Since 1992, when the transition from Division One to the Premier League was ratified, there have been plenty of iconic stadiums that have come and gone. But when picking and choosing between the greatest to ever feature in the Premier League, there is plenty to chew over. Are they distinctive in appearance? How well is it designed? Is it steeped in history?
Ranking Factors
History
Longevity
Atmosphere
Capacity
Design
Location
Recognition
1 Old Trafford
Manchester United
Home to one of the biggest clubs in England – if not the world – Old Trafford has stood tall ever since opening its doors as early as 1910. Manchester United, albeit no longer, were admired as the dominant force in English football – and the resulting boom in financial gain allowed it to balloon to its current size.
The sad state of the Theatre of Dreams may be completely different in 2024, but there are many aspects that simply cannot be overlooked: its history, idiosyncratic persona and the abundance of talent that have called it home over the years.
2 Highbury
Arsenal
Long before Arsenal fans called the flashy Emirates Stadium their home, it was within the four walls of Highbury when Arsene Wenger’s sexy football was in full flow. Fuss aplenty was made of the north Londoner’s move from Highbury, given that it is entirely steeped in history and complemented with stories to tell the grandchildren.
An aerial shot of the old Wembley Stadium.
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Distinctive from outside and overwhelmingly powerful from within, Highbury exuded a certain feeling: authenticity. It will always be fondly looked back on as Arsenal’s true home ground – and one that was induced goosebumps as soon as it was within eyeshot.
3 Anfield
Liverpool
A stadium that opposition teams – and their travelling contingents – fear to visit, the continually-evolving Anfield will forever be enshrined in Premier League mythology thanks to its undying commitment to producing ear-splitting noise for the Liverpool players to bask in.
Recognised as one of the most atmospheric grounds in British football, the revered arena – situated on the edge of Stanley Park, Merseyside – has become renowned for its ferocity on matchday even when the results have not been up to scratch.
Typically, though, supporters who visit the 61,276-strong stadium on a regular basis have borne witness to an attractive brand of football – apart from the first seven years when it played host to their noisy neighbours, Everton.
Newcastle United
When packed to the brim and bloated with raucous fans and flowing flags, there are not many football stadiums in world football that have the same contagious energy as Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, their long-term home since 1892.
Since over a century ago, fans have turned out in their droves to watch the Magpies in action on a bi-weekly basis. Sat on a hill in the epicentre of the football-crazed city, which has established its sense of importance, its lopsided nature is thanks to the vast redevelopment of two stands in 1998.
5 Villa Park
Aston Villa
The sheer size and architecture of Villa Park, the home of none other than Aston Villa, is nothing short of fascinating – and it’s, therefore, no surprise to see fans turn up in their thousands to watch their beloved Premier League outfit in action. That has not always been the case, though, as they spent plenty of years as England’s sleeping giant in the Championship.
Providing an atmosphere as authentic as any in the Premier League, Villa Park is unique and glamorous in equal measure. Widely admired for the towering presence of the Holte End, Villa Park is seldom for being unassuming – irrespective of the on-field exploits – and the fans that attend are almost as important as the daunting confines of their 42,918-seater ground.
6 Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
Stamford Bridge is close to the hearts of Chelsea fans for many reasons. Whether it be the memories of all the trophies the men in blue have lifted in west London or the memorable matches – the ‘Battle of the Bridge’, most notably – one cannot dispute that it’s unique in its own right.
Silverware and success aside, the personal touches such as ex-Chelsea forward Peter Osgood’s ashes being buried under the penalty spot at the Shed End is what makes the historic ground such a special entity of Premier League football.
7 White Hart Lane
Tottenham Hotspur
Serving as the iconic home of the north Londoners over a 118-year period, White Hart Lane – admired by Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as their favourite Premier League ground of all time – is synonymous with the apex of the Barclays era, as the likes of Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane were terrorising defences in front of their loyal fanbase.
8 Goodison Park
Everton
Irrespective of the result, whether Everton are winning or losing 5-0, you can bet your bottom dollar that Goodison Park will be bouncing from start to finish thanks to their unceasing support. Officially unveiled in 1892 with an athletics event, it wasn’t long before it became the bonafide home of the Blues.
Despite being in need of a major face lift, hence the club’s decision to relocate, Everton’s current home ground oozes character and their three-tiered Main Stand remains as striking as they come. That said, it is the Gwladys Street Stand that provides the optimal Goodison Park experience.
9 Boleyn Ground
West Ham United
Affectionally referred to as Upton Park by Premier League aficionados, West Ham’s previous stadium carried a reputation that struck fear into anyone who dared to dream and its unnerving proximity, contrasting to what is now the case at the London Stadium, made a trip to east London all the more difficult.
Millwall fans looking angry and then three stadiums in little circles: The Den (Millwall), Ibrox (Rangers), and Elland Road (Leeds)
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Located in the capital, the Hammers – who were crowned Europa Conference League champions in 2022/23 – tipped up to their old stadium between 1904 and 2016 and although it was well-trodden and, as a result, replaced – its presence will always be fondly looked back on.
Leeds United
Being inside Elland Road can take you on a tumultuous ride – but it’s always captivating enough that you don’t want it to end. And although it may not currently be a Premier League stadium as the once-brilliant Leeds United are currently residing in the second tier, its memorable demeanour, combined with its intimidating nature, sees it rub shoulders with the country’s greatest.
