Stadium Guides: Arsenal - Emirates Stadium

Everything you need to know about one of the most iconic football stadiums on the planet, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Key stadium details:

Stadium name:	The Emirates
Where:	London
Tenants:	Arsenal FC
Capacity:	60,260
Opening date:	Saturday 22nd July 2006

Which team plays at the Emirates?

Premier League side Arsenal use the Emirates as their home ground, playing all of their domestic league and European fixtures there.

What year was The Emirates opened?

The Emirates replaced Highbury as Arsenal’s ground in July 2006, with Arsenal’s first game in their new home coming on the 22nd of the month, a 2-1 win over Ajax for Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial.

Arsenal decided to build the Emirates after the local council rejected their proposal to expand Highbury, and it was designed to host international fixtures and concerts on top of domestic games.

What is the capacity of The Emirates?

The Emirates currently holds 60,260 people, the decision was made that the club would relocate to a new stadium rather than expanding Highbury, as the suggested expansion of their old ground to 48,000 seats was not deemed big enough.

What is the record attendance at The Emirates?

60,121 is the current record attendance at The Emirates Stadium for a 2-2 draw in the Premier League against Manchester United, on 3rd November 2007.

How big is The Emirates’ pitch?

At the start of the 2022/23 season, the Emirates’ pitch was measured at 105 metres long and 68 metres wide (115 yd x 74 yd), which is the maximum size governing body UEFA allow.

This can vary though, depending on the preference of the current manager.

Where is The Emirates located?

The Emirates stadium is located in the Holloway district of Islington, North London, around 450 metres away from where Highbury stood.

How do I get to The Emirates Stadium?

The Emirates is very accessible, three tube stations; Arsenal, Finsbury Park and Highbury & Islington, are within a 10-minute walk from the ground. Arsenal and Highbury & Islington are on the same lines as London King’s Cross for national rail services. The overground train also stops at Finsbury Park for access from further afield.

There are regular buses from London City Centre and surrounding boroughs of London that can be used to travel to the stadium. Which is also accessible by driving, however, parking is an issue on matchdays due to the volume of people in the area.

The address of the stadium is: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Road, London, N7 7AJ.

Why is the stadium called ‘The Emirates Stadium’?

Arsenal initially had issues financing the stadium, as they received no government subsidy. Therefore, the naming rights were sold to the company Emirates in a 15-year deal worth £100m alongside a 7-year shirt sponsorship.

Can I visit The Emirates?

You can. It is accessible to supporters on matchdays, you can buy tickets for games on the club’s official website. Here you will also find official tours that go ahead regularly on non-matchdays, taking you through the club’s illustrious history, as well as the process of building and settling into The Emirates.

What major events have taken place at The Emirates?

The Emirates has seen some huge games of football. Champions League semi-finals have taken place there, alongside regular instalments of the North London Derby.

It has also become a home away from home for the Brazilian national team, who have featured in every international match to take place at the stadium, with the first after it opened being a 3-0 win for the Seleção over continental rivals Argentina.

Concerts are a regular occurrence at the Emirates as well, with iconic artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay and Green Day playing there, as the capacity can be increased to 72,000 for these events.