For the third time, Stadium Journey presents its rankings of the stadium experience for the 20 clubs in the Premier League. There are several categories in the ground reviews: food & beverage in the arena, atmosphere, the local neighbourhood, fans, access (including parking, restrooms, and ability to move around on the grounds), overall return on investment, and a catchall category for all extras.
We use the rating of our correspondents as our primary ranking, with the crowd reviews of our members as the secondary factor. In cases where there is still a tie, we have an internal discussion to determine which arena experience might be slightly better. Click on the stadium or team name to read each stadium review.
As with any list of stadium rankings, there will be some disagreements and a few headscratchers. You are more than willing to let us know what you think in the comment section, and perhaps we could see a change next year, but until then, here is the 2023 Stadium Journey EPL Stadium Ranking.
Photo by Karen Sullivan, Stadium Journey
The Spurs finally opened their brand new stadium after many months of delay a few years back but was worth the wait. Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium is one of the grandest of its kind in football on the planet. The modern features, details of excellence, view of the pitch, and overall atmosphere put the grounds among the upper echelons of English Football.
Photo by Alessia Arpino.
Etihad Stadium provides supporters with fantastic sightlines, a lively atmosphere, and an innovative toroidal-shaped roof supported by a tension system with blue lighting beacons. It holds 55,000 fans and supporters who expect a championship side year after year. The area becomes alive with a sea of light blue on match day.
Photo by Man United.
Old Trafford oozes the atmosphere, with the large stands, unobstructed views, and closeness of the seats to the pitch and the singing of Glory Glory Man United (for example). It is still one of the iconic English grounds to visit and is a must-see venue in itself. The worldwide support of the Red Devils and the recent history of championships makes Old Trafford a top 3 spot on our list.
Photo Courtesy of Filipo Nicoli.
Constructed in 1897, Villa Park is a true British traditional football ground where every stand is different, stands alone, and has its character. The Holte End still has its original brick facade. No other British stadium can top the authenticity of Aston Villa stadium.
File Photo
Uniquely for such a prominent Premier League club, St. James’ Park is the centerpiece of the city with everything else revolving around it. This makes for an excellent atmosphere as both the city and its only football team merge wonderfully. The club’s famous black and white stripes are ubiquitous. This is a city that seems to be either watching football or talking about it seven days a week.
Photo by Gary Foxall, Stadium Journey
Falmer Stadium, formerly known as the Amex Stadium or The Amex, has a layout helps retain the noise levels, and when full, the atmosphere is as good as any in the league. The club also does its best about pre-match entertainment to get the crowd singing. The West Stand is a three-tiered structure housing luxury boxes and the majority of the club’s facilities that include banqueting suites, conference rooms, and a nursery.
Craven Cottage Entrance, Photo Courtesy of Cardiff City FC
Craven Cottage is one of the more historic grounds in English football and is rich with history. The Riverside Stand modernized the venue and maintained its vintage charm. With the club now in the top tier of English Football, there might not be a better time to make plans to attend a match.
Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey
Southampton has a strong maritime history and you will find more than enough to keep you entertained if you visit for a weekend. On the football front, they have always been entertainers, except for a brief spell under Ian Branfoot who didn’t quite understand that tradition. The club’s best player, Matthew Le Tissier, is still a fan of this friendly club and often attends games.
Photo by Ian Lawrence
A club in the heart of the Midlands with easy transport links from local airports and London provides supporters and visitors from all over the country a fairly hassle-free trip to the city of Leicester and the King Power stadium. You’ll be treated to a modern stadium with modern facilities in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with the opportunity to watch Premier League football.
Photo by Matin Minelez, Stadium Journey
Goodison Park is worth a visit. It is one of the more historic venues in English Football, and the quality of play is excellent. The superb destination to watch football is recommended by the casual supporter or someone who wants to take in a football match while in town.
Photo by Gerry Chow
Elland Road is home to one of the most famous clubs in England, Leeds United. The Yorkshire side has fallen from grace in recent years, but in the past, they were considered one of the biggest names in football and were most successful under Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s. The club’s motto and famous chant is Marching on Together, and the song can be heard reverberating around every corner of the stadium on match days before kick-off.
Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey
Stamford Bridge is one of the most storied stadiums in London and the United Kingdom. While Chelsea FC’s recent success has added to the history of the venue, there were times in the 1970s and 1980s when few would have guessed that it would eventually be home to London’s first European champion club after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League.
13. Anfield – Liverpool
Photo by Ross Jolly
Walking under the iron gates where the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone” are inscribed is an inspiring experience. It is one of the largest stadiums in English Football and one of its oldest grounds, having first been built-in in 1884. Liverpool has called in their own since 1892, and visitors are welcomed to one of the most iconic grounds in English Football.
Photo by Tori Armenia.
With under 12,000 seats, Vitality Stadium offers an atmosphere that is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. It is the smallest ground in English Football. However, the facility does have its ambiance and anesthetics that make it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The concourses and stands are tight and crowds can become dense when moving around the stadium. However, just because you are small in size you don’t pack a punch.
Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey.
After 116 years at their much-loved Griffin Park home, Brentford FC finally has a brand-new stadium, fit for the Premier League. It is less than a mile from their former home, made famous for having a pub on each corner. The new campus, next to the River Thames in the west of London, includes a 17,500 stadium, 910 homes, and a new public square.
City Ground Corner, Photo by Andrew Martin.
Luckily, this is a ground that still retains an intimately authentic hue and this created a fine atmosphere as the game progressed and the music died. Before the game, the ground – situated on the South Bank of the River Trent – made things relatively idyllic. A rip-roaring victory for Forest didn’t do any harm either.
Photo by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey
There are various clubs in the London area playing league football, and when visiting the city, it might be tough to decide, but they all should all have stands that are steep and close to the pitch. However, the home of the Hammers offers a great group of supporters that provide a great experience on matchday.
Photo by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey
The design of the grounds creates a warm and cozy atmosphere for home games. The stands are close to the field, rounded out, and have no obstructed views. As for singing and intensity, consider visiting a game against a higher-ranked team.
Photo by David Tyler
A visit to Molineux makes for a great occasion, as it was special to see a packed house for a football match. The atmosphere and the quality of football are incredibly high. Ticket prices can be a tad on the high side and recent improvements have enlarged the stands to create a better atmosphere.
Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey
Selhurst Park is an enjoyable experience when staying in London. The cozy conditions of the smaller ground give both fans and supporters a chance to enjoy football in a darling of the venue. The fan is on top of the action at the game. The grounds are always packed with friendly revelers enjoying an afternoon of football.
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