About Arsenal

The Arsenal Football Club is a professional football club based in Islington, North London. Founded in 1886 as Dial Square by munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, the club was renamed Royal Arsenal and later Woolwich Arsenal before moving to Highbury in 1913 and adopting the name Arsenal. Arsenal compete in the Premier League and hold a record 14 FA Cups, 13 league titles, 2 League Cups, and a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, among other honours.

Arsenal were the first southern club to join the Football League in 1893 and have the longest unbroken spell in the English top flight. The club moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium at Ashburton Grove in 2006. The ground has a seated capacity of 60,704 and is one of the largest club stadiums in England.

Supporters are known as Gooners, from the club nickname the Gunners. Arsenal's deepest rivalry is with neighbours Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. The club motto is Victoria Concordia Crescit – "Victory Through Harmony".

For away fans, a visit to the Emirates offers a modern, well-connected matchday in the capital. The stadium's pitch is often called "the Carpet" for its quality, and the lower tiers are generally more atmospheric than the upper.

Quick Facts

Full Name: The Arsenal Football Club

Nickname: The Gunners (supporters: Gooners)

Founded: 1886 (as Dial Square)

Stadium: Emirates Stadium

Capacity: 60,704

Location: Holloway, Islington, North London

League: Premier League

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Stadium Information

Stadium Name

Emirates Stadium

"The Carpet" (pitch)

Address

Emirates Stadium

Hornsey Road

London

N7 7AJ

Capacity

60,704

Opened

July 2006

Pitch Dimensions

105m x 68m

Surface

GrassMaster (hybrid)

Stadium History & Features

The Emirates Stadium was built on the Ashburton Grove site, about 500 metres from the old Highbury ground. Planning was approved in 2001; construction began in 2004 and the stadium opened in July 2006. It is a four-tiered bowl with a translucent roof over the stands. The North Bank, East Stand, West Stand and Clock End are named in line with Highbury tradition, and the pitch is renowned for its quality.

The stadium is served by several Tube and National Rail stations. Visiting supporters are located in the green quadrant, in the south-east corner of the ground. The main club shop (The Armoury) and ticket offices are near the West Stand; there is also a store at the North Bank Bridge and near Finsbury Park station.

The Emirates hosts international fixtures and music events as well as Arsenal matches. The club museum sits in the Northern Triangle building to the north of the stadium. Statues of Tony Adams, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Herbert Chapman stand outside the ground.

Away Fan Seating

Away fans are housed in the lower tier of the south-east corner. The typical allocation for Premier League matches is around 3,000, but the configuration can be expanded for cup games. The stadium uses a colour-coded system for sectors; the away section is in the green quadrant. Entry is via membership cards or paper tickets with RFID; follow steward directions to your block.

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Getting to the Emirates Stadium

By Tube

Arsenal (Piccadilly line) is the nearest station, about three minutes' walk from the ground; there is no step-free access from platform to exit. Finsbury Park (Victoria and Piccadilly lines, plus Great Northern rail) and Highbury & Islington (Victoria line, Overground and Great Northern) are about a 10-minute walk and often less crowded; both are wheelchair accessible.

Holloway Road is exit-only before matches and closed for up to two hours after full-time; pre-match eastbound Piccadilly line trains do not stop there. Drayton Park is closed on matchdays. Use the TfL Journey Planner to plan your route.

By Train

King's Cross is the main hub for National Rail and many Underground lines. From there, take the Piccadilly line to Arsenal or the Victoria line to Highbury & Islington. Alternatively, take the Overground one stop to Finsbury Park and walk to the stadium. King's Cross and Finsbury Park are wheelchair accessible.

By Bus

Frequent bus services run along Holloway Road, Nag's Head, Seven Sisters Road, Blackstock Road and Highbury Corner, all within about 5–10 minutes' walk of the ground. TfL buses are wheelchair accessible. Check tfl.gov.uk for routes and times.

By Car

Driving is strongly discouraged. The stadium sits in a mainly residential area with an extensive Event Day Parking Scheme; only residents with permits can park on-street, and illegally parked vehicles are towed. Use public transport or park well away and complete your journey by Tube or bus.

By Bicycle

Secure cycle parking is available near the Highbury House retail store on Drayton Park, with further facilities at Finsbury Park station. Islington is relatively flat and well served by cycle routes; use TfL's cycle journey planner.

Travel Tip

Managed queuing operates at Arsenal, Finsbury Park and Highbury & Islington stations around kick-off and after the match. Allow extra time and follow signs and stewards. Hornsey Road between Benwell Road and Holloway Road is closed to pedestrians (emergency access only) on matchdays. The stadium opens two hours before kick-off.

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Parking Information

Parking near the Emirates is very limited. An extensive residents-only Event Day scheme operates on matchdays, and illegally parked cars are towed. The club strongly advises using public transport.

Official Parking

There is no general matchday car parking at the stadium. Blue Badge holders should check the club's accessible parking FAQs and arrangements in advance.

Private Car Parks

TBC

Street Parking

On-street parking in the designated Event Day zones is for residents with permits only. Enforcement is strict; vehicles parked without a valid permit are liable to be removed.

Park & Ride

A common approach is to park further out near a Tube station (e.g. Cockfosters) and complete your journey by Piccadilly line to Arsenal or other nearby stations. Check TfL for parking at outlying stations.

Important Parking Advice

Do not plan to park close to the ground. Use Park & Ride or public transport from your arrival point. Arrive in good time to allow for queues at stations and the stadium.

Pubs and Bars

There are a number of pubs and bars near the Emirates. Note that some bars ask supporters to cover club colours and some do not admit children; check locally on the day. Above we show some highly rated venues nearby; get more on the Follow Away App.

Pubs near the stadium

Location: Around the Emirates

Distance: 5–15 minutes' walk

Several bars near the ground welcome away fans. Policies on colours and under-18s vary; follow signage and steward advice. Queuing arrangements at nearby stations can affect how long you have pre-match.

Finsbury Park / Highbury & Islington area

Location: Near Finsbury Park and Highbury & Islington stations

Distance: About 10 minutes' walk to stadium

Bars and restaurants around these stations are used by both home and away fans. Slightly less crowded than right by the ground; useful if you arrive via these stations.

Pub Tips for Away Fans

Some venues require club colours to be covered; others do not allow children. Check before you go. Drinking in central London or near King's Cross, then taking the Tube to Arsenal or Finsbury Park, is a common approach.

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Food and Dining Options

Inside the Stadium

Concourse kiosks sell hot food, snacks and drinks. Typical matchday items include pies, burgers, hot dogs and chips. Check the Follow Away app or official sources for current prices; check on the day.

  • Pies: Hot pies and similar savoury options
  • Burgers & Hot Dogs: Standard matchday hot food
  • Chips: Available at most kiosks
  • Soft Drinks & Hot Beverages: Tea, coffee and soft drinks
  • Alcohol: Beer and other alcoholic drinks (ID may be required)

Near the Stadium

Fast food and takeaways

Holloway Road and neighbouring streets have fast food and takeaway options within a short walk of the ground.

Restaurants and cafés

The Finsbury Park, Highbury and Holloway areas offer a range of restaurants and cafés for pre- or post-match food.

City Centre Options

Central London has a wide variety of dining options. Many away fans eat or drink near King's Cross or other major hubs before taking the Tube to Arsenal, Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington.

Need a hotel?

Staying overnight? Here are some of the highest-rated hotels near Emirates Stadium on Google. For more options, get more venues on the Follow Away App.

Get more venues on the Follow Away App to find hotels and places to stay near the ground.

Ticket Information

Buying Tickets

Away tickets for the Emirates are sold through your own club's official ticket office or away scheme. The usual Premier League allocation is around 3,000, in the south-east corner. Availability and sale dates follow your club's loyalty and ballot rules.

Ticket Prices

Match-by-match pricing is set by Arsenal and communicated via your club. Concessionary rates may apply for juniors, seniors and other groups. Confirm exact prices and categories when you buy.

Important Ticket Information

  • Away tickets are sold via your club only; do not buy from touts or unofficial sources.
  • Arsenal use membership cards or RFID paper tickets for entry; follow instructions from your club.
  • Check your club's away ticket criteria, sale windows and collection arrangements.
  • Photo ID may be required; check with your club before travel.

Ticket Advice

Apply or register for away tickets through your club as soon as sales open. Demand often exceeds allocation, especially for London fixtures. Never buy from unofficial sellers – you risk being refused entry.

Matchday Tips for Away Fans

Before the Match

  • Arrive Early: Allow extra time for Tube or rail and for queues at Arsenal, Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington. The stadium opens two hours before kick-off.
  • Check Transport: Holloway Road is exit-only before matches and closed after; Drayton Park is closed on matchdays. Plan your route via Arsenal, Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington.
  • Club Colours: Some nearby bars ask fans to cover club colours. Carry a jacket or neutral top if you plan to drink locally.
  • Pre-Match Food: Eat before arriving at the ground if you prefer to avoid concourse queues, or use kiosks early after gates open.

At the Stadium

  • Security Checks: Expect bag searches and possible wanding at the turnstiles. Prohibited items are listed on the club website; allow time to get through.
  • Away Section: Away fans are in the south-east (green) quadrant. Follow stewards and signs to your block and use your membership card or ticket for entry.
  • Facilities: Toilets and food and drink kiosks are in the concourses behind the away section.
  • Atmosphere: The North Bank is typically the loudest home section. The lower tiers are generally more vocal than the upper.

After the Match

  • Exiting: Stewards will direct you out. There may be a short hold-back depending on the fixture.
  • Transport: Station queues can be lengthy after full-time. Consider waiting nearby or heading to a less busy stop (e.g. Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington) if you have time.
  • Safety: Follow steward and police instructions. Keep to designated away routes where indicated.

General Advice

  • Weather: The stadium is largely open to the elements. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Cash & Cards: Stadium kiosks and many local businesses accept cards; carrying some cash is still useful.
  • Mobile Coverage: Signal can be busy in and around the ground. Agree meeting points in advance.
  • Respect: Be respectful to home fans, stewards and residents. You are a guest in the area.

Top Tip

Use the Tube rather than driving. Plan your station (Arsenal, Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington) and leave time for queues. A drink or bite near Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington can ease the crowds before and after the match.

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