One debate that is always being had between Premier League fans is who has the best stadium or atmosphere.
It is of course, very subjective, but we at Football FanCast have had a go at ranking all 20 top-flight English stadiums for the 2023/24 season based on their atmosphere, from worst to best.
20 Craven Cottage
Club: Fulham FC
Capacity: 25,700
Home since: 1896
Somebody has to be in dead last unfortunately and it is Fulham’s Craven Cottage that has drawn the short straw for us. Recent improvements to the ground may have helped improve the atmosphere but it is in an area of London which is renowned for being too friendly when it comes to a football crowd.
19 Stamford Bridge
Club: Chelsea FC
Capacity: 40,341
Home since: 1905
We don’t have to travel very far to reach 19th place as we now arrive at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea fans only have two chants and they involve saying the name of their club at different tempos which says it all really. On another day, the Blues could have been bringing up the rear in the place of their West London adversaries.
18 Emirates Stadium
Club: Arsenal FC
Capacity: 60,704
Home since: 2006
We are yet to move on from the capital as we go up North and pay a visit to the Emirates. Arsenal don’t necessarily boast a bad atmosphere but fans of a certain age are able to compare it to Highbury and it pales in comparison to its’ predecessor. Louis Dunford’s song “The Angel (North London Forever)” is a welcome addition before kick-off though that is for sure.
17 Etihad Stadium
Club: Manchester City FC
Capacity: 55,017
Home since: 2003
Our first foray out of London takes us to the stadium which is probably most talked about, and normally in a negative way, the Etihad. Once again, there is a group of the fanbase who will have fond memories of Maine Road and all of the ups and downs experienced there, whereas others will have only been along for the ride under Sheikh Mansour which is part and parcel of the game and the success it brings. It doesn’t get called the Emptyhad for no reason let’s just say that.
16 The London Stadium
Club: West Ham United FC
Capacity: 66,000
Home since: 2016
West Ham United fans will ask those of an Arsenal persuasion to hold their glass when the latter brings up moving from one stadium to another. Upton Park was one of the most intense battling grounds that English had to offer only for its replacement, the London Stadium, to sometimes be dubbed ‘a soulless bowl’. The Irons’ faithful can still create an atmosphere though and there isn't anything like hearing “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” at full tilt.
15 Dean Court
Club: AFC Bournemouth
Capacity: 11,329
Home since: 1910
It has to be said that the biggest issue with AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Court is the size of it with only Luton Town’s hotly contested home ground being smaller in the Premier League. They have seen some great moments there in recent years thanks to Eddie Howe and co but in the nicest way possible, it is relatively forgettable, hence its placement.
14 The Amex
Club: Brighton and Hove Albion
Capacity: 31,800
Home since: 2011
Remaining on the south coast with the high-flying Seagulls, Brighton and Hove Albion. It doesn’t get talked about much but the Amex looks fairly modern which is the actual case with it only being inhabited for just over a decade now.
13 Molineux
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Capacity: 32,050
Home since: 1889
Wolves may be going through their fair share of problems at the moment meaning Molineux may not be at its best in terms of atmosphere, but this doesn’t erase any of the history it has. The ground still produces a good sound and is deserving of a mid-table finish here.
12 Brentford Community Stadium
Club: Brentford FC
Capacity: 17,250
Home since: 2020
The newest stadium on this list by far is the home of Brentford, which was built with their Premier League ambitions in mind. The Bees’ fans have enjoyed some excellent moments in their new ground and have produced a noise to match it. Minus points for sharing it with a rugby team though!
11 Kenilworth Road
Club: Luton Town FC
Capacity: 10,356
Home since: 1905
On another day, Luton Town could be at the very bottom of this list due to the complications that have come with their promotion to the top-flight. Kenilworth Road is engrained in EFL heritage though and those tight touchlines which even the best cameramen can be caught out by are iconic. Renovations or not, Luton’s stomping ground shouldn't be looked down upon.