'A cracking venue... loved it' - what opposition fans think about Portsmouth's Fratton Park and its atmosphere

From Ronaldinho being left in awe following AC Milan’s Uefa Cup trip to Pompey in 2008 to Jose Mourinho claiming the incredible atmosphere was better than Old Trafford, Fratton Park hasn't been short of admirers throughout the years.

Even Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl heaped praise on Blues fans during September’s 4-0 south-coast derby defeat in September.

Indeed, a trip to PO4 is high up on opposition supporters’ priority list when deciding which away trips to go on when the fixture list is released.

And we’ve decided to take a look at Football Ground Guide to see how visiting fans rated their experience at Fratton.

Here's what some of them have said...

Pompey 3 MK Dons 1

League One

February 24, 2020

Fan: Peter Williams

There is always a good atmosphere at a night game and Fratton Park feels old fashioned in the best sense.

The ground is old fashioned but generates a good atmosphere. The away end has a low ceiling which helps to generate noise even from just a few hundred away fans.

The stewards were all good and the cheeseburger I had was fine although I couldn't actually taste any cheese! The toilets were a good size for our fans but if the away end is ever full then expect queues.

Fratton Park is a nice ground. Excellent beer at the microbrewery and a good Dons performance but the "normal" result. I would go again next year unless Portsmouth go up.

Pompey 3 Coventry 3

League One

August 20, 2019

Fan: Steve Bolland

We’ve been to Fratton Park twice before and the mighty Sky Blues had lost narrowly on each occasion so we were ever hopeful of witnessing a different result this time. That and the fact we love an away trip by the sea.

Fratton Park is one of the more interesting, traditional stadia. We were directed by helpful stewards to the away end, a quick frisk and then up the outside stairs to the stands. All perfectly friendly.

The away end has a lowish roof so it generates a lot of noise, plus there’s always some friendly banter with some of the younger home supporters in the North Stand. My word, they have some expressive hand gestures!

A sensational evening out obviously helped by the great comeback, but Portsmouth is such a cracking venue that you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy an away day here.

Pompey 1 Gillingham 3

League One

March 10, 2018

Fan: Matt Boughton

Gillingham had not played at Fratton Park for well over a decade, and with the team being in a great spell of form and this being a relatively local game against one of the leagues best supported sides, I took the opportunity to make the trip.

Fratton Park oozes character and has an old-fashioned charm. Rather like our own ground, it is situated in a residential area and we were greeted to a brass band as we approached the away end! One thing that Pompey must be complemented was their organisation.

On passing the band there were clear signs to the turnstiles, we could buy the excellent match day programme from a seller while in the queue and then as soon as you are in you have toilets there.

Rather unusually, there are two, one above the other, as you walk up the stairs to the stand. The away end (Milton End) generates a great atmosphere although there are two supporting pillars obscure the view slightly. However, each stand is different and has its own individual character with the Fratton End opposite particularly impressive.

One of my favourite away days in a long time. Notwithstanding the three points, we returned to Kent with, I’d recommend Fratton Park to all away fans.

The stadium has atmosphere and character, it is easily accessible by car or train with good pubs nearby and good food inside the ground. With attendances pushing 20,000 it is certainly a big game at League One and worth a visit.

Pompey 0 Shrewsbury 1

League One

January 27, 2018

Fan: Chris

I was very impressed with Fratton Park. Grounds Iike this are few and far between nowadays and should be cherished.

The away end could probably do with a bit of spit and polish but I was impressed with how well it has aged. Brilliant away end, low roof and some pretty large advertising rafters make it feel very enclosed, and it's easy to get some noise going. Loved it!

I'm not anti-progress but I love going back to old grounds like this. Much as I like our lovely, modern new stadium, I'd love to step back and experience one last game at our old Gay Meadow home.

Although it's a much bigger ground, the away stand had that general feel. I hope Fratton Park is cherished for years to come, it's certainly appreciated by home and away fans. If you've not been before, make sure it's on your list.