| I've been supporting my team home and away for | | | | better places for atmosphere and comfort. |
| around 25 years and have been to many grounds | | | | Architecturally it's nothing to write home about but |
| throughout England. Over the years I've seen an | | | | you can't have everything. |
| incredible transformation in facilities and infrastructure, | | | | 6. The Galpharm Stadium - Huddersfield Town |
| especially since the Taylor report was published. The | | | | For it's unique architecture and great facilities, this |
| huge amount of TV money and commercialisation of | | | | stadium which was built in 1995 has the atmosphere |
| the game at the top level has meant clubs have | | | | of a much older ground. |
| been able to build incredible new stadia with all | | | | 5. St.James Park - Newcastle United |
| modern conveniences. They are undoubtedly more | | | | A hugely lop-sided stadium wedged into a small area |
| comfortable than the grounds they replaced but | | | | right in the centre of Newcastle, it towers over the |
| have they lost some of what made those grounds | | | | surrounding buildings. The atmosphere can be as good |
| the places they were? Atmosphere, familiarity and | | | | as anywhere on it's day and the facilities are good. |
| location are three things that have often been | | | | 4. KC Stadium - Hull |
| overlooked when building a new stadium. | | | | Excellent services, excellent views, good food and a |
| With the following list, I've tried to take all the | | | | decent atmosphere put this all rounder in the top ten. |
| factors that are important to me into consideration | | | | 3. Old Trafford - Manchester United |
| and given extra points if the stadium is impressive | | | | The ground has been developed bit by bit over the |
| for some other reason. | | | | years. It is a huge stadium, the North Stand is the |
| 10. Emirates Stadium - Arsenal | | | | largest capacity stand in England. Atmosphere can be |
| Arsenal have carried out the most ambitious plans of | | | | lacking at times but for history alone the so called |
| all the teams who have redeveloped in recent years. | | | | Theatre of Dreams has got to be up there. |
| There are many reasons to dislike the stadium, it's | | | | 2. The Stadium of Light - Sunderland |
| name and lack of atmosphere being just two but any | | | | Another new stadium. Although there is often a |
| fan of stadiums can help being in awe of the design | | | | decent atmosphere, this one goes into the top ten |
| of the arena. | | | | for its facilities and food which are both beyond |
| 9. Wembley - England | | | | reproach. |
| The rebuilt England stadium is architecturally the most | | | | 1. Anfield - Liverpool FC |
| impressive stadium in the world today. It has more | | | | Liverpool have plans to build a new Anfield and |
| toilets than any other building in the world and for | | | | interestingly plan to keep the legendary Kop, the |
| that reason alone it goes into the top ten. | | | | stand on the south-west side of the stadium which |
| 8. Fratton Park - Portsmouth | | | | tends to generate much of the excellent atmosphere |
| Portsmouth are another team planning a shiny new | | | | in this old ground. |
| stadium in the not too distant future. Lets hope they | | | | A special mention also goes to Easter Road Stadium, |
| transfer some of the charm and atmosphere from | | | | the home of Hibs. Atmosphere, facilities and views |
| run down Fratton Park. | | | | are second to none there but being north of the |
| 7. Villa Park - Aston Villa | | | | border means this one can't be included. |
| The views are generally excellent and there are few | | | | |