My friends and I are yet to renew our season tickets as we are thinking of moving seats. We currently sit in the Fratton End and have for many years. We were recently discussing how the atmosphere in the stand has depleted majorly in recent years. I think that most people who sit in the Fratton End now think that by sitting in that stand it automatically makes them a better supporter than others sitting elsewhere whilst rarely contributing to the 'atmosphere' themselves. Most people who sit near me often do not sing at all and sometimes even look at you funny when you start to sing loudly or stand up when there is an opportunity. Me and my friends are thinking of moving to the lower north stand towards the left so we are closer to the away fans. In the grounds that i have been to away from Fratton Park, those with the best atmosphere are the ones where their main stand is next to, or close to the away fans, which is tottally opposite to Fratton Park. The North Lower probably has a better view than the Fratton End as well. It would be interesting to know your views on the atmosphere in the Fratton End and if any of you would consider moving stands or do you think the Fratton End is the best place to sit?
I think if you move up the Fratton end, more and more people stand and sing. We just need someone to change the songs more often and to have a few more worded songs. From past experience, the only time the north stand sung, was AC Milan and the home matches against the Scum.
I have sat/stood in all parts of the ground over the years and had a season ticket in the Fratton end, back row on the left as you face the pitch. If you go lower north stand which is the unluckiest stand for me, don't forget you will be saluting the South stand on sunny days. The lower South stand which I believe is the family section now was the luckiest stand for me. I saw my first game there watching Mike Treblicock score a 2nd half hatrick against Watford in a 5 - 0 win. Also saw my favourite player Mick Tait score a 5 minute hatrick against Exeter there which was also a 5 - 0 win. Stay in the Fratton end but move up to the back, great view.
Why not give up the tickets, go in the Milton end and, 'ave it large. Actually scrub that, I used to stand on the Milton end and Babylon would throw you out if they didn't like your hairstyle, let alone if you used the naughty words. Me and my muckers went all around the ground, over the years, and finally ended up in D section South stand. After winning, that little caged staircase was fun to walk down, on the way out, as you looked down upon your defeated foes from such a lofty position, both physically and morally as well. If we lost, I went the other way!
Over the years, I have stood or sat in every part of the ground, with the exception of the Fratton End ! My favourite place is the South Stand lower near the away team dug out. Good view, and always guaranteed amusing banter or abuse aimed at the visiting manager, if he is a bit gobby, or arrogant !
As kids, we had our perch up in the Fratton End but we got older and moved when the seats came in. Now we are back row of the lower North- Fratton End side of the half way line-and I would'nt swap my seat for anyone else's...and we can stand cos we're at the back! It might take a season or two to get exactly where you want but it's worth it.
Used to stand in Fratton End in 70s then moved to North Lower in 1980s and now sit there near halfway line. View is excellent and atmosphere is good - it's what you and those around you make it. Mind you, the concrete is hard!
