Arsenal stadium guide: Everything home and away fans need to know visiting the Emirates

Arsenal are able to welcome back a full compliment of fans to their mythical Emirates Stadium for the first time in more than a year.

The 60,704-seater ground, which is the third largest in English club football, has been the Gunners’ ground since they left Highbury in 2006.

The modern venue has replicated some parts of Highbury, including installing the historic clock to create the famous Clock End.

This season the goal is simple, get back into the Champions League and restore the club to its former glory.

Winning any kind of trophy will be seen as progress after the disappointments of last season, when Mikel Arteta’s men finished eighth and missed out on European football for the first time in more than a decade.

The Gunners started on a rather disappointing note with two 2-0 defeats to London rivals Brentford and Chelsea.

Key player: Bukayo Saka

Last season Bukayo Saka scored five goals and got three assists in 30 league games.

But his overall impact was  a breath of fresh air, in what was a difficult campaign.

His exploits for England during Euro 2020 further strengthened his growing reputation as one of the best youngsters in Europe.

He will be pivotal if the club is to get back to its former lofty heights in the league.

How to get to the Emirates stadium

Address: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Road, Islington, N5 1BU

The Emirates Stadium is located in North London, just off Holloway Road in the borough of Islington.

There are four Tube stations nearby, which are all within a 15 minute walk to the ground.

On the Victoria Line fans can get off at Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park. The latter also has National Rail services from St Albans and Cambridge.

The closest Tube station is Arsenal, on the Piccadilly Line, which is the only London Underground station named after a football team.

Holloway Road station, on the same line, is also a short walk to the station.

By bus supporters can take the 259 that travels from King’s Cross to Edmonton Green.

Supporters can get off at Finsbury Park station and walk to Emirates Stadium in seven minutes.

For those driving, there is little parking space around the Emirates on match days so it’s always advisable to sort out parking in advance.

Where to eat

On matchdays, small joints that sell hot dogs and burgers spring to life on the walk to the stadium.

There are also numerous Turkish restaurants around Finsbury Park, due to the large expat community, where supporters can grab kebabs.

There are no hotels around the Emirates Stadium but there are several places to stay down the road in Finsbury Park and towards Seven Sisters.

The Woodberry Down Hotel and Central Park Hotel are also close by, and more upmarket.

Tickets

Arsenal ticket prices always vary depending on the game, competition and demand.

The cheapest can be as low as £26, while the most expensive are around £200.

Tickets for Arsenal matches can be bought online on the club’s website or by phone 0844 2773 625.

A further booking fee of £2 applies, and tickets are generally cheaper for fans with membership cards.

Home Pubs

On match days, the Twelve Pins, The Gunners and Tollington pubs are all busy with Arsenal fans who create a unique atmosphere ahead of games.

All the aforementioned pubs have giant screens for fans to keep an eye on the build up to the game before heading to the stadium.

Away fans

The Drayton Park pub is dedicated to away fans, and within walking distance to the Emirates Stadium.

Covid guidelines

Social distancing is no longer required at the Emirates and fans do not have to get table service food and drinks in any more.

Fans may be be required to show proof of negative Covid test taken within the last 48 hours, or evidence of having taken both jabs of the vaccine on the NHS app.

This could become mandatory from October 1, and the Premier League is advising supporters to prepare for this.

The use of face covering is no longer required by law, but some clubs still advise they are worn when standing or moving away from your seat.

Stadium Tour

Arsenal offer an option to see the Emirates Stadium through a self-guided tour and fans have the chance to see the changing rooms and even the players’ tunnel.

There is also the option for a stadium tour with a club legend which is the hot ticket for tourists.

There are no stadium tours on match days.

All tours can be booked online, by phone or at the stadium in person.