The pre-match buzz, the half-time grub, and the roar of the crowd when the ball hits the net. What’s not to love about visiting a football stadium? Whether you’re a home supporter or travelling away, nothing beats the experience of football live before your very eyes, shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans.
You can find some fantastic football stadiums in the south west, and Portsmouth’s Fratton Park surely sits among them. The stadium is the long-time home of Portsmouth Football Club (also known as Pompey) who were founded back in 1898, and it’s seen plenty of thrilling matches since.
If you’re planning on heading here for a big game, then best get prepared in advance. Our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about Fratton Park Stadium, including how to get there and what else there is to keep you busy nearby.
Fratton Park Stadium is located to the east side of Portsmouth. It is the only professional football ground in England not on the mainland of Great Britain. The address is: Fratton Park, Frogmore Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 8RA.
On matchdays, roads can get very busy around Fratton Park Stadium. If you want to avoid the hassle of sitting in traffic and finding somewhere to park, travelling by train is a great alternative.
Things to do at Fratton Park Stadium
While the on-pitch action at Fratton Park is always going to be the main attraction, there’s plenty happening at this ground to keep you entertained. From half-time pub quizzes to pre-match meet-and-greets, there’s something for the whole group.
Matches
Pompey fan or not, you may well end up at Fratton Park for a match at some point – particularly if your team is in the EFL Sky Bet League One like Portsmouth FC. As well as League One games the ground hosts Emirates FA Cup matches, so there’s plenty going on throughout the season.
The Pompey Women’s team also play their games at the ground. From the FA Women's National League to the Women’s FA Cup, there’s plenty of occasions where you can cheer on the Pompey Women’s at Fratton Park Stadium.
Nelson’s Family Zone
Visiting with the family? Nelson’s Family Zone is a great way to add to the experience for fans young and old. Located in the Lower West section of the South Stand, this family-friendly area is often frequented by Nelson the club mascot, so be prep yourself for a meet-and-greet before the game begins.
Come half time, the fun continues with Nelson’s Classroom, a lighthearted quiz hosted by Nelson himself on the club’s big screen. Lottery draws, penalty shootouts and raffles also take place during half time, so you don’t want to miss out on the action.
Pompey Store
Get kitted out at Pompey Store, the club’s very own shop. You’ll find it behind the North Stand, selling a great choice of clothing and merchandise, including replica kit, stationary, keyrings and more.
Fratton Park Stadium tickets
If you’re heading to Fratton Park Stadium for a big game, buy your tickets online in advance. Tickets are also available to buy in person from the Pompey Store on non-matchdays, or the club’s ticket office at Frogmore Road during matchdays.
Season tickets are available to buy at the beginning of the football season, or if you’re looking to make your day a little more exclusive, why not book a hospitality package? Choose from the Legends Lounge, Montgomery Lounge, and Chairman’s Lounge to enjoy your game from the luxury of your very own private suite.
Things to do near Fratton Park Stadium
Match days can get really busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds as you head into the ground, we’d recommend getting there at least an hour before kick-off. Besides, getting there early will give you time to check out all the great things to do in Portsmouth, from shopping to sightseeing.
Pre-game you can get your drinks in at Palmerston Road, a popular street in the city offering a mix of bars and pubs. Or why not head to Albert Road and Gunwharf Quays for a spot of shopping? Here you can find a bustling hub with a line-up of stores, restaurants and pubs, perfect for passing some time before kick-off.
If you’re staying in Portsmouth for the weekend and have time on your hands, make sure you pay a visit to Southsea Common, where you can find attractions like the Rock Gardens, Southsea Beach and the pier. Meanwhile, those with a head for heights can venture up Spinnaker Tower for incredible views over the coast.
Tips for enjoying Fratton Park Stadium
On matchdays, Fratton Park Stadium can get very busy, so keep your visit as relaxed as possible with these tips:
- Since the roads get clogged up before and after games, we’d suggest taking the train instead. Allow an hour spare for you to get through security and find your seats.
- Make sure you bring a bag that’s small enough to fit under a stadium seat – or avoid bringing one altogether if possible. It’ll help keep security speedy.
Food and drinks
If you’re planning on hanging about at the ground, you could make the most of the on-site bars and cafés, which suit all sorts of tastes and budgets. You can find a selection of hot food, snacks and drinks served throughout the stadium, and supporters seated in the Fratton End can raise a glass to their team in the luxury of the Victory Lounge bar.
If you arrive early or fancy some post-match grub, fast food outlets Icy Spicy, Papa John’s Pizza, McDonald’s, KFC and Subway are all just a five-minute walk from the station. For those who prefer a sit-down meal, you can head to Coco’s, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant just a four-minute walk from the station.
Celebrate or drown your sorrows in one several pubs that are right by the stadium and station. Options include Good Companion, Staggeringly Good Brewery, The Shepherd’s Crook and Milton Arms. You could even grab some grub at any one of these venues.
Places to stay near Fratton Park Stadium
No matter your budget or group size, there are plenty of places to stay the night in Portsmouth. Book your room at Ibis Budget Portsmouth, which is just a five-minutes’ walk from the stadium. For a more central location in the town, choose from Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre or Travelodge Portsmouth.
Fratton Park accessibility
Fratton Park Stadium welcomes fans of all abilities and needs, providing an accessible environment for all. This includes accessible parking spaces and toilets, designated seating areas and more.
