Ranking every Gallagher Premiership stadium by atmosphere

Thursday, 01 October 2020 at 13:04

byRugby Rucker

The Gallagher Premiership has long been recognised as the most watched rugby league in the world, credited for incredible excitement and amazing atmosphere at the grounds of the 12 teams that make up the English top flight. But which ground enjoys the best atmosphere?

RUCK has explored the data found from a recent survey of 10,000 supporters, where users rated the arenas they have attended from 1 to 5 stars, to rank all 12 clubs in the division.

12. AJ Bell Stadium - Sale Sharks 2*

In last position are the Sharks. Traffic chaos is the only guarantee when travelling to the AJ Bell Stadium. They'll be hopeful of creating a much better atmosphere when they leave Salford to return to Sale in the near future.

11. Madejski Stadium - London Irish 2*

The Madejski Stadium as flashy as it is, fails to conjure up a good atmosphere according to the data found. It just feel a bit soulless, and isn't even in London. No wonder Exiles supporters are excited for their move to Brentford for next season.

10. Allianz Park - Saracens 2.5*

he capacity is too small and three of the stands are not great. You're never going to create a brilliant atmosphere in a former athletics stadium. However, they have great beer and sausage rolls.

9. Ricoh Arena - Wasps 2.5*

The indoor Fan Village is excellent, hotel good value for money, and Casino offers good food until late at night. The atmosphere when it's busy can also be very good, but that isn't too often...

8. Welford Road - Leicester Tigers 3*

Welford Road is one of my favourite Rugby grounds. The atmosphere on a big match day is hard to beat, with the passionate fans kept close to the action and well-oiled from the many bars inside!

7. Sixways - Worcester Warriors 3*

For a sports stadium Sixways seems much more friendly overall, calmer and far more family orientated. Drinks are also easy to buy with minimum queuing.

6. Ashton Gate - Bristol Bears 3*

Always a lively venue on rugby day and well worth booking in to one of the Ashton Gate restaurants. The service is of the highest level even when the staff are dealing with so many people. Not the traditional rugby experience, but always an enjoyable one.

5. The Rec - Bath 3.5*

The Rec has to be one of the top places to watch club rugby in the world. The facilities and seating may not earn 5 stars, but the setting and atmosphere more than makes up for it. The ground is wonderfully placed beside the River Avon, with the old buildings and Abbey of the historic city watching over the action.

4. Twickenham Stoop - Harlequins 3.5*

3. Sandy Park - Exeter Chiefs 4*

Exeter pride themselves on building an environment on matchday that extends beyond the final whistle which includes live music post-match as well as occasional pre-match entertainment also. The fans thoroughly embrace their adopted identity, and chances are you'll see a range of interesting headwear on your visit!

2. Franklin's Gardens - Northampton Saints 4*

Northampton’s ground was lauded for its unobstructed views with no columns in the seats, the fact that’s easy to get to, and the quality of the pork rolls were the subject of more than one comment.

1. Kingsholm - Gloucester Rugby 5*

The winner of the poll was Gloucester’s home, with one third of the total vote. The atmosphere was regarded as a key strength – particularly under the lights according to LOTA, and on a “crisp winter’s day to warm the cockles” according to Tom – whilst the quality of the pubs around the ground was also a factor.

The ground is also located less than a mile from the centre of Gloucester.

The most famous part of Kingsholm is known as ‘The Shed’, a (usually) covered terrace running the length of the pitch which fills up well in advance of kick-off on big match days.