Some of the biggest names in the game have applauded the old girl’s unique charm and atmosphere, recognising the Frogmore Road ground as one of their favourites.
In their own words, they describe just why Fratton Park is so special…
5. Sir Alex Ferguson
'I have got the communication lines in place but the only problem is that it's such a noisy place.
'It's one of these old stadiums – it's a bit rickety, the stand nowadays. The directors' box is towards the end where all the noise comes from – the drums and whatever the hell they have got going on at that place.
'But it's a good racket. It's a terrific football stadium, really.'
(The Guardian, November 2009) Photo: Ash Donelon
6. Chris Wilder
'This (Pompey) is a proper football club. I have to say, first and foremost, I think they are a class act here.
'Players get clapped off, it was a competitive game and our players get clapped off and everybody in the ground we have come across has shook our hand and congratulated us, and that is spot on.
'So a big well done to this football club.'
(The News, May 2016) Photo: Michael Regan
7. Thierry Henry
'Ask Patrick (Vieira) and myself to name our favourite Premiership football ground and, for obvious reasons, it will be Highbury.
'For me, though, Fratton Park would be right up there as another of my favourite grounds.
'Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match two years ago, the home fans would have been supporting their team so vocally.
'It would happen only in English football.'
(Sky Sports, March 2006) Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
8. Ralph Hasenhuttl
'It’s unbelievable. I must also say they didn’t stop singing after being four down. You could feel the tradition that is in this derby.
'I think I have never had such an atmosphere in a stadium so far and I have seen a lot in my entire footballing career.
'It was a very special game for me also.'
(Southern Daily Echo, September 2019) Photo: Charlie Crowhurst