The best Premier League grounds that are no longer used

The Premier League has been home to some truly iconic football grounds over the years.

Some are still thriving. Take Liverpool’s Anfield, for example, which recently underwent an £80m renovation to increase its capacity beyond 60,000 and give it a much-needed facelift.

Some stadiums, like Old Trafford, remain standing but are in desperate need of attention. Once regarded as one of the most revered grounds in world football, Manchester United’s “Theatre of Dreams” is now in a state of disrepair and in dire need of a major overhaul.

Other grounds, however, have been demolished and lost forever, with only a plaque marking their former locations, and the memories of the thousands who attended over the years left behind.

Here, we have ranked the 11 grounds that used to host Premier League games that are not in use anymore, factoring in their stature, aesthetic and legacy.

11

Burnden Park

Bolton Wanderers

Burnden Park, Bolton Wanderers’

former home, was the venue for the club’s two most successful periods in its history.

The first came in the 1920s when the club was a constant presence in the old First Division and won three FA Cups, in 1923, 1926 and 1929. The second was in the 1950s, when, led by the legendary Nat Lofthouse, the Wanderers again competed in the top flight and won the FA Cup once more in 1958.

Although it could hold as many as 70,000 people, Burnden Park’s legacy is overshadowed by the overcrowding that led to 33 people tragically losing their lives in 1946, marking the worst disaster in British football history at the time.

10

Highfield Road

Coventry City

Before Coventry City moved into the Coventry Building Society Arena – the stadium most will know as the Ricoh Arena – the Sky Blues called Highfield Road home for over a century from 1899 to 2005.

With a capacity of over 23,000, the ground was renowned for its tight, old-school atmosphere, and witnessed the club’s rise to prominence in the 1960s and their steady presence in the top flight throughout much of the 1980s and 1990s.

However, despite its intimate feel, Highfield Road gradually became less fit for purpose, lacking modern facilities and the amenities found in new stadia, prompting the club’s eventual move.

9

Baseball Ground

Derby County

The Baseball Ground was originally the home of Derby Baseball Club before Derby County moved there in 1895, eventually taking over after the baseball team disbanded.

At its peak, the stadium could accommodate around 42,000 spectators, but by the 1980s, its capacity was reduced to around 18,000 as Derby experienced fluctuating league statuses.

When the ground eventually closed in 1997, it did so with Derby County back in the top flight, earning promotion to the Premier League for its final season, making it a fitting end to the stadium’s long history.

8

Ayresome Park

Middlesbrough

Ayresome Park was Middlesbrough’s home from 1903 until their move to the Riverside Stadium in 1995. With a capacity of 26,000, it was particularly well known for its distinctive North Stand, which featured a unique barrel roof supported by columns.

The ground also played a historic role in the 1966 World Cup, hosting several matches, including North Korea’s stunning 1-0 victory over Italy – one of the biggest international upsets. Demolished in 1997, Ayresome Park remains an iconic part of Middlesbrough’s history.

7

Maine Road

Manchester City

Back when Manchester City were a struggling club rather than the all-conquering force we know today, they played their home games at Maine Road from 1923 to 2003.

While not the prettiest stadium, it was certainly unique, with a haphazard mix of stands with varying heights and construction styles. The result of numerous renovations over its 80-year history, it had a design somewhat reflective of City’s own tendencies to fluctuate between divisions.

In contrast, the Etihad Stadium – big, modern and often criticised for being empty – feels like a more fitting representation of the club’s current stature and its money-driven ethos.

6

Filbert Street

Leicester City

Leicester City spent an incredible 111 years at Filbert Street from 1891 until 2002 before moving to their current home, the King Power Stadium.

Until health and safety regulations forced changes in 1994, the ground featured the unique “Double Decker” South Stand, with seating on the upper tier and a terraced standing section below – a distinctive feature that made it a memorable venue.

However, by the late 1990s, after Leicester’s success under Martin O’Neill, the club had outgrown the 22,000-seater arena, with a larger, more modern ground needed to accommodate higher attendances. It’s fair to say their new ground has seen iconic moments of its own.

5

Boleyn Ground

West Ham

More commonly referred to as Upton Park, West Ham United were housed at the Boleyn Ground for 112 years before relocating to the London Stadium in 2016.

The venue was far more intimate than its successor as the Hammers’ home, with the Upton Park stands much closer to the pitch. It hosted some of the club’s most memorable moments, including the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final victory in 1976, crucial play-off matches and an infamous bust-up between Alan Pardew and Arsene Wenger.

Upton Park also got a fitting send-off, with West Ham beating Manchester United under the lights to help secure European football in their new stadium. While they have hit loftier heights since their move to Stratford, there was certainly a soul about the place that will not be recreated nor forgotten.

4

Roker Park

Sunderland

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is now an iconic venue, with a capacity of 49,000 – a mammoth number for a club that has spent much of the last decade operating in the Championship and League One.

However, its predecessor, Roker Park, while smaller, may be even more legendary.

The ground was renowned for its electric atmosphere and tight stands, making it an intimidating venue for any travelling team. It was also the backdrop for some of Sunderland’s greatest triumphs, including the club being crowned champions of England on three occasions, and even hosted matches during the 1966 World Cup before closing in 1997.

3

The Dell

Southampton

The Dell was Southampton’s home from 1898 until their move to St Mary’s Stadium in 2001.

With a capacity of just 15,000 and a quirky design that saw the stands almost encroach onto the pitch, the distinctive ground had a special charm that fostered a deep connection between fans and players.

This intimate atmosphere often worked in Southampton’s favour, making The Dell a fortress where the Saints regularly punched above their weight on home turf.

2

White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur

Given that Tottenham Hotspur now boasts one of the most impressive stadiums in world football, fans may be forgiven for having put the White Hart Lane days behind them.

However, the ground holds a special place in the club’s history, serving as its home from 1899 to 2017.

While Spurs are still waiting for their first trophy since moving to their new stadium, they lifted plenty while at the Lane – winning two First Division titles, eight FA Cups, four League Cups and two UEFA Cups, with the iconic ground witnessing some of the club’s greatest moments.

1

Highbury

Arsenal

On top of being a wonderful stadium, complete with its elegant art deco design and intimate atmosphere, Highbury holds a unique place in Premier League history. It is the only stadium to have hosted a team that went an entire league season undefeated – Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles of 2003/04.

For that reason alone, Highbury remains one of the greatest stadiums in Premier League history and arguably the most iconic ground no longer in use.