From Highbury to the Amex: Premier League Clubs That Changed Stadiums
In the ever-evolving world of football, change is inevitable. From player transfers to management overhauls, few things remain constant — not even the hallowed grounds where legends are made. Several English Premier League clubs have swapped their historic homes for state-of-the-art stadiums, aiming to match growing ambitions with modern facilities and larger crowds. While such moves are often controversial, they also mark significant milestones in each club’s history.
In a new series about Premier League stadiums, EPLNews looks today at clubs that moved from one home ground to another.
Arsenal – From Highbury to Emirates Stadium (2006)
One of the most iconic stadium moves in Premier League history came in 2006, when Arsenal left Highbury — their home since 1913 — and moved to the Emirates Stadium.
Highbury, though beloved, had a capacity of just over 38,000 and limited scope for expansion. With the club competing regularly in the Champions League and boasting a global fanbase, the need for a larger, modern facility became urgent.
The £390 million Emirates Stadium opened its doors in July 2006, offering a capacity of over 60,000. Though the club’s early years in the new stadium were marked by financial caution and a trophy drought, it helped secure Arsenal’s long-term commercial future.
Manchester City – From Maine Road to Etihad Stadium (2003)
Maine Road, known as the “Wembley of the North,” had been Manchester City’s home since 1923. But by the late 1990s, it was evident that the club needed a more modern venue.
In 2003, City moved to the City of Manchester Stadium, later renamed the Etihad Stadium through a sponsorship deal. Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the stadium was reconfigured for football use, with a capacity exceeding 53,000.
The move coincided with a new era for the club, eventually becoming the foundation for City’s transformation into a global powerhouse following the 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover.
Southampton – From The Dell to St Mary’s Stadium (2001)
The Dell was a quirky, compact ground with a rich heritage, serving as Southampton’s home from 1898 to 2001. Despite its charm, it seated fewer than 16,000 fans — inadequate for a modern Premier League club.
In 2001, the Saints moved to St Mary’s Stadium, a purpose-built, 32,000-capacity arena located closer to the city centre. Though the club experienced relegation shortly after, St Mary’s remains a central part of their Premier League identity today.
Tottenham Hotspur – From White Hart Lane to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (2019)
White Hart Lane, Spurs’ home from 1899 until 2017, was a beloved venue steeped in tradition. But as Premier League revenue boomed and ambitions grew, the need for a world-class facility became obvious.
After temporarily playing at Wembley during the transition, Tottenham officially opened the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April 2019. With a capacity of over 62,000, it features a retractable pitch, microbrewery, and hosts NFL games — making it one of the most advanced stadiums in the world.
The stadium has elevated Tottenham’s status on and off the pitch, aligning with their push to be regulars in European competition.
West Ham United – From Upton Park to London Stadium (2016)
Upton Park (officially the Boleyn Ground) had been West Ham’s home for 112 years. Although full of character, it lacked the scale and modernity to support the club’s Premier League goals.
In 2016, West Ham moved to the London Stadium, originally built for the 2012 Olympics. The move was contentious among fans due to atmosphere concerns and its athletics-based design. However, it gave the club a 60,000-capacity ground and increased commercial opportunities.
Despite initial teething problems, the stadium has helped West Ham establish themselves as European contenders in recent seasons, including ending a long trophy drought by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.
Brighton & Hove Albion – From Withdean to the Amex (2011)
Perhaps the most dramatic rise among Premier League clubs belongs to Brighton. After leaving the Goldstone Ground in 1997, the club was temporarily housed at the Withdean Stadium, a converted athletics venue, until 2011.
Brighton’s move to the Falmer Stadium (commonly known as the Amex) in 2011 was a landmark moment. It signalled the club’s rebirth and laid the groundwork for their eventual promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
Today, the Amex is a model of sustainable club development, hosting over 30,000 fans in a modern, scenic environment.
Leicester City – From Filbert Street to King Power Stadium (2002)
Filbert Street served as Leicester City’s home from 1891 until 2002. Though rich in history, it struggled with age and space constraints.
In 2002, the Foxes moved to a new stadium initially known as the Walkers Stadium, later renamed the King Power Stadium. With a capacity of over 32,000, it became the fortress for one of the most astonishing Premier League achievements — their 2015–16 title win.
The modern ground played a pivotal role in attracting better players, sponsors, and delivering the infrastructure needed for a Premier League-winning club.
Honorable Mentions (Planned or Rumoured Moves)
While the article focuses strictly on completed stadium moves by English Premier League clubs, it’s worth noting that clubs like Everton and Chelsea have explored or initiated stadium plans.
Everton, for their part, have confirmed their move to the newly-built Everton Stadium at the Bramley-Moore Dock on the bank of the river Mersey ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The new stadium will have room for approximately 53,000 fans.
Final Thoughts
Stadium moves are never just about bricks and mortar. They represent a club’s ambition, identity, and connection with fans. While many supporters mourn the loss of traditional grounds, modern venues allow Premier League clubs to compete commercially and globally in an era of skyrocketing revenues and expectations.
Whether it’s the grandeur of the Emirates, the innovation at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or the rebirth at Brighton’s Amex, each stadium tells a story far beyond its concrete foundations.