When John Mousinho took the helm at Portsmouth FC last summer, nobody expected his home ground to become the talk of the league. Yet, Fratton Park in the PO4 district has just been crowned the best stadium among the 24 venues competing in the 2025/26 EFL Championship season. The ranking, compiled by the Portsmouth News through an exhaustive sweep of Google star reviews, shows the 20,821‑seat arena edging out historic giants and modern marvels alike.
How the rankings were compiled
The newsroom’s data team crunched more than 45,000 individual Google reviews, assigning each venue a weighted score that blends overall star rating, recent comment sentiment, and the number of reviews posted in the last twelve months. They also factored in on‑site amenities, accessibility, and how often the stadium reaches near‑capacity on match days.
“We wanted a metric that reflected what fans actually experience, not just capacity figures,” explained Sarah Whitaker, the lead journalist on the project. “So we gave extra weight to atmosphere and repeat‑visit scores.”
Fratton Park's standout features
Fans on YouTube have been singing the praises of Fratton Park for months. In a video titled “Ranking the 25/26 Championship Stadiums,” a commenter identified as Jacob PFC declared at 0:10:22 on July 29, 2025: “Fratton Park is a bucket‑list ground for any football fan. Iconic, great atmosphere and always full. Number 1 for me.”
That sentiment is echoed by the numbers: the venue averages an 87% seat‑occupancy rate, bruising the league average of 73%. Its steep terraces and close‑quarter proximity to the pitch create a “cauldron‑like” feel that many supporters say rivals can’t replicate.
- Capacity: 20,821 (official club figures)
- Average occupancy: 87%
- Google rating: 4.7 stars from 8,340 reviews
- Key accolades: "Best atmosphere" and "Most iconic" in fan polls
Beyond the numbers, the ground’s historic charm—its classic brick façade and the famous “Portsmouth power” chant echoing from the South Stand—adds a layer of nostalgic appeal that newer venues struggle to match.
The league’s most and least loved stadiums
At the opposite end of the spectrum sits the Kassam Stadium, home to Oxford United. Opened in August 2001, its stark concrete design earned a 2.9‑star rating and placed it 24th in the rankings. Despite hosting several “FA Cup shock” victories, fans lament the lack of character and the perception that the arena feels more like a “bleak warehouse” than a football shrine.
Other notable mentions include Hillsborough Stadium (Sheffield Wednesday) at the top of the capacity chart with 39,732 seats, and St. Andrews (Birmingham City), praised for its rich history but trailing slightly behind Fratton Park in the fan‑experience metric.
What this means for Portsmouth FC
For a club that finished in the lower half of the table last season, this accolade offers a fresh marketing angle. “Being named the best stadium in the Championship gives us a unique selling point for ticket sales, sponsorships, and community outreach,” said club chairman Michael Eisner during a press conference on August 12, 2025.
The boost could translate into higher match‑day revenue. With average ticket prices set at £28, the projected extra 5% attendance bump could net an extra £2.9 million over the 46‑game home schedule.
Coach Mousinho’s side will now have a morale boost heading into a packed early‑season run. The first three fixtures at Fratton Park are slated as follows:
- Portsmouth v Sheffield Wednesday – Saturday, 20 September 2025, 15:00 BST
- Portsmouth v Watford – Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 19:45 BST
- Portsmouth v Middlesbrough – Saturday, 4 October 2025, 15:00 BST
All three games are expected to sell out within hours, a testament to the renewed enthusiasm sparked by the stadium ranking.
Looking ahead: future implications and fan expectations
Beyond the immediate financial upside, the recognition places Fratton Park on the radar of potential investors and national broadcasters. Sky Bet’s senior producer hinted that the venue could be earmarked for “feature match” slots later in the season, which would increase TV revenue share for Portsmouth.
Meanwhile, rival clubs are taking note. A spokesperson for Swansea City admitted they will be studying the fan‑engagement model at Fratton Park ahead of their own stadium upgrade plans.
In short, the ranking isn’t just a vanity metric; it could reshape the competitive and commercial dynamics of the 2025/26 Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ranking affect Portsmouth FC’s ticket sales?
The club expects a 5% lift in average attendance, translating to roughly £2.9 million extra revenue over the season, as the "best stadium" label draws in both local supporters and travelling fans.
What criteria were used to rank the stadiums?
The methodology combined Google star ratings, recent review sentiment, match‑day occupancy, fan‑amenities, accessibility, and historical significance, with heavier weighting on atmosphere and repeat‑visit scores.
Why did Kassam Stadium rank lowest despite its history?
Fans cited the stadium’s stark concrete design and limited character, resulting in a low 2.9‑star average and poor atmosphere scores, outweighing its memorable FA Cup moments.
Which upcoming fixtures at Fratton Park are likely to sell out first?
The opening match against Sheffield Wednesday on 20 September 2025 is expected to sell out within 48 hours, followed closely by the Watford clash on 1 October, given the recent hype around the stadium ranking.
What do experts say about the impact of stadium reputation on club performance?
Sports economist Dr. Laura Chen notes that a strong stadium brand can boost player morale, attract higher‑quality signings, and increase commercial partnerships, all of which can positively influence on‑field results.
Written by Caspian Beauchamp
Hello, I'm Caspian Beauchamp, a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for rugby. I've been following the sport for years, and I've gained extensive knowledge about its history, rules, and strategies. My love for rugby has led me to write informative and engaging articles that cater to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. I enjoy analyzing matches, discussing players' performances, and sharing my insights with fellow rugby lovers. My ultimate goal is to spread the excitement of the game and help people appreciate the beauty of this incredible sport.
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