Emirates Stadium is a modern, 60,000+ seat football arena in Holloway, North London, and the long‑term home of Arsenal Football Club, offering matchdays, year‑round stadium tours and a club museum for visiting fans and tourists. Visitors can explore behind the scenes, walk through the players’ tunnel, see the home dressing room, enjoy panoramic views of the bowl and learn about Arsenal’s history in the on‑site museum, with easy access via multiple London Underground stations and well‑organised visitor facilities. This guide explains the stadium’s history and design, how to plan a visit or tour, transport options, prices, accessibility, seasonal considerations and the most common questions people ask before going.
History and Key Facts
Emirates Stadium sits in Holloway, in the borough of Islington, a short distance from Arsenal’s former home at Highbury. Construction was completed in 2006, with Arsenal moving in for the 2006–07 season after leaving Highbury due to its limited capacity. With more than 60,000 seats, it is one of the largest football stadiums in England and regularly hosts Premier League, European and domestic cup fixtures.
The project cost is widely reported at around £390 million, reflecting the scale of the four‑tier bowl design, hospitality suites and commercial facilities. For UEFA competitions the venue is often referred to simply as “Arsenal Stadium”, while its traditional sponsorship name remains Emirates Stadium. The ground has hosted record attendances of over 60,000 for high‑profile matches, demonstrating both its size and demand from supporters.
Design, Layout and Atmosphere
The stadium is a modern bowl with two main tiers of general seating, a smaller club level tier and an upper tier, all designed to maximise sightlines and keep fans close to the pitch. Home supporters typically occupy the majority of the bowl, with away fans usually placed in the south‑east corner of the lower tier, expandable to thousands of away seats for domestic cup ties. The design includes extensive concourse space, large screens and high‑end hospitality areas, giving it a different feel from traditional British terraces.
Outside, bridges and walkways such as the North Bank and Clock End bridges help fans reach different sides of the ground. Statues, murals and naming of stands and areas reference Arsenal legends and Highbury heritage, reinforcing the club’s identity despite the move to a new venue. On matchdays, the atmosphere builds hours before kick‑off, with fan zones, merchandise outlets and food and drink kiosks operating around the bowl.
Museum and Matchday Experience
The Arsenal Museum is integrated into the stadium complex and showcases key trophies, kits, artefacts and multimedia displays covering the club’s history from 1886 to the present. Visitors can expect video theatres, interactive exhibits and displays from famous eras, making the museum appealing even to casual football fans. Many stadium tour tickets include museum access, allowing a combined behind‑the‑scenes and history experience.
On matchdays, turnstiles usually open around two hours before kick‑off, giving fans time to find seats, buy refreshments and absorb the atmosphere. Concourse catering offers typical football favourites and beverages, and large screens show build‑up and team news. After the final whistle, exits and surrounding streets can be busy, so visitors should allow extra time for their journey home.
Stadium Tours and Ticket Options
Emirates Stadium offers several tour formats, commonly including a self‑guided audio tour, matchday tours and “legends” options hosted or fronted by former Arsenal players. Standard tours usually include access to the home dressing room, players’ tunnel, pitchside and dugouts, media areas and the museum, with audio commentary in multiple languages. Tours typically start from the Armoury Store or a dedicated tour entrance at the stadium.
Prices vary by provider and package, but adult tour tickets often start from the mid‑£30 range, with discounted rates for children, seniors and concessions, and family bundles for two adults and two children around the £120 level with some retailers. Specialist “legend” tours or hospitality‑based matchday experiences cost more, reflecting smaller groups and exclusive access. Tours may not operate on home matchdays, the day before European games or during certain events, so advance booking and date checking are important.
Practical Information and Planning
Stadium tour opening times are commonly given as 9:30am–6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sundays, with last entry roughly one hour before closing. Matchday access depends on kick‑off time, with turnstiles usually open about two hours before the game and closing shortly after full time. The stadium is located at Hornsey Road or Drayton Park addresses in the N7/N5 postcode area of North London.
Adult tour tickets tend to start around £35, with children and seniors paying slightly less, and infants often visiting free of charge. Family tickets bundle entry for two adults and two children at a reduced overall price compared with buying individually. Match ticket prices vary significantly by competition, opposition and seating category and are generally purchased through Arsenal’s official ticketing channels or hospitality partners.
Getting to Emirates Stadium
The stadium is particularly well served by the London Underground and rail services. Arsenal station on the Piccadilly line is nearest to the northern side, while Highbury & Islington on the Victoria line and London Overground serves the southern side, and Holloway Road on the Piccadilly line is technically closest but has entry/exit restrictions on matchdays to manage crowd flow. Drayton Park rail station also serves the area, though services may be limited on weekends.
Multiple bus routes pass near the ground, giving alternatives to the Tube for those travelling shorter distances. On matchdays many roads close or become heavily congested, so travelling by public transport is strongly recommended over driving. If driving is unavoidable, visitors should check local parking restrictions and pre‑book any official parking where available, especially for disabled bays.
Accessibility and Facilities
The stadium and tour route offer step‑free access via lifts to most areas, including seating for wheelchair users and accessible toilets. Registered disabled visitors may benefit from discounted tickets and are often allowed to bring a personal assistant free of charge on tours. Registered guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical alert dogs are permitted on the tour and in the museum, provided formal identification is shown.
Concourse areas include accessible counters, and stewards are present to assist with directions or specific needs. Disabled parking is available for Blue Badge holders but usually must be pre‑booked at least 72 hours before a visit. For detailed provision, visitors can consult the dedicated accessibility guide and contact the club directly before travelling.
Emirates Stadium Visitor Snapshot
| Aspect | Key information |
| Location | Holloway, Islington, North London (N7/N5) |
| Capacity | Around 60,000 seated spectators |
| Year opened | 2006, Arsenal’s first season 2006–07 |
| Main use | Home of Arsenal FC matches and events |
| Tour hours | Approx. 9:30am–6pm (Mon–Sat), 10am–4pm (Sun) |
| Adult tour price | From about £35 per person |
| Nearest Tube | Arsenal, Highbury & Islington, Holloway Road |
| Museum | On site, included with many tour tickets |
Seasonal and Timely Considerations
The busiest times are during the football season from August to May, especially on weekends and midweek European nights. Tour availability may reduce on or around matchdays, so midweek non‑match days often provide a quieter experience. Summer can bring pre‑season friendlies or concerts, which may also affect access to certain areas.
Weather is a factor because, although seating is largely covered, open concourses and approaches are exposed. Winter fixtures can be cold and wet, so visitors should dress warmly and arrive early to avoid rushing through busy turnstiles. Daytime tours in spring and summer offer brighter views of the bowl and skyline from higher levels.
Tips for First‑Time Visitors
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes early for matches to navigate security checks, find your turnstile and soak up the atmosphere. For tours, consider early morning slots to enjoy quieter access to popular areas like the dressing room and tunnel. Always check the official schedule to avoid disappointment on days when tours are suspended.
Bring a fully charged phone or camera because photography is usually allowed along the route. Wear comfortable shoes, as tours involve plenty of walking and stairs despite lift access. Plan your return journey in advance, as nearby stations can be very busy immediately after full time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Emirates Stadium located?
Emirates Stadium is in Holloway, in the London Borough of Islington, with common addresses on Hornsey Road and Drayton Park in the N7 and N5 postcode areas. It sits a short distance north of central London and close to the site of Arsenal’s former Highbury ground.
How many seats does Emirates Stadium have?
The seated capacity is just over 60,000, with official figures often quoted at 60,704 seats. This makes it one of the largest football stadiums in England, behind Wembley and Old Trafford.
When did Arsenal move to Emirates Stadium?
Arsenal moved to Emirates Stadium in 2006, with the first full season played there in 2006–07 after leaving Highbury. The move was driven largely by the need for higher capacity and modern facilities.
How much did Emirates Stadium cost to build?
Construction and related development costs are generally reported at around £390 million. This covered the stadium itself and associated infrastructure and redevelopment projects in the surrounding area.
How do I get to Emirates Stadium by Tube?
The nearest Underground stations are Arsenal on the Piccadilly line and Highbury & Islington on the Victoria line and London Overground, with Holloway Road also close but subject to matchday restrictions. All three are within walking distance of the ground and are clearly signposted on event days.
What are the Emirates Stadium tour opening hours?
Typical tour hours are 9:30am–6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sundays, with last entry approximately one hour before closing. These times can change on matchdays or during special events, so checking ahead is important.
How much does an Emirates Stadium tour cost?
Adult tour tickets commonly start from about £35, with child and senior tickets slightly cheaper and infant entry often free. Family packages for two adults and two children can be around £120 with some providers.
Can I visit the Arsenal Museum without a match ticket?
Yes, the museum is open on most non‑match days and is frequently bundled with stadium tour tickets. Visitors should confirm opening times, as the museum may close or operate reduced hours around fixtures.
Is Emirates Stadium accessible for disabled visitors?
The stadium offers step‑free access, lifts to most levels, accessible seating and toilets, and designated disabled parking that typically must be pre‑booked. Registered disabled visitors may receive discounts and can often bring a personal assistant free of charge on tours.
Can I take photos on an Emirates Stadium tour?
Photography is generally allowed throughout most of the tour route, including pitchside and in many behind‑the‑scenes areas. Tripods and professional equipment may be restricted, so checking any specific rules in advance is wise.
Are there food and drink options at the stadium?
Yes, concourses and surrounding areas offer a range of food and drink outlets that open before kick‑off and at half‑time on matchdays. On tour days, café and kiosk options may be more limited but are usually available nearby or within the complex.
Can I drive to Emirates Stadium and park nearby?
Driving is possible but not recommended on matchdays due to road closures and heavy traffic. Limited disabled parking is available for Blue Badge holders if booked in advance, and most other visitors rely on public transport.
What should I wear for an Emirates Stadium tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing are advisable, as tours involve moving between indoor and outdoor areas. On colder or wet days, extra layers and a waterproof jacket will make the experience more comfortable.
Is Emirates Stadium worth visiting if I am not an Arsenal fan?
Yes, many visitors enjoy the modern architecture, London skyline views and insights into elite football operations regardless of club allegiance. The museum and tour offer a broader view of English football history and stadium design that appeals to neutral fans and tourists.
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