Charlton's supporter culture is rooted in the local community of southeast London, and it shows on matchdays. The atmosphere is vocal and direct, without the tourist-heavy feel that surrounds some of the capital's bigger clubs. Home fans are knowledgeable about the club's history, and that history is considerable, from the exile years of the 1980s and early 1990s to the Premier League period that followed. First-time visitors often notice how close-knit the crowd feels. Pubs near the ground fill up well before kick-off, so arriving early is sensible if you want to settle in. Some visitors eat in central London first and take the train out to Charlton before the match.
