Ranking every current Premier League stadium

Fan experience

The thrill of watching football in the Premier League is hard to match, with every ground offering its own special character. Therefore, deciding how to order them is no simple task. This rundown considers what match day is like for supporters, weighing up atmosphere, access and overall design. All capacity details are taken from the Premier League website.

20. Vitality Stadium (Bournemouth)

The Vitality Stadium, with a capacity of 11,307, is the smallest in the league. Its compact layout means fans are close to the action, but it struggles to create the intensity of larger venues. Located on the outskirts of Bournemouth, it lacks the accessibility and grandeur of modern stadiums.

18. Turf Moor (Burnley)

The 21,944-capacity Turf Moor is steeped in history and offers one of the most traditional settings in the league. The stands sit tight to the pitch, which builds a raw, old‑school intensity that many modern venues cannot match. Getting there is fairly simple from Burnley town centre, though the concourses and facilities feel dated compared with newer grounds. Its charm lies in character rather than polish.

17. Gtech Community Stadium (Brentford)

The Gtech Community Stadium, with a capacity of 17,250, is both one of the most modern and smallest in the league. Its compact design fosters an intimate atmosphere, though it lacks the size of larger venues. Located in West London, it's easily accessible and a hit with fans.

16. Craven Cottage (Fulham)

Craven Cottage's riverside setting makes it one of the most picturesque stadiums in the league. Its traditional charm and appeal to families are undeniable, but the 24,500-capacity venue lacks the size and acoustics of modern arenas. Despite this, it remains a favourite for its intimate, somewhat middle-class atmosphere and unique location.

15. Stadium of Light (Sunderland)

The Stadium of Light combines a modern bowl design with impressive scale. For the up to 48,707 spectators, sightlines are excellent, facilities are up to date and transport connections are straightforward. When it's full, the roar can be immense, though the size of the ground, especially if not at capacity, means it sometimes lacks the intimacy of older venues.

14. Amex Stadium (Brighton & Hove Albion)

The Amex Stadium combines sleek modernity with excellent sustainability initiatives. With a capacity of 31,876, it offers a vibrant atmosphere, particularly during big matches. It was voted the best new stadium in the world in 2012 (Stadium Business Awards in Turin, Italy) and offers incredible views from every vantage point, including the more affordable seats. However, it's some distance from Brighton town centre and attendances aren't historically great.

13. Molineux (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Molineux strikes a balance between history and modernity, with recent renovations enhancing its facilities. Its 31,750 capacity generates a strong atmosphere, and its central location in Wolverhampton makes it convenient for fans.

12. Old Trafford (Manchester United)

Old Trafford's 74,197 capacity makes it the largest in the league and a symbol of Manchester United's illustrious history. Its relatively central location in Greater Manchester adds to its iconic status. However, ageing facilities, including a famously leaky roof, and rising ticket prices have drawn criticism from fans. Redevelopment delays mean it struggles to compete with the league's modern stadiums.

11. Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)

Built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Etihad Stadium is a modern marvel with a capacity of 52,900. Its state-of-the-art design and expanding facilities reflect Manchester City's ambition. Located just outside Manchester city centre, it's easily accessible and offers an excellent fan experience. The atmosphere, especially on European nights, sometimes leaves plenty to be desired, attracting the nickname 'Emptihad'.

10. Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace)

Selhurst Park is renowned for its electric atmosphere, driven by the Holmesdale Fanatics. However, its 25,194 capacity and older design fall short of modern standards. Located in South London, it's less accessible than some of its rivals, though its atmosphere compensates for its shortcomings.

8. Stamford Bridge (Chelsea)

Stamford Bridge is one of the most iconic stadiums in English football, steeped in over a century of history. Its prime location in West London makes it highly accessible, while the intimate 40,173 capacity enhances the atmosphere, especially for high-stakes matches with fans in close proximity to the pitch. However, its relatively small size compared to other top clubs limits match day revenues, and the ageing infrastructure poses challenges in meeting modern expectations.

7. Elland Road (Leeds United)

Elland Road provides a thunderous, passionate environment, especially when Leeds are chasing a result. The South Stand is famous for generating relentless noise, and the location is practical for travelling fans. Parts of the stadium could benefit from upgrades, but its authenticity and charged atmosphere are a major draw.

6. Villa Park (Aston Villa)

Villa Park is a timeless classic, combining historic charm with a strong match day atmosphere, especially now that European nights have returned to Birmingham. Its 42,918 capacity and excellent connections to the rest of the country meant, for many years, it hosted FA Cup semi-finals. Pure English football heritage.

5. City Ground (Nottingham Forest)

Situated on the banks of the River Trent, the City Ground's picturesque riverside location enhances the match-day experience, making it one of the most scenic grounds in English football. The stadium's 30,404 capacity ensures an intimate setting where the crowd's noise reverberates, creating an electric energy that spurs the team on.

4. Emirates Stadium (Arsenal)

Completed in 2006, the Emirates Stadium is a symbol of modern football, with a 60,704 capacity and sleek design. Located in North London, it's easily accessible and offers world-class facilities. The growing atmosphere, driven by Arsenal's success, has elevated the match-day experience.

3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a masterpiece of contemporary design, boasting a capacity of 62,850. Its iconic single-tier South Stand, which holds over 17,500 fans at an incline of 34 degrees, according to The Telegraph, is the largest in the UK and generates an incredible wall of noise on match days. With its retractable pitch and state-of-the-art facilities, the stadium sets a benchmark for modern venues.

2. Anfield (Liverpool)

Anfield is one of football's most iconic stadiums, renowned for its rich history and unparalleled atmosphere, especially on European nights. The legendary single-tier Kop stand (pictured) creates an electric energy that sets the venue apart. The emotional connection fans share with Anfield and its ability to inspire the team make it one of the most formidable and beloved grounds in the Premier League. Its recently expanded capacity of 61,276 ensures more fans can experience its unique magic. Located close to Liverpool city centre, Anfield is easily accessible for both home and visiting supporters.