![\"Women](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_fan-zone-4.jpg\")
Women Rugby World Cup fans were drenched this afternoon at Ashton Gate on Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis \/ Reach Plc )<\/p>\nA USA rugby star and a former Prime Minister were among the attendeesWomen Rugby World Cup fans were drenched this afternoon at Ashton Gate on Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis \/ Reach Plc )<\/p>\n
The Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup brought Bristol a \u201ctremendous\u201d \u00a315million boost – and another major sporting event is coming in 2026. The local leisure industry<\/a> converted interest in the tournament – which England\u2019s Red Roses<\/a> went on to win – into serious money as two quarter finals and both semis were played at Ashton Gate.<\/p>\n More than 92,000 fans from the UK and overseas flocked to Bristol for the matches<\/a>, many extending their stay to enjoy the city\u2019s hotels, restaurants, shops, heritage and cultural attractions and the fan zone<\/a> at Lloyds Amphitheatre.<\/p>\n As well as the fans who travelled to the city, global influencers also came to enjoy the sporting spectacle <\/a>and shine a light on Bristol, including USA rugby star and social media icon Ilona Maher – who played for Bristol Bears <\/a>earlier this year – and former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.<\/p>\n Tourism chiefs are now hoping to build on the success and bid for further large sporting events in future, with the ICC Women\u2019s T20 Cricket World Cup already confirmed for next year. Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers\u2019 Association, said: \u201cThe Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup, hosted here in Bristol, has made a tremendous impact on the city\u2019s hospitality industry.<\/p>\n \u201cA heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising such a special and successful event. While a select number of hotels had the honour of hosting teams throughout the tournament, the benefits were felt across the entire market.<\/p>\n \u201cCity-wide, we saw exceptionally high occupancy levels – particularly across the two peak weekends, where occupancy exceeded 90%, and revenues rose by an impressive 20-30%.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was fantastic to see Bristol showcase itself on the international stage, welcome increased footfall, and thrive during such a prestigious occasion. Here\u2019s to many more world-class events in our city!\u201d<\/p>\n The city was also praised by World Cup organisers. Becs Leach, its head of tournament, venue and city operations for Rugby World Cup, said: \u201cBristol really got behind the Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup delivering four incredible match days at Ashton Gate Stadium and a lively, inclusive and entertaining fan zone in the amphitheatre.<\/a><\/p>\n “All our fans, workforce and teams were treated to a really special welcome in the city, so we want to thank everyone in Bristol for supporting us in making it such a massive success.\u201d<\/p>\n The fan zone \u2013 delivered in partnership with Visit West, Bristol City<\/a> Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Redcliffe and Temple BID – played a significant part in Bristol\u2019s success as host city despite some wet weather.<\/a><\/p>\n Compered by former England international Amber Reed and Welsh rising star Jenna De Vera, the fan zone featured a large screen showing the matches live and free activities from several local businesses including a mobile climbing wall by Mendip Activity Centre, creative and scientific workshops by We the Curious and ice hockey from Bristol Pitbulls.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_fan-zone-3.jpg\")
A few hardy souls enjoying the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the fan zone at Ashton Gate in Bristol (Image: Paul Gillis \/ Reach Plc )<\/p>\n