Exploring Emirates Stadium: A Tour of the Iconic Home of Arsenal

Are you a soccer fan looking for a unique experience? Look no further than the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club.

This state-of-the-art facility is a must-visit for any sports enthusiast. Not only does it offer a glimpse into the rich history of Arsenal, but also the chance to see the world-class facilities that the team uses to train and compete.

From the famous pitch to the breathtaking views from the stands, the Emirates Stadium is a true feast for the senses. Join us on a tour of this iconic venue to discover why it’s a must-see destination for sports fans from around the globe.

History of Arsenal Football Club

Arsenal Football Club, also known as the Gunners, was founded in 1886 by workers from the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory. The club has a rich history, having won numerous domestic and international titles over the years. Arsenal has a loyal fan base, with supporters from all corners of the world. The club has played at several stadiums throughout its history, but since 2006, the Emirates Stadium has been their home.

Facts and Figures about Emirates Stadium

The Emirates Stadium is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate over 60,000 fans. The stadium opened in 2006 and cost approximately £390 million to build.

The Emirates Stadium has been designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for fans, with excellent sightlines and facilities. The pitch measures 105 by 68 meters and is made of natural grass.

The stadium is equipped with the latest technology and has a unique retractable roof that can be opened or closed in just 10 minutes.

The four-tiered bowl-shaped Emirates Stadium, created by Christopher Lee of Populous, has translucent polycarbonate covering over the spectators but not the field. Lee describes it as both “beautiful” and “intimidating.”

The roof is supported by four triangular welded tubular steel trusses, and the underside is lined with metallic panels.
200 meters (660 feet) of trusses go from north to south, and 200 meters (660 feet) of trusses run from east to west.

The trusses are supported by the stadium’s eight vertical concrete cores, which are connected by steel tripods.

They each have service entrances, a passenger elevator, and four staircases. The stadium has facades that are either glass or interlaced between the cores, allowing spectators on the podium to look into the stadium.

The Emirates Stadium Tour Experience

A visit to the Emirates Stadium is not complete without taking a tour of the facilities. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and is led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will provide insights into the history of Arsenal and the stadium. The tour includes access to several areas of the stadium that are not usually open to the public.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to visit the changing rooms used by the Arsenal players. Visitors can see where the players prepare for matches and get a feel for what it’s like to be in a professional football club’s locker room.

The tour also includes a visit to the pitchside, where visitors can stand on the hallowed turf and take in the magnificent stadium’s atmosphere.

Another highlight of the tour is the player’s tunnel, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Arsenal players as they make their way onto the pitch. The tunnel is decorated with club crests and player names, creating an exciting and memorable experience.

Legends’ Statue and Museum

The Emirates Stadium is also home to a statue of Arsenal’s greatest manager, Herbert Chapman, who led the team to success in the 1930s. The statue is located outside the stadium and is a popular spot for fans to take photos.

The stadium also has a museum that showcases Arsenal’s history, including trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.

The Arsenal Store and Merchandise

Football fans can’t leave the Emirates Stadium without picking up some merchandise at the Arsenal store. The store stocks a wide range of products, including shirts, scarves, hats, and other accessories. Visitors can also purchase personalized items, making for a unique and memorable souvenir of their visit.

Dining Options at Emirates Stadium

The Emirates Stadium has a wide range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. The stadium has several restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a variety of cuisines to suit all tastes. Visitors can enjoy a pre-match meal or drink or grab a snack during halftime.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodation Options

The Emirates Stadium is located in the heart of North London and is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can explore the local area, which is home to several other attractions, including the famous Finsbury Park and the vibrant Camden Market.

There are also plenty of accommodation options in the vicinity, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

Extra Uses for the Stadium

In addition to hosting sporting events, the Emirates Stadium also hosts conferences. the stadium’s status as “a shining example of Anglo-French co-operation,” in part. On March 27, 2008, it served as the setting for a meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The audition rounds for The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, and Big Brother have all taken place in the stadium.

In 2016, the Emirates hosted Celebrity Masterchef, a competition in which competitors prepare meals for club staff.
The Emirates has been utilized for events besides sporting competitions, boosting the maximum capacity to 72,000.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave the stadium their debut performance on May 30, 2008.
They performed once more the following evening. Coldplay, a British band, played three gigs in the Emirates in June 2012 after the first two dates were completely sold out within 30 minutes of being on sale.

They were the first band to have a concert venue sold out. In June 2013, Green Day broke the venue attendance record at the Emirates. The Killers’ Mirage tour included two special, sold-out performances at the Emirates on June 3rd and 4th, 2022.

Emirates Stadium Location

Using Public Transportation to Get to Emirates Stadium

London Overground or Underground
The nearby Underground/Overground stations in London are:

Arsenal station, in Zone 2, is on the Piccadilly Line and is three minutes walk from the stadium. Finsbury Park, in Zone 2, is on the Victoria Line and is 12 minutes walk from the stadium. Highbury & Islington, in Zone 2, is on the Victoria Line and is a 12-minute walk from the stadium.

Many spectators park at northern suburban stations before entering the stations mentioned above. The driving section can provide extra information.

Eastbound trains at Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line), which is an EXIT-ONLY stop after Arsenal games, WILL NOT call at the station before an Arsenal game.

Highbury & Islington and Finsbury Park will be far less crowded before and after the game than Arsenal station.

A line-up system is established between Arsenal Station and Finsbury Park after the game. For Finsbury Park, stay to the left, and for Arsenal, stay to the right.

National Rail

The stadium is located 3.5 miles from London King’s Cross station (KGX), which is situated at Euston Road, NW1 2SA.

The stadium is 3.8 miles from London Euston station (EUS), which is situated at Euston Road, NW1 2AE.

Bus

Both Holloway Road and Highbury Corner, which are near the stadium, are served by Routes 30, 17, 91, 259, and 393.

Taxi

Call Yellow Cars at (20) 7609 4444.

Private Transportation to Emirates Stadium

For a Google Maps view of Emirates Stadium, click here.

The major routes listed below provide access to the stadium:

A1, A503, M1; passing Edgware and Highgate from the north
Passing the City of London and Clerkenwell on the southbound A1
A10 from the East, past Stratford, and Hackney, via the A12 and A406
A40 and A501 in the West, traveling through Central London

The City Center

Emirates Stadium lies northeast of Central London, outside the Congestion Charge area.
Depending on where in London you are coming from, you can approach the stadium from the A501 (Euston Road), passing King’s Cross and Euston stations.
In North Kensington, this street begins as Westway and proceeds through the rest of the city before turning into City Road in Shoreditch to the east.

Stadium District

The stadium is next to the A1 Holloway Road, which is close by and highly busy on game days. The roads directly surrounding the stadium are closed on game days as they are private residential neighborhoods.

The Islington Council has released a list of the matchday traffic restrictions and measures.

Parking

Because Emirates Stadium is located in a busy residential area, parking is limited.
Road closures are used in addition to parking places for those visiting matchday hospitality and disabled supporters.

A large number of spectators park at northern suburban stations including Cockfosters (Piccadilly Line) and Blackhorse Road (Victoria Line) to use the stations mentioned in the section on public transit.

Conclusion

The Emirates Stadium is a must-visit destination for any football fan. The stadium offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Arsenal Football Club and see world-class facilities up close. From the changing rooms to the player’s tunnel, the Emirates Stadium tour is an unforgettable experience.

With plenty of dining options and nearby attractions, visitors can make a day of their trip to the Emirates Stadium. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and discover why the Emirates Stadium is one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.