Lord’s Cricket Ground
London, England
Emirates Stadium
London England
The Emirates Stadium is a world-renowned football arena located in Highbury, North London. Serving as the home of Arsenal Football Club since 2006, the stadium has a capacity of 60,704, making it one of the largest and most modern club grounds in the United Kingdom. Built to replace the historic but smaller Highbury Stadium, « The Emirates » is celebrated for its impeccable pitch, futuristic design, and its role as a centerpiece of urban regeneration in London. Whether hosting high-stakes Premier League clashes or Champions League nights, the stadium offers a premium matchday experience that blends tradition with 21st-century luxury.
Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Capacity
60.704
History of the stadium
The project, originally known as Ashburton Grove, began in the early 2000s as Arsenal sought to increase matchday revenue to compete with Europe’s elite. The stadium was inaugurated in July 2006 with a testimonial match for club legend Dennis Bergkamp. The move marked a significant shift for the « Gunners, » leaving behind the 93-year history of Highbury for a state-of-the-art bowl. Over the years, the stadium has evolved through the « Arsenalisation » project, which added murals of club legends, reclaimed Highbury’s clock (The Clock End), and installed statues of icons like Herbert Chapman, Thierry Henry, and Arsène Wenger.
Architecture and design
Designed by Populous (formerly HOK Sport), the Emirates Stadium is a four-tiered translucent bowl. Its most striking feature is the sweeping roof, which allows maximum sunlight to reach the pitch while providing cover for all spectators. The stadium is known for its incredible sightlines; there is not a single seat with a restricted view. The interior is divided into several tiers, including a dedicated « Club Level » for hospitality, which became a blueprint for modern stadium revenue models. The pitch itself is widely considered the best in world football, maintained to a carpet-like standard by a specialist grounds team.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
The atmosphere at the Emirates has seen a significant resurgence, driven by a new generation of vocal supporters and the « Ashburton Army » group in the Clock End. Before kickoff, the stadium rings out with « The Angel (North London Forever), » a powerful anthem that has unified the fanbase. The concourses are spacious and decorated with displays celebrating the club’s « Invincible » season and various trophy wins. With high-end catering and efficient digital entry, the stadium offers a polished and comfortable experience that still manages to pay homage to the club’s North London roots.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located in the Holloway/Highbury area and is exceptionally well-served by public transport. It is within walking distance of three Underground stations: Arsenal (Piccadilly Line), Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line and North London Line), and Finsbury Park (Piccadilly and Victoria Lines). Holloway Road station is also nearby but often becomes exit-only on matchdays. The stadium is accessible via several pedestrian bridges—the Ken Friar and Danny Fiszman bridges—which link the stadium « island » to the surrounding streets.
Origin of the stadium name
The stadium carries the name of Emirates Airline following a landmark sponsorship deal signed in 2004. This partnership has been one of the longest-running in sports history, covering both the stadium naming rights and shirt sponsorship. While known commercially as the Emirates Stadium, many locals and traditionalists still refer to the site as Ashburton Grove. During UEFA competitions, where commercial naming is restricted, the venue is officially referred to as the Arsenal Stadium.
Who's play in Emirates Stadium
How to get to Emirates Stadium
The most efficient way to reach the stadium is via the London Underground. Arsenal station is the closest, but Highbury & Islington is often recommended for a less crowded walk and better connections to the Overground. For those arriving from outside London, Finsbury Park is a major rail hub just a 10-minute walk away. Be aware that the roads surrounding the stadium are strictly residential and are closed to traffic on matchdays, making driving almost impossible.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
Every seat at the Emirates offers a clear view, but for the best tactical perspective, the upper tiers of the East and West stands are unbeatable. For the most passionate atmosphere, seek out seats in the lower tier of the Clock End (South Stand) or the North Bank. If you are looking for luxury, the « Club Level » (the second tier) provides padded seats, access to exclusive bars, and a more relaxed environment. The front rows of the lower tier put you incredibly close to the action, often just a few meters from the world-class players.
Where to eat and drink near Emirates Stadium
The area around Highbury and Holloway is packed with pubs and eateries. « The Tollington » and « The Gunners » are legendary matchday pubs for home fans. For food, Holloway Road offers everything from « Piebury Corner » (gourmet pies named after players) to traditional fish and chips. If you prefer a quieter pre-match meal, Upper Street in Angel is a 20-minute walk away and offers a vast array of high-end restaurants and bistros. Inside the stadium, the food options are diverse, ranging from classic burgers to vegan curries.
Good to know
The Emirates Stadium is a completely cashless venue; all kiosks and programs must be paid for via card or mobile payment. It is a strictly non-smoking venue, including e-cigarettes. Security is thorough, and a « small bag » policy is in place (nothing larger than A4). For international visitors, it is highly recommended to join the « Red Membership » to have the best chance of securing tickets, as matches almost always sell out. Finally, make sure to arrive at least an hour before kickoff to soak in the pre-match build-up and avoid the last-minute rush at the turnstiles.
