Football / Features
In photos: Matchday at Ashton Gate
Photojournalist Darren Shepherd goes behind the scenes at Ashton Gate to capture the staff at work, the fans, and the clean up afterwards.
Preparing to open the gates for the fans. When the stadium rebuild is finished there will be a capacity of 27,000.
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Stewards chat by the entrance, whilst waiting for the first of the fans to arrive.
An early fan grabs a good seat to watch the match hoping for the other 16,000 seats to fill.
First-aiders are on stand-by throughout the game.
Meeting and greeting since 2005 – Scrumpy, the Bristol City mascot say hello to a fan at doors of the main concourse.
Fans gather at the concourse before the match starts, to see the Bristol City heroes images covering the length of the room.
Just time for a quick pint in the new South Stand before kick off.
An army of stewards are on hand every weekend.
Fans fill up by having a quick burger before the match.
City’s programme is called ‘Well Red’ – insights and information about the team.
The stadium begins to fill. The stadium has been open since the 1890’s. It was originally home to Bedminster FC.
Starting young – fans of all ages come to support Bristol City.
Just before kick off, with the weather looking promising.
The Atyeo Stand. Once the new West Stand is completed, the stand will be for the away team supporters.
The stand is named after John Atyeo who played for city 645 times and scored 351 goals, making him City’s top goalscorer ever.
James Ewing, 25, from Clevedon. James is a season ticket holder and has been attending matches at Ashton Gate since he was 6-years-old.
The stadium is the South West’s largest conference and event space, and is the home to not just Bristol City F.C. but also Bristol Rugby.
A steward watches while the match is in full flow.
City striving to equalise after Cardiff score the first goal. The first international match held at the ground was England V Wales way back in 1913.
Some of the many people that work on match day.
Enjoying a joke at half time.
Supporters cheering City on.
Watching and waiting – just before the match ends and the fans file back out.
Disappointed faces from the young fans as the final score stands City 0 Cardiff 2
The hardwork never ends. The pitch is mown again straight after the game in preparation for Sunday’s rugby match.
Groundsman Paul Williams helps to prepare the pitch for Bristol Rugbys Game on Sunday. Bristol Rugby have been playing at Ashton Gate consecutively since 2014.
Dan Sparks, head groundsman.
Dismantling the goalpost in readiness for Sunday’s rugby.
The last of the clean up.
When Ashton Gate is fully refurbished, the stadium will hold a capacity of 27,000, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. There will be up to 5,000 square meters of exhibition space, with 35 meeting rooms onsite.
See more photo essays: A day with the Harbourmaster and a tour of Bristol’s best barbers
Credit: Darren Shepherd