Southampton

Southampton FC plays at St Mary's Stadium, located on the banks of the River Itchen in the Northam area of Southampton. The stadium opened in August 2001, replacing The Dell which had served the club since 1898. With a seating capacity of 32,384, St Mary's was purpose-built to modern standards and features four covered stands in a compact, bowl-shaped design that creates an excellent atmosphere. The stadium is named after the medieval chapel of St Mary that once stood near the site, connecting the modern venue to the ancient history of a port city whose maritime heritage dates back over a thousand years.

St Mary's has hosted Premier League football for most of its existence, witnessing Southampton's long top-flight presence before their relegation in 2023 and subsequent return via the Championship. The stadium has seen some memorable moments, including European competition during the club's better Premier League years, FA Cup runs, and the emergence of numerous talented players from Southampton's celebrated academy — which has produced Michael Owen, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Luke Shaw, and many others. St Mary's has also hosted England national team matches, confirming its status as a top-quality venue that comfortably meets international standards.

St Mary's was significantly upgraded in the years following its opening, with improvements to facilities, hospitality areas, and the matchday experience. Southampton's American ownership has invested in the club's infrastructure and has discussed potential stadium improvements to maintain St Mary's competitiveness with other Premier League grounds. The stadium's riverside location, walking distance from Southampton city centre and the historic waterfront, gives it a distinctive setting that benefits from views of the Itchen and the associated maritime landscape. As Southampton pursues promotion back to the Premier League, St Mary's provides an appropriate and well-appointed base for those ambitions.