The 10 greatest EFL Championship away days named and ranked by AI | OneFootball

The Championship offers plenty of differing matchday experiences for travelling supporters to enjoy

One of the many reasons why supporters of the 24 clubs in the division love the Championship so much is the authenticity it provides in relation to the modern-day corporation of the Premier League.

A key aspect of a match-going experience in that regard is the 'away day' experience, which depends on crucial factors such as atmosphere, transport links, the overall cost and facilities within and nearby to the opposition stadium.

As such, there are plenty of unique trips which loyal supporters have already, or are set to embark on, over the course of the 2025/26 second tier season, especially with the social-media phenomenon of completing as many of the '92' professional grounds in English football continuing to spread.

As a result, Football League World posed the question to AI, which 10 stadiums in the Championship offer the greatest matchday experiences for travelling supporters and why, and here are the selections.

Kickstarting the list is The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.

Located in the very heart of the industrious West Midlands region, the 26,850-capacity stadium is often earmarked as an enjoyable away trip for supporters up and down the country, especially with the normally reliable transport links in and out of nearby Birmingham.

AI also believes that the 'back and forth' atmosphere between home and away fans, as well as the generous allocation handed to opposition supporters in the Smethwick End are key reasons behind this particular placement.

A trip to Swansea City's aptly named Swansea.Com Stadium would also be appealing in the eyes of many according to AI.

This is largely down to the South Wales side representing one of, if not, the longest of road trips for many visiting contingents, particularly the likes of Middlesbrough and Hull City.

The Swans' overall atmosphere has also been praised, as well as non-football-related matters such as the city's coastal scene and nightlife, with beer and football often going hand-in-hand.

8 Wrexham - STōK Cae Ras

Not many supporters would have visited Wrexham's famous STōK Cae Ras prior to this season, with the Red Dragons enjoying a record-breaking rapid rise of three successive promotions under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and the managerial expertise of Phil Parkinson.

As a result, it has been earmarked as a popular 'away day', albeit its position as the second-smallest stadium in the division will make it increasingly challenging for supporters to secure tickets.

Factors such as another lengthy trip to Wales for several clubs, as well as Wrexham's global stature due to the 'Welcome to Wrexham' Disney+ series were also cited by AI within this pick.

7 Sheffield United - Bramall Lane

Sheffield United's poor start to the season has been well-documented, with the Blades struggling to make Bramall Lane a continued fortress.

Regardless, AI has praised the hostile atmosphere generated by the locals as a key reason why a trip to S2 is so popular, as well as the lengthy history of multiple sports that is associated with the stadium.

Bramall Lane's location in the heart of Sheffield is also a key attraction, with several nearby establishments offering cheap deals on food and liquid refreshments.

6 Birmingham City - St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park

Birmingham City hope to move away from St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park by 2030. Therefore, AI believes their famous stadium takes up an obvious spot in this ranking.

Bluenoses have been praised by several high-profile stars and managers for the hostile atmosphere generated in B9, which has made the recently renovated stadium a fortress under Chris Davies' management. As such, it has been described as a 'proper' footballing experience when supporters pay a Saturday visit to Small Heath.

5 Derby County - Pride Park

Coming in at the halfway stage is Pride Park, the home of Derby County.

Despite being in the midst of a retail development, the 33,597-capacity ground has always maintained an atmosphere regardless of the Rams' various predicaments since moving in 1997 from the old-fashioned Baseball Ground.

The East Midlands stadium has also been known for generating a ferocious atmosphere, often on big-game occasions and local derbies against Nottingham Forest.

The first newly-relegated side to feature on this list is Leicester City, with AI believing the King Power Stadium is "Premier League-quality."

It's hard to argue with such a statement either, with the Foxes creating a strong all-round matchday experience in terms of atmosphere and facilities both inside and outside the stadium, despite the fact it is one of the more modern stadiums in the division.

It has also drawn praise for ease of access, with it not taking too long to venture into the city centre post-match.

Taking the 'bronze medal' in AI's mind is Portman Road, where Ipswich Town have played since the year 1884.

Once again, the stadium's location is seen as a big plus, with plenty of nearby pubs to choose from for those making the reasonably long jaunt to Suffolk.

However, it has to be said that the Tractor Boys' famous stadium represents a stellar blend of nostalgia and modernity, as well as being almost full to the brim throughout Kieran McKenna's successful spell in charge, which has only had a positive impact on atmospheres, particularly against local rivals, Norwich City.

2 Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium

The 'runners-up' are Middlesbrough, who have now called the Riverside Stadium home for 30 years.

The stadium on the banks of the River Tees is the second-largest in the Championship behind Hillsborough, and has seen its fair share of iconic matches over time.

Boro have been praised by AI for the location of the away section in the south-east corner of the stadium, allowing for plenty of 'back-and-forth' between themselves and the nearby singing section of locals, as well as the long trek perhaps being earmarked as a 'weekender' for many visiting fans due to its proximity to big cities such as Leeds, York and Newcastle.

1 Millwall - The Den

However, it may come as little surprise that AI believes The Den is the 'greatest away day' in the Championship, having earned plenty of fame off the back of the reputation associated with Millwall fans.

With all four stands mirroring each other, the South London ground offers a rather unique, intimate and hostile experience, albeit away supporters - particularly in big occasions and local derbies - are shepherded into an enclosed area for safety reasons.

However, the atmosphere generated by the locals makes it a test of endurance not just for visiting players, but supporters in the eyes of AI.