By Louis Parry-Garnaud, Sport Deputy Editor
Top-flight rugby, Championship football, county cricket, basketball and even ice hockey. All within just a few miles of campus at prices that won't destroy your student loan. Whether you want to become a die-hard fan or simply fancy a Saturday afternoon out with your mates, this guide covers everything you need to know about watching live sport in Bristol.
Football
Bristol City - Ashton Gate
Does chanting 'Bristol City's cider army' with 27,000 other supporters whilst watching Championship football for less than £20 sound like your idea of a great day out? If so, Bristol City is the club for you. The iconic Ashton Gate, located on the other side of the River Avon from campus, is home to both the men's and women's football teams, competing in the Championship and WSL 2 respectively. This year could prove exciting for both sides, with promotion very much on the cards for both. Under new manager Michael Skubala, the men's side will be looking to go one better than their play-off disappointment of two seasons ago, while Charlotte Healy's women's squad are strong favourites to finish in the top three following a narrowly missed promotion last season.
Fixtures: No better time to go than during Freshers' Week.
Bristol City (W) vs Newcastle United (W) - 12th of September, 17:15.
Bristol City vs Watford - 18th of September, 20:00 (pres for a big Friday night out).
Ticket prices: £13 – £23 (men's), £10 – £12 (women's).
Transport: 505 bus from Queen's Road or X1, X4, X6 from city centre to Winterstoke Road (20 min), 15-min cycle from Senate House.
Bristol Rovers - Memorial Stadium
If City feels too obvious, Rovers is the purist's choice. The Memorial Stadium may lack modern facilities, but there is something genuinely enticing about an old-school ground with real character. Playing in League Two (England's fourth division), the football is less corporate, more dramatic, with a raw and passionate atmosphere. For those used to the polished Premier League experience, a visit to the traditional terraces is a must. There are plans for redevelopment, shifting from largely standing to mostly seated. Get there while it's still standing.
Fixtures: 'The Gas' face Exeter at home on the 26th of September at 16:00 in a local derby.
Ticket prices: £12 – £15.
Transport: 74, 75, 76 bus from city centre to Memorial Stadium (20min).
Rugby
Bristol Bears - Ashton Gate / Shaftesbury Park / North Bristol RFC
Bristol Bears bring top-level men’s and women’s rugby right to your doorstep, with world-class international players turning out week in, week out for less than £20 a ticket. The men’s side play their home games at Ashton Gate, while many of the women’s fixtures take place at Shaftesbury Park and North Bristol RFC. The Bears have been one of the more exciting sides in the league in recent seasons, making for a brilliant afternoon out even if you have never watched a scrum in your life. The Bristol crowd are always welcoming and willing to explain any queries you may have about the game, so why not join the pack and get behind the Bears?
Fixtures: The Bears (Men's) face reigning champions Northampton Saints at home (Ashton Gate) on the 3rd of October.
The Bears (Women's) face Trailfinders Women at home (North Bristol RFC) on the 19th of September, kicking off at 1pm.
Ticket prices: £15 – £30.
Transport: 505 or X1, X4, X6 to Winterstoke Road. (Ashton Gate) | Y2 from City Centre to Hambrook (Shaftesbury Park) | T1 from City Centre to Almondsbury Depot (North Bristol RFC)
Cricket
Gloucestershire Cricket - Seat Unique Stadium
Tucked away in the heart of the city, Seat Unique Stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in England. While fixtures do not run throughout the whole academic year, catching at least one day of cricket in the sun is on the university experience bucket list. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed than football or rugby as everyone is simply there to have a good time.
Fixtures: Middlesex travel to Bristol on the 15th of September - the last home fixture before exam season at the end of the year.
Ticket prices: £17. Transport: 74, 75, 76 bus from city centre to Haverley Road (20 min).
Ice hockey
Bristol Pitbulls - Planet Ice
The hidden gem of Bristol sport. Ice hockey might just be the sport you never knew you loved. Fast, physical and unlike anything else on this list, the Pitbulls - who compete in the National Ice Hockey League - will convert you within five minutes. The crowd is small but ferociously passionate, and with the hugely popular series Heated Rivalry causing a surge in interest in the sport across the UK, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Fixtures: Bristol Pitbulls vs Romford Raiders on the 19th of September, 19:00 | vs Milton Keynes Lightning on the 27th of September, 17:15.
Ticket prices: £18. Transport: 2 bus from Park Street Top to The Venue (44 min).
Basketball
Bristol Flyers - SGS College Arena
The SGS College Arena hosts the Bristol Flyers, who compete in the British Basketball League. As an indoor venue it is the perfect option for live sport in the winter months. You are always close to the action and the fast-paced nature of the sport makes it easy to follow even if it is your first time watching.
Fixtures: Season runs from October through to spring.
Ticket prices: £17. Transport: 74 bus from The Centre to Abbeywood School (40 min).
Featured image: Instagram / Bristol City FC
