Study reveals the best Premier League stadiums to survive a 28 Year Later zombie apocalypse

With 28 Years Later currently in cinemas, new research has revealed the best Premier League stadiums to seek shelter in the daunting event of a zombie apocalypse, and residents of Manchester will be relieved.

The study from Footy Accumulators, aims to find the Premier League stadiums best equipped for survivors to defend themselves against a zombie invasion, by looking at 13 factors including distance from a water source, whether crops can be grown on the pitch, and how difficult the stadium is to infiltrate by the undead. The study revealed that Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is the best stadium in the Premier League to seek refuge if a zombie apocalypse were to break out, with a score of 74.8 out of 100. 

The Etihad has the second-largest pitch in the Premier League at 8,932 square yards, meaning survivors can grow a large amount of food. It also has a partially retractable roof, and all four stands are connected, which makes it robust enough to keep zombies out. 

The population of the postcode where the stadium is located in Manchester, M11 is estimated to be around 24,400 people, which means survivors at the Etihad won’t have to fight off as many zombies as in other, more populated areas. Not to mention the distance to the nearest water source at just 0.27km, meaning survivors won’t have to travel too far to find water either.

Manchester United’s Old Trafford ranks in second place, with a score of 71.1 out of 100. Although the Theatre of Dreams has received a lot of criticism in recent times, the sheer size of the stadium, which can hold 74,879 people, coupled with its connected stands and close proximity to water, at just 0.15km, and having the third largest pitch, ensure it would serve as an excellent base for human resistance.

The top 10 best Premier League stadiums to survive a zombie apocalypse:

St James’ Park is the third-best stadium in the Premier League to set up camp, with a score of 71 out of 100. Newcastle’s connected stands and lower population density of just 13,352 people living in the NE1 postcode means fewer zombies at the gates for survivors to fend off.

Brighton’s Amex Stadium scored 70 out of 100 and ranks in fourth place. Although the American Express Stadium only has a capacity of 31,876 people, it’s a relatively new stadium, opening in 2011, has three tiers, all stands connected, and only 46 entry points, making it difficult for zombies to gain access into the stadium.

Anfield ranks in fifth place, with a score of 67.7 out of 100. A recent expansion to the Anfield Road stand saw the capacity increase to 61,276. Combined with the three tiers, a generously sized pitch for growing crops at 8,250 square yards, and all stands connected, it means Liverpool’s stadium is a viable option to push back against a zombie onslaught.

The Stadium of Light, home to newly promoted Sunderland ranks in sixth place, thanks to being located on the banks of the River Wear, scoring 67.6 out of 100. This is followed by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (64.9), London Stadium (64.1), Goodison Park (62.7), and Villa Park (61.5) in tenth.

The Premier League stadium where survivors will have the least chance of survival is Fulham’s Craven Cottage, which scored 51.2 out of 100. The Cottage opened in 1896 and is the oldest football stadium in London, and also has glaring gaps between the stands, which would make it easier for a swarm of zombies in London to break in.

Commenting on the study, Alex Beecham, Managing Director of Footy Accumulators, said: “With the latest release in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s zombie film series set in the United Kingdom, our study shows which Premier League stadiums are the most robust and could potentially be used as a base to defend against a zombie invasion.

“From the structure of the stadium to the size of the pitch, we tested stadiums against how liveable and defendable they are from an outbreak. We just hope a zombie apocalypse isn’t on the cards anytime soon.”