Fratton Park Facts for Kids

Fratton Park in 2006

Fratton Park is a famous football stadium in England. It is the exciting home ground for Portsmouth F.C., a well-known football club. This stadium has been a key part of Portsmouth's history for many years, hosting countless matches and cheering fans. It's one of the oldest football grounds still used by a professional team.

Home of Portsmouth FC
History of Fratton Park
- When Was Fratton Park Built?
- Early Days and Changes
Stadium Features
Fun Facts About Fratton Park
Images for kids
See also

Home of Portsmouth FC

Fratton Park is where the Portsmouth F.C. team plays all their home games. The club, often called "Pompey" by its fans, has a long and proud history. When you visit Fratton Park, you can feel the energy of the fans cheering for their team. It's a special place for both the players and their supporters.

History of Fratton Park

When Was Fratton Park Built?

Fratton Park first opened its doors in 1899. This makes it one of the oldest football stadiums in England that is still used for professional matches. Imagine all the games and moments that have happened there over more than 120 years! The stadium was built specifically for Portsmouth F.C., and it has been their home ever since.

Early Days and Changes

Over the years, Fratton Park has changed quite a bit. In its early days, it was much smaller. As football became more popular, the stadium was expanded to hold more fans. Famous architects, like Archibald Leitch, helped design some of the stands. These changes made the stadium bigger and better for everyone.

Stadium Features

How Many People Can Fit?

Fratton Park can hold thousands of cheering fans. Its official capacity is around 20,000 people. This means a lot of supporters can come together to watch the games. The stadium has different sections, or stands, where fans sit or stand.

Main Stands at Fratton Park

The stadium has four main stands:

The North Stand
The South Stand
The Fratton End
The Milton End

Each stand has its own history and character. The South Stand, for example, was designed by Archibald Leitch in 1925. The Fratton End is known for its seating design that remembers former player-manager Jimmy Dickinson.

Modern Updates

Even though Fratton Park is old, it has been updated over time. New roofs have been added, and facilities have been improved for fans and players. These updates help keep the stadium safe and comfortable for everyone who visits.

Fun Facts About Fratton Park

Fratton Park is known for its unique atmosphere, especially on match days.
The stadium has hosted many important football matches, not just for Portsmouth F.C.
It's a landmark in the city of Portsmouth and a symbol of the local community's love for football.

Images for kids

Portsmouth v Morecambe match at Fratton Park, 11 December 2021
Portsmouth v Ryde match at Fratton Park, 1899. North Terrace and Milton End
Archibald Leitch's 1925 South Stand in February 2008
The North Stand as seen in a match v Chelsea, February 2008
The North Stand and the original Milton Lane. January 2017
The North Stand and car park. January 2017
North Stand Lower (A to E sections) in January 2022
The Milton End with new roof in 2007.
Specks Lane behind the Milton Lane.
The Fratton End in 2008. Former player-manager Jimmy Dickinson is remembered in the seating design.
Fratton Park's Pavilion and the former The Pompey pub (right) at 44 Frogmore Road
The south-east (near) and north-east (far) floodlights at the Milton End and Specks Lane in 2008.
42 Frogmore Road, the former premises of Portsmouth FC Community Office and briefly as a Pompey Store in 2011.
"Partners Lounge" and offices entrance, built in 1966–67 on the site of "Offside Cottage" at 57 Frogmore Road