Some match-going fans in English football prefer their clubs to remain in the EFL Championship rather than move up to the Premier League because of its sense of community and passionate atmosphere. The second tier brings with it plenty of unpredictability and battles between cross-city clubs.
It is also home to some of the most famous stadiums in history due to the mix of clubs that either suffer relegation or earn promotion. Take, for example, Leicester City's modern King Power Stadium, which can accommodate over 32,000 fans; the Foxes' stomping ground feels like a big-time venue.
That's certainly not the case for Oxford United, whose 25-year absence from the Championship was none more apparent than the sight of Kassam Stadium's lack of development last season. It's no wonder the Yellows have plans to build a new stadium.
With that said, we have tasked the AI tool Grok AI to examine and rank each of the 24 grounds that will host games in the Championship this season. Only one of last season's relegated clubs makes the top five.
24 St. Andrew’s - Birmingham City
St Andrews
Capacity: 29,409
Reason: Ranked worst due to maintenance issues and a patchy matchday experience, despite “good bones” and old-school charm. Neglect overshadows its historical value.
Note: Birmingham’s League One success doesn’t improve the stadium’s condition.
Birmingham City's St Andrews is the worst stadium in the EFL Championship according to Grok and that stems from it's lack of development since the 1990s. It has witnessed many of the club's best moments, including classics in the Second City Derby.
It was inevitable the West Midlands outfit would attend to their aging stadium as soon as Tom Brady became involved as a minority owner. There are plans for Chris Davies' men to move into a new 60,000 stadium within the next five years.
23 MKM Stadium - Hull City
MKM Stadium
Capacity: 25,586
Reason: Criticised for its sterile, multi-use design, with a flat atmosphere and distant stands. Lacks the intimacy of football-first grounds.
Note: Increased attendance under new ownership, can’t overcome design flaws.
While MKM Stadium (previously called KCOM Stadium until 2016) is famed for hosting Hull City's venture into the Premier League its got its flaws. One of which is the Tigers share the ground with rugby league club Hull FC which can lead to wear and tear on the pitch.
There have been some fond memories for fans of the East Yorkshire to look back on, such as watching Jimmy Bullard be a comedy genius in the English top-flight. But its atmosphere has long been questioned and many fans wish it was more central to the Hull community as their previous stomping ground Booothferry Park.
22 Fratton Park - Portsmouth
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Capacity: 20,688
Reason: The “Pompey faithful” create an electric atmosphere, but the stadium’s outdated, “tired” infrastructure pulls it down.
Note: Its passionate fanbase slightly mitigates its low ranking.
Portsmouth undoubtedly have one of the most passionate set of fans in the country. In fact, they were up there with the best during their Premier League years. But not even the deafening roar of the Fratton End can hide the glaring lack of modernization that should come with Championship football.
That said, Pompey's home is rooted in the club's history and is one of the oldest stadiums in English football. The south coast side's owners perhaps have that in mind as they take on redevelopment plans rather than knocking it down and building a new fortress.
21 Ewood Park - Blackburn Rovers
Ewood Park Blackburn Rovers
Capacity: 31,367
Reason: Too large for current needs, with a quiet atmosphere and an “air of decline.” The Darwen End generates noise, but it feels dated.
Note: Higher capacity places it above smaller grounds, but vibe issues keep it low.
Another one that falls into the outdated category is Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park although that name alone screams 'Barclays' Premier League. It's been 13 years since Rovers were in the big time and it doesn't feel as though Valerian Ismael's troops will be battling for promotion this season.
Grok has questioned the stadium's atmosphere and speaks of its decline but it is an important part of the city. Its location is a plus but you might not want to risk driving to the venue to close to kick off.
20 The Valley - Charlton Athletic
the-valley-charlton-athletic
Capacity: 27,111
Reason: Criticised for a “tired design” and “lack of buzz” due to off-pitch instability and inconsistent crowds. It’s less hostile than in its prime.
Note: Charlton’s promotion may improve its atmosphere slightly.
Gone are the glorious days of Alan Curbishley orchestrating his Charlton Athletic team from the Valley touchline, and time away from the Premier League has had implications. Grok's main issues stem from its atmosphere, although that might be due to questions over its facilities, including the quality of the beer.
It has an old-school feel and the red seating makes it initially easy on the eye while it's location is a touch for fans in the area to travel. There are claims over tight legroom, but a tight mid-table squeeze would be a job well done for Nathan Jones' Addicks.
19 Kassam Stadium - Oxford United
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Capacity: 12,500
Reason: One of the smallest stadiums, its three-sided design and basic facilities rank it low. Limited capacity and lack of modern appeal place it here (assumed based on, as not explicitly ranked.
Note: Oxford’s Championship return highlights its small but passionate setup.
There's a unique appeal to Oxford United's Kassam Stadium due to its three-sided oddity, and it feels unfinished, an example of "football culture". It hosted the U's 3-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in 2016, which secured promotion in front of their passionate fans.
They should make the most of the time they've got with it, though, as a move to a new 16,000 capacity home could be on the cards. Its development director has said that it will be a "world-class venue", but will it be able to stand out like Kassam?
18 Loftus Road - Queens Park Rangers
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Capacity: 18,439
Reason: Compact and historic but criticised for cramped conditions and ageing facilities. Lacks modern amenities compared to larger grounds ().
Note: QPR’s long Championship tenure adds character but not enough to elevate it.
Loftus Road is small and intimate, always producing a matchday experience befitting that of gritty English football. Fans are right in the thick of things in whichever seat they take, although legroom can be an issue.
Tiny and cramped in mid-table was where the Hoops spent most of last season and Julian Stephan will hope the Loftus Road Stand get behind his boys this term. It's old-fashioned but suits the charm of competing outside the Premier League.
17 Vicarage Road - Watford
Watford's Vicarage Road
Capacity: 22,200
Reason: Functional but unremarkable in vibe, with no standout atmosphere or design. Its mid-tier status comes from the AI’s low ranking.
Note: Watford’s yo-yo history suggests a solid but unspectacular ground.
Fans witnessed the craziest moment in Championship play-off history unfold in 2013 at Vicarage Road when Jonathan Hogg found Troy Deeney, sending the Hornets through to the final. Supporters were sent into ecstasy, and their cheers were likely heard throughout the streets and on the Yellow Brick Road.
Grok call it "solid but unspectacular" while highlighting the club's constant toying back and forth with top-flight football. But it's red and yellow seating stands out, almost with a Spanish stadium look, while the Rookery Stand is always bouncing. Perhaps it does to move up a tad.
16 Deepdale - Preston North End
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Capacity: 23,404
Reason: Critiqued for an unremarkable design and atmosphere, despite a “beautiful” kit design. It lacks the vibrancy of top-tier stadiums.
Note: Mid-range capacity keeps it in the lower half.
Given Deepdale has been in use since 1878, it's understandable why it's one of English football's most historically charming stadiums. It pays homage to legends of the game with its stands, the Sir Tom Finney Stand and the Bill Shankly Kop.
According to Grok, it doesn't have the grandeur that comes with elite stadiums and it's atmosphere leaves much to be admired. That may be down to the Lilywhites ongoing decade stay in the second-tier with fans likely yearning to compete in the Premier League.
15 The Den - Millwall
the den millwall
Capacity: 20,146
Reason: Known for its intimidating atmosphere, but outdated facilities or location issues place it low. Its smaller size limits its appeal.
Note: Millwall’s passionate fans boost it slightly within the worst 12.
A trip to the Den is often a daunting prospect for visiting players and fans as they come up against one of the most hostile set of supporters in the country. It packs plenty of character and it's name is a worthy description for the heated battles that usually occur when Millwall are in action on home soil.
Its infrastructure doesn't impress Grok while its South Bermondsey location is near to central London but surrounded by an unappealing industrial setting. The Lions' ground isn't the behemoth it used to be but their fans won't mind if Alex Neil's side perform well this season.