For the first time in its 142-year history, Bristol Rovers Football Club welcomed local Muslims to the Memorial Stadium for a Grand Iftar, opening its doors to the community for a special evening of prayer, reflection, and breaking fast.

The event, held on Thursday evening, was the vision of Zayn Alime, the club’s financial controller.

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He saw it as an opportunity to bring new faces into the stadium, fostering a sense of belonging among local Muslims, BBC reporter.

“People here have said it’s their first time at the stadium, so I thought, what a great opportunity for them to come, witness a stadium, meet new people, meet the staff here, and feel more involved and more welcome,” said Alime.

Faith and Community at the Heart of the Event

The iftar—the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan—was served to dozens of attendees, accompanied by prayers inside the stadium. The event aimed to celebrate the diverse community surrounding the club and introduce newcomers to the Bristol Rovers family.

Among those attending was Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh, who spoke about the significance of Ramadan, describing it as a time to “cleanse yourself” spiritually while also reflecting on the struggles of those less fortunate.

“The reason we do it is to feel how people who don’t have much go through every day without eating and drinking,” Conteh explained. “We all get blessed.”

The Grand Iftar marks a significant moment for Bristol Rovers, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement and inclusivity.

By opening its stadium for Ramadan, the club has taken an important step in building stronger ties with local Muslim supporters and fostering a welcoming environment for all.