‘England’s best stadium is 18,000-capacity ground that ex-Premier League club almost abandoned to move next to a PRISON’
THE STADIUM hailed as the best in England was almost abandoned by an ex-Premier League club to move next to a prison.
Built in 1904, the ground has hosted three professional clubs since it opened but it’s current tenants have often been keen to relocate.
However, they currently remain at the 18,439-capacity venue, which has been their home since 1917.
It has also now been named the best stadium in England by talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham.
After completing the 92 by visiting every Premier League and EFL ground, he ranked his top 10 in the country.
Of those, QPR’s Loftus Road came out on top ahead of Elland Road, the home of Leeds.
Explaining his decision, Durham said: “I went to QPR v Crystal Palace in the League Cup and it reminded me how much I loved it.
“It’s in the middle of a housing estate in London. The corners are filled in, it’s tight to the pitch.
“I just absolutely love it. It’s another one where the atmosphere, when they’re doing well, is fantastic.
“That’s how a ground should be, right in the middle of a residential area. I love it.”
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Loftus Road has hosted seven seasons of Premier League football but has been a Championship ground since QPR were relegated in 2015.
Fulham and AFC Wimbledon have also both been short-term tenants in the last 25 years.
However, despite its claim to being the best stadium in the country, QPR have previously looked to move away from Loftus Road.
Back in 2013, the Hoops planned to build a new 40,000-seater stadium down the road from Wormwood Scrubs prison.
Designs were even unveiled for New Queens Park in the Old Oak area, around two-and-a-half miles from their famous home.
Then chairman Tony Fernandes was keen to build the new ground after drawing up plans, only for them to be abandoned after the club dropped out of the top flight.
A move was considered again in 2018, with the club hoping to redevelop Linford Christie Stadium in the same area of West London.
QPR have also since abandoned those plans, though, and remain at Loftus Road, where they have yet to win this season.