Leaving aside personal loyalty which stadium in London is the best (maybe to worst) in anybody’s opinion?
The old Highbury was actually a nice ground to visit. Once upon a time Arsenal fans used to make a racket, particularly North Bank. I feel like they were the earliest victims of the gentrification of the game. The new stadium, just like Spurs' one, is an abomination. Those big corporate leisure complexes really don't work for club football. What was left of Arsenal's atmosphere in particular is gone sadly.
I hate QPR's ground. I quite like close, small stadia, so I should like it, but they've boxed off the sections too much, particularly the lower away end, so the stadium feels weirdly disjointed. Plus it lacks character for me - would probably be my bottom place ground.
Completely agree about the Hammers move to London Stadium. Ridiculous. They've got a completely watered-down feel as a club now as a direct consequence.
I haven't been to the Valley since it was a crumbling mass. It had a decent sense of scale even then, but I've no idea what it's like now.
Sorry to say it, but my last couple of visits to Stamford Bridge have been like a warning of how football might die as a spectator sport. Really insipid atmosphere presumably because of day-tripper tourists displacing true blues. They seem to have somehow fixed the problem of the stands being too far away from the pitch, but it hasn't helped the atmosphere. All the big London clubs seem to have travelled in the wrong direction with this.
New Den probably suits 'Wall. It's generic - but they add character (like it or lump it) as a club. I went to the old Den a few times and that felt more unique, but I don't feel like the newer stadium killed the buzz there too much.
New Wembley is pretty horrendous too. I watched gridiron there, and it's great for that. Enjoyed our cup finals too. Lines of sight are fantastic from all over the ground. But the concourse stuff really fucks me off - it's like being in a shopping mall. You can probably get a pedicure somewhere at half time.
I love Selhurst by association only. I was really eager for us to make the move to the park, but it became obvious really quickly that it wasn't going to happen (a
very well organised nimby army with keenly sharpened pitchforks and deep wallets), and I think Parish was wise to duck out early and hard. In truth though the Holmesdale is a very enjoyable modern footy experience, with a good balance between old school atmosphere (and the occasional punk gig in the concourse) and Nu Skool facilities (like the craft ale bar
). Only need catch up on two other sides and we'll be fine.
Let's just give the award to Fulham. It's pretty hard to argue with the cottage and the river.