Stadiums are like home for many fans, managers and players alike. They can represent a club, a concept and a construct. But, most importantly, they are the venues for the football millions of fans around the country see on a weekly basis.
Now, with 6 new sides in the EFL Championship, let’s go through the ten biggest stadiums in England’s second tier.
10th – Ipswich Town – 30,056
Ipswich Town’s Portman Road ranks 10th on our list with a capacity of 30,056. The Tractor Boys have played there since 1884 and has changed significantly since their arrival at the stadium.
The stadium hasn’t just hosted football. Instead, it has held music events, American football and even hockey.
But, with Ipswich aiming for promotion next season, the influence of Portman Road could not be higher heading into the new season.
9th – Stoke City – 30,089
The bet365 stadium ranks at number nine on our list with a capacity of 30,089 people. It was built in 1997 and costed a reported £15 million to build.
With its distinct shape, the bet365 has seen many iconic and memorable moments include the Potters’ promotion to the Premier League.
But, it has also seen Stoke’s fall to the bottom end of the EFL Championship table in the late 2010s and 2020s.
Just like Portman Road, the venue has also held music events alongside firework displays.
But, with Stoke approaching another big season, the bet365 stadium will be huge in Stoke’s chances of improving on their 18th place finish from last season.
8th – Blackburn Rovers – 31,367
Ewood Park is one of the most recognisable stadiums in the EFL and in English football in general. Now, it is the eighth biggest stadium in the EFL Championship with a capacity of 31,367 people.
With Blackburn’s high days of the Premier League, Ewood Park has seen many memorable moments. But, Rovers will be hoping they can create more iconic moments in the upcoming season.
7th – Sheffield United – 32,050
Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane has a capacity of 32,050 which has earned it the title of seventh biggest stadium in the EFL Championship.
The stadium is one of the shining examples of modern yet traditional with an old-school feel. Furthermore, its old-school feel helps to generate an atmosphere that can be electric at times.
The Lane has seen everything from Premier League football to the Women’s European Championship.
Now, with the Blades looking to bounce back after their play-off heartbreak, the stadium will be crucial in establishing the home form required to be promoted from the EFL Championship.
6th – Leicester City – 32,259
The King Power Stadium opened in 2002 with a 21,500 seat capacity. It wasn’t until the stadium was developed in 2002 that it reached its current capacity of 32,259 seats – the sixth best figure on this list.
Whether it’s Vardy’s UEFA Champions League moments, winning the 2023-24 EFL Championship or Leicester City’s famous Premier League victory, the stadium has seen an immense amount of iconic moments.
Excluding Covid-19, we can see that Foxes fans have filled the stadium to its fullest on several occasions. This has meant that the atmosphere in the stadium has often reached fever-pitch.
It is this atmosphere that will be needed if Leicester City are to be promoted next season.
5th – Southampton – 32,384
Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium has a capacity of 32,384 which puts it in the centre of this list at fifth.
St Mary’s was opened in 2001 and has hosted international football, conferences and even film premieres.
The stadium has shifted between hosting EFL Championship action and Premier League action over the last few years. But, it will arguably be pivotal if the Saints are to bounce to promotion next season.
4th – Coventry City – 32,609
Coventry City’s CBS Arena has a capacity of 32,609 and hosted its first football game in 2005. The arena has been the home of Coventry City since 2005 even with the difficulties faced by the club.
With the Sky Blues achieving a play-off finish last season, the arena may see Premier League football on a permanent basis soon.
3rd – Derby County – 32,926
Pride Park has a capacity of 32,926 which has earnt it a third place finish in this season. Originally opened in 1997 by Queen Elizabeth II, the stadium has hosted Derby County since its opening.
Alongside this, the stadium has hosted concerts, international matches and much more.
2nd – Middlesborough – 34,742
Coming in at second piece, Middlesborough’s Riverside Stadium has a capacity of 34,742 and was opened in 1995.
Concerts. International Football. Rugby League Matches. The stadium has held a number of different events but has always held a primary focus on football.
With Boro aiming for improvement next season, the Riverside will play a crucial role in creating a hostile and loud atmosphere.
1st – Sheffield Wednesday – 39,732
Historic. Legendary. Huge.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough is a staple of English football and a stadium that has seen many memorable moments. Opened in 1899, it has been the home of Sheffield Wednesday for over one hundred years.
Its old-school feel, historic stands and endless memories mean that the stadium is often amongst the best ranked in England. In this year’s edition, it is the biggest EFL Championship stadium and will host countless more moments in the upcoming season.
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