templar
This is a Wetherspoons pub close to Bristol Temple Meads railway station meaning it is the perfect place for away fans to grab some cheap food and drink before making their way to the Memorial Stadium.
- Address: 1 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6DG
The Wellington
This Victorian pub is less than a ten-minute walk from the Memorial Stadium and offers a selection of real ales, food and a beer garden. It also shows live sport.
- Address: Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8UR
The Royal Oak
Another pub ideally placed at just over a ten-minute walk from the stadium is the Royal Oak on Gloucester Road.
The Royal Oak offers food, and cocktails and is Cask Marque Approved as well as showing both Sky and TNT Sports.
- Address: 385 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8TN
Updates On The Memorial Stadium
A planned move away from The Memorial Stadium was shelved in 2023, and the club’s owner Hussain Al Saeed confirmed the club would focus on redeveloping their current home. Plans include the development of both the East and North stands to take the capacity to between 16-17,000.