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