The Championship includes stadiums that would be at home in the top division of most footballing nations.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium is the largest in the league, seating just under 40,000 people, while Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium can accommodate up to 12,500.
But which second-tier ground currently ranks in the top ten? We looked to Tripadvisor to see how tourists had rated their experiences at the EFL venues.
Here are the stadiums that ranked highest…
10Ipswich Town – Portman Road (4.1/5)
Portman Road in Ipswich Town ranks 10th on this list.
It’s a stadium that has seen a lot in recent years, having been a League One, Championship, and Premier League venue at various periods in the last year.
The ground’s location, which is just south of town, has received good marks in the assessments.
Matt Frost said on Tripadvisor that it is “genuinely one of the best stadiums in England.” Excellent home support, close to the town centre for easy access and transport, and stunning views from all stands. A great gem of an ancient schoolyard. “The best!”
However, the stadium is frequently criticized for the size and comfort of its ground seats, which may explain why it is not higher on this list.
9Wrexham – Racecourse Ground (4.2/5)
Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, commonly known as STōK Cae Ras, has spent the last two decades as a non-league ground.
A Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, however, has seen them rocket up to the Championship, and their stadium still ranks high in the new league, despite being the second-smallest by capacity.
The club shop tends to be a particular delight for tourists, as does viewing the ground itself, which appears significantly in the Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
Kacper D said: The Racecourse Ground is a historic and character-filled football stadium that many fans like for its passionate matchday atmosphere and rich roots in Welsh football. It’s a great experience if you’re loud and cheerful! I personally suggest this place.
The outer appearance is frequently where the Racecourse falls short for visitors, with some claiming a lack of originality, but with construction underway, this is undoubtedly something the owners are considering.
8West Bromwich Albion – The Hawthorns (4.3/5)
The Hawthorns, West Brom’s home, is tied with the five stadiums listed below.
Highlights on Tripadvisor include the atmosphere, view of the pitch, and accessibility for disabled spectators.
There have been some complaints about the food offering, but some say it is improving.
7Southampton – St Mary’s Stadium (4.3/5)
St Mary’s Stadium, a fixture in both the Premier League and the Championship, is used to attracting sold-out crowds.
Bandanne, a Tripadvisor user, wrote: “Nice arena, but good logistics. Everything worked wonderfully, and there were no huge lineups for anything. Not too big, allowing for a closer connection to the pitch and the players.”
Parking has been a concern, and there have been varied reviews of the food, but in general, fans love their day out on the south coast, thanks to efficient transportation, pleasant staff, and reasonable costs.
6Sheffield United – Bramall Lane (4.3/5)
Bramall Lane is another venue with experience in the top two levels, but unlike some larger grounds, it is located directly in the heart of the city, giving easy transportation and plenty of food and drink options before the game.
Furthermore, unlike many of the other grounds on this list, Sheffield United’s home is frequently complimented as a contemporary stadium, with a Derby County supporter on Tripadvisor characterizing it as the better of the two stadiums in Sheffield.
“I went as a Derby fan. Good terrain, short walking distance to the station. There are plenty of decent pubs nearby. “So much better than Hillsborough for away fans,” Scrubday stated.
The views of the pitch are excellent, as is the hospitality offered, but some feel the away concourse leaves something to be desired.
5Portsmouth – Fratton Park (4.3/5)
Fratton Park, dubbed a “atmospheric old stadium” on Tripadvisor, is a favourite among Pompey fans and those who travel to see their side play there.
The Players’ Lounge and hospitality services have been renovated in recent years, thus Portsmouth’s stadium ranks highly in that category, as do the more typical aspects of an older stadium.
That appears to be a matter of preference, with some believing the venue requires renovation and a rethinking of food and drink costs.
4Middlesbrough – Riverside Stadium (4.3/5)
Matt Frost hailed his experience at the Riverside as “potentially the nicest away end I’ve ever been in,” citing cleanliness, modern design, parking, and pleasant staff.
The theater has also been praised for its ability to stage music concerts, with performers such as Take That and James Arthur performing there.
Again, there were no really negative food and drink reviews, simply suggestions that the existing alternatives may be better.
3Derby County – Pride Park (4.3/5)
Derby has had some terrible times in recent years, but that hasn’t dimmed its hospitality skills, with Tripadvisor user morlandmonk praising the executive suites for their “excellent” meals and “incredible staff”.
That enthusiasm extends to Pride Park’s away section, where some fans praise the stewards for their politeness and assistance.
Not all travelling fans were pleased with their trip, citing a lack of entertainment in the away area and overcrowded seating.
2Leicester City – King Power Stadium (4.5/5)
The King Power Stadium emerges from the middle of this ranking, which is somewhat predictable given that it is home to past Premier League champions Leicester City.
The stadium tour, and especially the tour guides, receive frequent comments in evaluations, with time to stroll around and access practically anywhere on the grounds.
“Amazing tour, thank you so much,” Joshua Thomas C said. “Got to see so much behind the scenes which gave me a great insight on what it is like on a match day.”
The hospitality packages available for Foxes games are also extremely appealing.
1Millwall – The Den (4.6/5)
The Den, home to Millwall, is at the top of this list based on Tripadvisor reviews, with an amazing 4.6/5 rating.
It has been referred to as “a true family club,” with praise for its welcoming atmosphere and followers.
The staff is seen as equally friendly, which may assist to eliminate the Lions’ negative reputation in some circles.
Erika described The Den’s food as “tasty and reasonably priced,” although James D suggested that the beer may be improved by adding some premium brands.
Overall, no Championship team can beat Millwall’s offering based on these reviews.
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