AI names 10 best Championship stadiums for atmosphere (and 5 that are dead silent) | OneFootball

Football League World asked AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to rank the 10 best stadiums in the Championship for atmosphere, and name five that are dead silent.

With a combined attendance of over 800,000 in the 2024/25 season, the Championship is one of the best-supported football leagues in the world.

A mixture of fallen giants, stable regulars and ambitious newcomers make up the current crop of second-tier clubs, with all 24 stadiums bringing their own renowned character and history synonymous with their respective clubs.

The debate about who has the 'loudest' stadiums and fanbase is something that will stand the test of time in the English football community.

However, to try and get some clarity on the question, Football League World turned to AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to rank the 10 best stadiums in the second-tier when it comes to their atmosphere, and name five that are well below par when it comes to the decibel level.

Hillsborough - Sheffield Wednesday

Despite Sheffield Wednesday's troubles in recent years, when Hillsborough is rocking, there aren't many better places to watch football in the EFL.

Recent attendances are naturally inconsistent as protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri continue. However, Hillsborough remains one of English football's jewels, and its old-school style allows for serious noise.

Ashton Gate - Bristol City

Bristol City's Ashton Gate has an edge to it, whether it be the Robins playing there or Bristol Bears Rugby Club, who share the stadium.

The impressive Lansdown Stand is reminiscent of Liverpool's humongous main stand at Anfield. Robins' supporters have not been able to witness a sustained promotion charge since their promotion back to the Championship in 2015. However, a positive start under Gerhard Struber leaves fans hopeful.

Fratton Park - Portsmouth

Pompey secured their Championship status last term and are now looking to further stabilise in the second tier after spending over a decade in the lower leagues.

Dripping with character, Fratton Park is a gem of the Championship, and its compact nature makes it a horrible place to visit at times.

St Mary's - Southampton

In what is possibly a controversial decision for Portsmouth fans, Southampton's St Mary's Stadium has been ranked higher. ChatGPT mentioned that: "With Premier League experience fresh in the memory, Saints fans expect standards. The atmosphere is sharp and unforgiving, especially when promotion is on the line."

While St Mary's may not carry the same character as The Dell, Southampton's previous home, it is still a stadium that can create noise when needed. Although ChatGPT's placement in this list may be skewed as a result of the Saints' recent Premier League spell.

Carrow Road - Norwich City

Yet again, possibly a controversial decision when it is considered that rivals Ipswich Town don't even feature in the AI selections. However, Carrow Road has proven a noisy stomping ground on big occasions for the Canaries.

"The Barclay End creates a constant hum of energy," said ChatGPT. "Norwich fans have always been passionate and loyal, and Carrow Road thrives in big games."

Supporters this year will hope that the new direction taken under Liam Manning gives them something to shout about come the season's crunch point.

The Hawthorns - West Bromwich Albion

"Packed tight and always buzzing, the Hawthorns has a reputation for noise and unity, particularly when Albion chase promotion," mentioned ChatGPT when ranking the Hawthorns in this list.

Albion have been a consistent promotion candidate since their initial relegation back to the Championship in 2018, and the new direction under Ryan Mason has brought about a new wave of positivity for the 2025/26 term.

In January 2024, the Baggies hosted arch rivals Wolves for the first Black Country derby with a full stadium since 2012, and Albion supporters showed exactly what the place can be like when it is at its best.

Bet365 Stadium - Stoke City

A very contentious decision from ChatGPT, given the recent history of Stoke.

Since relegation in 2018, the Potters have been unable to mount a serious promotion charge, and thus, attendances and noise levels have suffered. However, a positive start to the current campaign sees spirits much higher than in recent years.

And as ChatGPT mentions: "Cold Tuesday night in Stoke remains a cliché for a reason."

CBS Arena - Coventry City

Coventry supporters have seen an awful lot over the last decade. From spells in the lower leagues to multiple Wembley trips and failed play-off campaigns, the CBS Arena is arguably reaching its highest noise levels since the Sky Blues moved to the stadium.

Now one of the first names consistently earmarked as promotion contenders, the Sky Blues' attendances are much more consistent than in recent years, and the atmosphere has most certainly benefited.

St Andrew's - Birmingham City

"The Tilton Road End has always been a source of raw noise," said ChatGPT. And Birmingham's opening match of the season against Ipswich did a lot to prove this.

After years of obscurity and dwindling attendance, St Andrew's is now one of the best places to watch Championship football, with a guaranteed raucous atmosphere while the Blues push for a place in the Premier League following their ascent from League One.

"It's as vibrant as ever," added ChatGPT.

The Den - Millwall

While Millwall supporters may not agree that The Den still carries the same ferocity as times of old, it is still a horrible place to go as a visiting team.

ChatGPT said: "Still one of the most intimidating grounds in the country. The Den can be hostile to away fans, and when Millwall are in full voice, it feels like the players are roaring forward."

Millwall came out on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline against Middlesbrough in their opening home match of the current campaign; however, they are well among the sides prepared for a potential play-off push, which should see the home atmosphere continuously improve as the term goes on.