Bring the Noise: Ranking All 20 Premier League Grounds Based on Fan Atmosphere
The Premier League has long been recognised as the most watched football league in the world, credited for incredible excitement and amazing atmosphere at the grounds of the 20 teams that make up the English top flight. But which ground enjoys the best atmosphere?
That's a subjective question and most (biased) fans would likely name their home stadium, but Football Ground Map has done their best to rank the stadia in the Premier League, based on data from fans who have travelled to grounds up and down the country.
While the site provides stats for different criteria, including location, view, and facilities, we've listed their atmosphere ranking for the grounds below.
20. West Ham - London Stadium
Most West Ham fans have been disappointed with the viewing experience at the London Stadium, with the action on the pitch much further away than at Upton Park.
The ill will towards the stadium transition and perceived mismanagement by the club hierarchy contributed to some ugly scenes at the stadium when the Irons first moved in, with pitch invasions and brawls in the stands marring multiple match days.
However, the Hammers faithful proved that they can create an electric atmosphere at the ground following their victory over Manchester United this past season, and performances on the pitch - with the club finishing 10th this season - have gone a long way to making the London Stadium a more enjoyable place to watch football.
19. Arsenal - The Emirates Stadium
Perhaps Alexandre Lacazette is on to something? Arsenal's number 9 recently revealed he misses the atmosphere of games in Ligue 1 and believes France's top flight fixtures have a greater aura than Premier League matches.
Take from that what you will, but it may reflect why the Emirates has been ranked so low...
18. Cardiff City - Cardiff City Stadium
The Bluebirds won promotion to the Premier League last season after an impressive campaign in the Championship, losing only three games at home.
Cardiff's fans, famed for their intimidating atmosphere at the old Ninian Park, attempted to recreate the boisterous environment at their new home, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to prevent the club from suffering relegation.
17. Manchester United - Old Trafford
A surprising ranking - but the people have spoken, OK?
Despite finishing second in the league last season, plenty of United fans weren't exactly thrilled with the type of football Jose Mourinho instilled in his squad, which could have led to a subdued atmosphere in the Theatre of Dreams. Follow that up with the turbulent season the Red Devils have had this past campaign, and when you think about it, it's not much of a surprise to see Old Trafford ranked so low.
16. Tottenham - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham finally moved into their new stadium this season, and boy, wasn't it worth the wait!?
An incredible venue to watch football, expect Spurs' new ground to be even higher next season - especially if the Lilywhites bring home the Champions League trophy.
15. Bournemouth - The Vitality Stadium
Dean Court (known for sponsorship purposes as the Vitality Stadium) has a capacity of 11,464 people, making it the smallest ground in the Premier League.
Even so, fans of the Cherries do their utmosts to create a cauldron of noise to spur their team on and stifle the opposition, and it's worked so far, with Bournemouth enjoying their fourth consecutive season in the top flight.
14. Manchester City - The Etihad Stadium
Man City may have repeated as Premier League champions this season, but they don't top this table.
Perhaps that's because the Citizens tend to crush their opponents, so there's rarely the thrill of a come-from-behind win, or the tension that comes with clinging on to a one goal lead... or maybe it's because, despite the trophies, they often fail to fill the 55,000-seater.
13. Watford - Vicarage Road
Vicarage Road has been home to Watford FC since 1922, and is recognised for providing a fan-friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy your football.
However, the club has intentions of turning the ground into a fortress, with reports in April stating the Hornets planned to talk to the city council about expanding capacity to 30,000.
12. Burnley - Turf Moor
Like the Vitality Stadium, Turf Moor is one of the smaller grounds in the league (capacity 22,546), but that hasn't stopped it from hosting some memorable matches in recent years.
Clarets fans even got to enjoy Europa League football at the stadium this season - albeit fleetingly.
11. Everton - Goodison Park
An iconic ground that looks as if it will be left to the ages (or probably demolished) with the club intending to move to a new stadium on the banks of the Mersey - although progress has been slow.
That simply means that football fans will have to enjoy the contests at Everton's home while they still can!
10. Chelsea - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea's plans to build a new stadium on the site of Stamford Bridge have temporarily been put on hold, but the Blues clearly have designs on expanding to a bigger venue.
However, considering the club's impending transfer ban and the inevitable transfer of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, the club has bigger problems on their hands right now.
9. Leicester City - The King Power Stadium
Who can forget the Foxes' legendary 2015/16 season, when they hoisted the Premier League trophy at the King Power Stadium, complete with tenor Andrea Bocelli serenading Claudio Ranieri and the fans?
Leicester may have failed to reach those same heights since, but that season, coupled with their incredible Champions League run, proves that fans of the Foxes know how to create a special atmosphere for football.
8. Fulham - Craven Cottage
Fulham may have the best-named ground in the entire league, with Craven Cottage serving as their home since 1896.
Fans are tightly packed in and close to the action at the old ground, creating a cacophony of noise that, on its day, is quite marvellous to be a part of - both as a player and a spectator. Sadly, the Cottagers have been relegated to the Championship - here's hoping they'll be back in the top flight soon!
7. Huddersfield Town - The John Smith's Stadium
The Terriers' relegation was confirmed early this season, with the club only winning three (THREE) matches all season.
But that didn't stop Huddersfield fans from doing all they could to create a vociferous atmosphere in the hopes of inspiring their team to a win and keep their top flight journey going for another season. Sadly, it was not to be.
6. Southampton - St Mary's Stadium
A somewhat surprise ranking for the Saints, who flirted with relegation this season, but under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl Southampton's style of play changed completely, with the pass-first, attacking football at St Mary's resonating with the fans.
5. Brighton - The Amex
Also known as the Falmer Stadium, the Amex was opened in 2011, finally granting the Seagulls a proper home after having to share with Gillingham for two seasons, then later making do at Withdean Stadium (an athletics stadium that lacked the facilities for league football).
Brighton fans have obviously made the Amex their own based on their ranking in this list, and that support will be crucial if they are to stay up this season.
4. Wolverhampton Wanderers - Molineux
Wolves have enjoyed a blistering return to the Premier League, finishing seventh this season and making the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Clearly, the wolfpack (trademark pending) have made Molineux a tough place to come for visiting teams (though they inexplicably lost to Huddersfield at home).
3. Liverpool - Anfield
Arguably the most famous stadium in the Premier League, Anfield is the oldest stadium in the top flight, first opening its doors to the public in 1884.
Fans from all over the world travel to Merseyside to tour the famous ground - even when the Reds aren't playing! But when Liverpool does take to the pitch, with flags waving and fans belting out 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from the stands, it's easy to understand why Anfield is such a special place.
2. Crystal Palace - Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is infamous for making opposing teams uncomfortable. With the construction of the stands making it seem like fans are almost on top of the players, the Eagles support let rival teams have both barrels for the full 90 minutes.
It's great for football, it's great to hear, and it creates an excellent atmosphere for football.
1. Newcastle United - St. James' Park
Though the ground has been tarnished with Sports Direct signage in every available nook and cranny, St. James' Park remains a cathedral of football.
Perched at the very top of the city of Newcastle, the noise from 52,000 Geordies echoes down into the streets, reflecting the crazed support the Magpies have enjoyed for generations.
The club may have recently fell on hard times thanks to its (ahem) controversial ownership, and the threat of fan boycotts looming large, but St. James' Park remains one of the best stadiums in England to watch a football match - if not the best.