Football is the national sport of the UK. For generations, the obsession has lived on and clubs often play a huge role within their communities. Many children follow in their parents’ footsteps by supporting the same team, spending their weekends following their heroes across the country to different cities and stadiums.
While I’m not overly big on sport myself, I’ve always enjoyed watching the football on TV when I’m with my Dad; it’s just one of those pastimes I’ve always taken comfort in, despite never having understood the offside rule myself. We’ve never managed to get to a stadium to watch a match together, but it’s something we’re hoping to do next year.
The UK is home to a number of iconic football stadiums; here are six stadiums that you simply must see see while you’re in the UK…
Anfield
Anfield is home to Liverpool FC, and one of the most successful and iconic club sides in the country. The club has been home to global superstars for decades, from Kevin Keegan and Ian Rush, to Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. They have been – and continue to be – a title challenger in the English Premier League. Once again, they’re nowhey competing for the Premier League and odds on football today have them as one of the favourites. Their recent 5-0 dismantling of Manchester United shows why they’re such an essential attraction for sports tourists.
Anfield is one of, if not the best, stadium in English football. Built in 1884, it was actually first rented by city rivals Everton, until they moved out and Liverpool Football Club took residence in 1891.
With a capacity of 50,074, fans have witnessed some incredible games here. Domestic titles have been won, triumphant European Cup nights have been held and heartbreak has been felt, with Steven Gerrard’s slip in 2014, leading to his side dropping out of the title race.
The unforgettable Kop End behind one of the goals is one of the most atmospheric stands in world football; the crowd’s passion for their club lifts the players and brings a formidable noise for opposition teams to cope with.
Back in 1965, after winning their first league title in 17 years, Liverpool played Inter Milan in the European Cup semi-final. As the cup was led out onto the pitch, manager Bill Shankly said, “Dear God, what an eruption there was when our supporters caught sight of that cup, the noise was unbelievable”. It continues to be so today, and there is no sign of it changing.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley is the home of England’s national football team, and the site of the 1966 World Cup victory for England. After being demolished in 2002, Wembley underwent a rebuild, reopening in 2007.
One of the most iconic stadiums across the globe, Wembley has hosted World Cup Finals, European Championships, FA Cup finals and European Cup finals.
The new-build stadium now has a capacity of 90,000, where spectators can enjoy uninterrupted views of all the action. This is the home of English football and somewhere special for all football fans, but especially English football fans, to experience.
Be it an England team game or a club competition final, the atmosphere has the potential to be rather awe-inspiring. There is also the opportunity to tour the stadium and see where the players arrive, catching a glimpse into the experiences they go through as they prepare to play on the famous pitch.
Old Trafford
You would be hard-pressed to find someone interested in football who is not aware of Manchester United. One of the biggest and most popular sides in the world, the Red Devils play their home games at Old Trafford.
Opened in 1910, ‘The Theatre of Dreams’, as it is known, has the highest capacity of any club stadium in the country at 75,811.
The stadium was severely damaged during World War II and took eight years to rebuild, while Manchester United was forced to ground share with its local rivals, Manchester City, at Maine Road. They returned in 1949, and Old Trafford went on to host the 1966 World Cup and Euro 1996 tournaments.
In 2011, the North Stand was renamed in honour of the clubs and one of footballs’ greatest managers, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite its huge capacity, tickets can often be hard to come by, with thousands desperate to experience a match at this iconic English stadium. Manchester United’s proud history is displayed across the stadium, and the atmosphere among the fans is something special to experience.
Principality Stadium
Opened in 1999, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (formerly known as the Millennium Stadium and, prior to that, as Cardiff Arms Park) is the national stadium of Wales. It has also been used for FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield matches while Wembley Stadium was under reconstruction.
In 2017, the 74,500-capacity stadium hosted the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus, where the Spanish side ran out 4-1 winners.
It’s a truly spectacular stadium, with a fully retractable roof, costing £114 million to build, which means football matches, rugby matches, concerts and other large-scale events can either take place undercover or in the open air.
Previously, I’ve watched international rugby matches and a Monster Jam show in this stadium; both were absolutely spectacular.
Stamford Bridge
Home to Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge has undergone vast changes since the club was bought by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich.
The West London Stadium is not to be missed, having been first opened in 1877 and becoming the home of Chelsea FC in 1905. Since its redevelopment, the current capacity is 41,837. As well as the football itself, there are two four-star hotels, restaurants, a health club and even a music venue within the stadium.
Chelsea have gone from an almost bankrupt side in the 1980’s, to one of the richest and most successful sides in modern day football. Every match day, some of the biggest football stars in the world set foot onto the pitch to compete.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Opened in 2019, the new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur FC replaces the club’s former White Hart Lane ground. With a capacity of 62,850, it’s become one of the most illustrious stadiums in the country.
Thanks to it’s contemporary design, this stadium offers one of the most spectacular viewing experiences to be had by fans anywhere in the world. It’s also the first purpose-built stadium for football and NFL games in Europe.
There are many reasons supporters will trek across the country following their team, but when there is the chance to visit stadiums like this, the experience becomes so much more special.
Even for those who don’t support one of the teams on show, the atmosphere at these and many others across the UK can be a special experience for any football fan.
Have you ever visited one of these football stadiums? Do you have any particular hints or tips you’d like to share with other readers for their visit? Comment below to let me know.