Portman Road – Ipswich Town
- Mitch MacCullom
- Jul 15, 2019
- 3 min read
Photos by Facebook
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Portman Road
Ipswich, England IP1 2DA
United Kingdom
Year Opened: 1884
Capacity: 30,311
The Tractor Boys
Ipswich Town has been a staple of the English football second tier since 2002, but a torrid season looks set to consign the Tractor Boys to League One football. Ipswich was one of the finest sides in England during the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup under the guidance of the legendary Bobby Robson. A 5th-place Premier League finish in 2000/01 is the last truly happy memory for Ipswich fans, with the subsequent years mostly filled with mediocrity. Founded in 1878, Ipswich has a rich history and have played football at the classic Portman Road ground since 1884.
Food & Beverage 2
Fans have criticised the system for serving food and beverage in the ground, complaining that the waiting times can exceed the half-time interval and that often the desired products go out of stock all too quickly.
Atmosphere 3
Ipswich fans haven’t had a great deal to shout about in recent seasons, so you can forgive them for allowing the atmosphere to decline. Renowned for their vociferous away support, Ipswich fans have struggled to get as excited at a Portman Road ground at which they only witnessed three home wins in 2018. However, when the fans are in fine voice there are few finer sensations in English football than hearing this old ground filled with new life. Latest manager Paul Lambert hasn’t been able to turn results around, but the former Norwich boss has surprised many with how he has been able to unite the Ipswich fanbase once again.
Neighbourhood 4
Ipswich is one of the more welcoming away days in the English Championship, with visiting fans treated with respect and warmth. The FanZone that operates on match days next to the stadium provides the ideal backdrop to get excited about the upcoming game.
Fans 5
The Tractor Boys rarely fill the 30,000 capacity Portman Road, but then Ipswich itself only boasts a population of around 140,000. Those fans that regularly attend haven’t been blessed with consistently high performances, particularly this season, so their dedication should be commended. Sports bookmaker redbet is showing that Ipswich’s prospects of survival are not so promising in the team progress markets.
The Teams To Be Relegated market finds Ipswich at the shortest price of 1/20, while odds of 1/2 to finish in the bottom position demonstrates how Ipswich fans are beginning to come to terms with their impending relegation. It will be interesting to see how relegation affects attendances, although for many traveling fans in League One next year the visit to Portman Road will be one of the most exciting additions to the calendar.
Access 5
The stadium is a ten-minute walk from the railway station, while two Park & Ride options are in place.
Return on Investment 3
Adult ticket prices start at £25 but can rise as high as £52, which few Ipswich fans would be able to argue is a price that has constituted value in recent seasons. However, if you can afford it then a trip to an old ground with distinctive character is a must.
Extras 2
A matchday programme is available, with this season’s front covers impressive in how they tap into the power of nostalgia.
Final Thoughts
It will be a shame if Ipswich Town and Portman Road are to drop out of the Championship. Portman Road may not be all shiny and new, but its classic stands and warming atmosphere make for an enjoyable experience. Hopefully, that football will bring more joy for Ipswich fans next season, whatever the division.
