Iconic former Prem stadium has entire stand demolished ahead of complete rebuild

Portsmouth's iconic Fratton Park stadium is in ruins – though don't worry Pompy fans, it's only temporary.

The ground, which has stood in the heart of the south coast city since 1899, is undergoing renovation so it can be modernised and have its capacity, which currently stands at just over 20,000, increased.

Part of the Milton End has been completely demolished as workers aim to increase its capacity to 3,200 by joining it to the neighbouring North Stand.

The redevelopment project began in 2020 and has work been taking place incrementally ever since. The added seats are set to be covered by a brand new roof while a control room is also set to be constructed in the same corner of the ground.

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Entrances at both ends of the stand are also being rebuilt, along with newly-installed ladies' toilets for supporters, new turnstiles and a lavish new extended concourse.

As part of wider plans to eventually transition to safe standing, concrete terraces are also being installed in much of the Milton End.

Will Portsmouth ever make it back to the Premier League? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Portsmouth spent seven seasons in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship under Harry Redknapp in 2003. They ended the 2007/08 season in eighth place – their highest domestic finish since 1955 – and capped the memorable season off by beating Cardiff in the FA Cup final.

But they were relegated just two years later after losing Redknapp – and several of their best players – to Tottenham and falling into administration, despite reaching the FA Cup final again (and losing to Chelsea).

The club lasted just two seasons in the Championship before dropping down to League One in 2012, and down again to League Two in 2013. But after stabilising their finances, Pompey began the long climb back up the pyramid.

In 2017 they were crowned League Two champions and have been in third tier of English football ever since.

The closest they've come to promotion was when they suffered back-to-back play-off semi-final defeats in 2019 and 2020.

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