Ashton Gate to host Lionesses in Arnold Clark Cup double-header (1)

UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 winners England will play in Bristol for the first time since 2015 as part of a final matchday double-header on Wednesday, February 22nd.

In their final tournament ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sarina Wiegman’s side will attempt to defend the Arnold Clark Cup against Belgium, Italy, and Korea Republic.

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“We are delighted to be able to welcome the Lionesses back to Ashton Gate,” said Ashton Gate, Managing Director, Mark Kelly.

“It has been incredible to watch the Lionesses’ journey and we’ve followed their success since hosting them here back in 2015.  During that time, we completed our stadium redevelopment and we’ve been proud to host a number of high-profile international sporting and entertainment acts. Most recently, having the Red Roses play here, in their final warm-up match ahead of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was incredibly poignant. To see them now about to compete in another World Cup Final is truly inspiring.

“I look forward to us playing our part in the Lionesses’ World Cup preparations and hopefully the perfect send-off, in front of what I’m sure will be another record crowd.”

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The second edition in February 2023 will once again feature three double-header matchdays (16th, 19th and 22nd) as part of a round-robin. 

The Lionesses’ quest to retain the title will begin with two other FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 bound opponents, taking on Korea Republic at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, followed by Italy at a venue yet to be finalised.

The home side’s final match will be against Belgium at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, where one team will lift the Arnold Clark Cup, while Korea Republic will take on Italy in the earlier game as part of the final round-robin double-header matchday.

Tickets for Milton Keynes and Bristol are on sale now at www.arnoldclarkcup.com. Fans will have the opportunity to watch both matches of the double-headers using the same ticket, which will start from £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

As one of the final chances to see the European champions in action ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early.

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Sarina Wiegman, England Senior Women’s Head Coach said: “Winning the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup was a big achievement and gave us momentum and confidence heading into the Euros.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to defend this title in front of our fans. Everything we now do is about being ready for the World Cup. Facing three different good opposition, each with a different style of play and playing three matches in ten days is the perfect preparation for the challenges that await us this summer. We hope these games excite the fans and they continue to give us such amazing support.” 

One Brit who will be trying to stop the Lionesses from winning back-to-back titles is Korea Republic coach, Colin Bell. While full of praise for the home side, Bell was looking forward to the test that the Arnold Clark Cup would provide.

“The Arnold Clark Cup will be a very difficult and stressful tournament for us, but this is exactly what my team needs” says Bell. 

“We play top teams; they will expose and exploit all of our weaknesses. This will enable us to iron out all of our problems before the World Cup. Also it will enable us to prove – mostly to ourselves – that when we are well prepared, fit and tactically disciplined that we are capable of beating everyone.” 

Check out our Travel Guide for everything you need to know about how to get to Ashton Gate Stadium for the Arnold Clark Cup.

To purchase tickets for the event at Ashton Gate, you need to have created a Bristol Sport Club Account. To login to your existing account or to create a new account please click here.

For a step-by-step guide on how to create your Bristol Sport Club Account, please click here.

England fans will be able to watch every match live on ITV, and can follow tournament updates at: @arnoldclarkcup / #arnoldclarkcup