Super League’s top five grounds based on atmosphere

Next in our ‘top five’ series is a result you had a big say in having been voting on our platforms for which stadium you believe provides the best atmosphere in Super League.

With special voting intructions which did not allow fans to vote for their own team, with those who did so having their votes cancelled out, we methodically ran through all valid votes to create a top five.

Following that, we ran another vote on the top five grounds only to get our final result which we have listed below. Next to each ground is the voting percentage share they received by each stadium.

5. Totally Wicked Stadium (St Helens) 8% 

It would be fair to say Saints have struggled to bring the intimidating atmosphere from Knowsley Road to the Totally Wicked Stadium. It has been over 10 years since that move now though and over recent times the stadium has offered a good level of noise. This has especially been on show for the big games, such as derby clashes against Wigan Warriors, though for the regular weekly round games there does seem to be something lacking still, which is shown by the reigning Super League champions only coming in at fifth place on the list.

4. Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington Wolves) 11%

Coming on at fourth on the list is another modern stadium in Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium. Many Wire supporters were upset when the club departed Wilderspool in 2003 but the HJ has been able to recreate much of that atmosphere thanks to the terraced South Stand. That stand accommodates the more vocal home supporters and during big games against Wigan and St Helens, when there is a good travelling support, the atmosphere can be electric.

3. Mend-A-Hose Jungle (Castleford Tigers) 24%

Rising up to third with a much higher percentage of the vote is Castleford’s Mend-A-Hose Jungle. The Tigers’ long-time home on Wheldon Road is adored by Cas supporters and is one of the great traditional grounds still active in the sport. As plans take shape to upgrade the stadium in a similar way Leeds have done at Headingley, keeping the hostile atmosphere will be vital at the Jungle. Currently, fans are situated right on top of the action, providing an atmosphere like no other, while the old look of the ground provides a sense of nostalgia every time you visit. It’s important this isn’t lost as Castleford move into the future.

2. Sewell Group Craven Park (Hull KR) 26%

Sneaking into second place is Hull KR’s Craven Park. It’s perhaps a surprise that the Robins home ground got this high up via votes from opposition fans, but there is perhaps a new respect to Rovers who have worked at making it a better stadium to visit for away fans over recent times. KR moved to the new Craven Park in 1989, and the 12,000-strong capacity stadium generates plenty of noise, especially from the East Stand who make it very hostile during every home game. Much like Odsal, Craven Park brings a unique atmosphere most fans love.

1. Headingley Stadium (Leeds Rhinos) 31%

As it did when we did a similar vote three years ago, Headingley takes top spot. The venue has overseen major redevelopments in recent years and has a history few other stadiums can match. Having modern facilities and keeping that traditional rugby league atmosphere is no mean feat, but Leeds appear to have gone some way to achieve that after a transition into their upgraded stadium. Much of the noise the previous South Stand provided has been maintained, especially during 2022 when the ground produced a great atmosphere during the Rhinos run to the Super League Grand Final. Though the lack of a roof on the away end still seems to frustrate away fans, Headingley takes first place just ahead of Craven Park and The Jungle.