Arsenal

Arsenal

Hornsey Road, London, Greater London, N7 7AJ

Arsenal were founded in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich before later moving to North London. The club became one of English football's major names, with a long top-flight history, major domestic honours and a strong identity built around Highbury and later the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are closely associated with North London football culture and their rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur.

  • Founded

    1886

  • Nickname

    The Gunners

  • Location

    London

  • Stadium

    Emirates Stadium

  • Capacity

    60,704

  • Built

    2006

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Stadium Overview

Emirates Stadium is a modern, bowl-style football ground in north London and has been Arsenal's home since the club moved from Highbury in 2006. Unlike older English grounds made up of four very distinct stands, the Emirates is designed as a continuous enclosed arena, with a sweeping roofline, wide concourses and three main seating levels wrapped around the pitch. The lower tier sits closest to the playing surface, the premium Club Level runs around the middle, and the upper tier rises steeply above, giving the ground its large, clean, symmetrical feel.

The traditional Arsenal stand names still shape the matchday identity. The North Bank is behind one goal and remains one of the key home-supporter areas, while the Clock End is behind the opposite goal. The East and West stands run along the sides of the pitch and include many of the stadium's hospitality, media and premium areas. From outside, the stadium is approached by bridges, steps and podium areas rather than tight terraced streets, which gives it a very different feel from Highbury, although the old ground is still close enough to make the area feel strongly Arsenal.

For atmosphere, the Emirates is at its best when the lower tiers behind the goals are fully engaged. The Ashburton Army and other vocal home support are usually associated with the Clock End/North Bank areas, while the stadium's design means noise can travel well once the whole bowl joins in. For neutrals, the side stands generally offer the best overall views and a less intense matchday experience than the blocks immediately beside the away section.

Away End

Away supporters at Emirates Stadium are usually housed in the lower tier of the south-east corner, on the Clock End side of the ground. For Premier League matches the allocation is normally around the standard league away allocation, although exact numbers can vary by competition and safety arrangements. The away section sits between home areas, so the blocks closest to the divide can be lively, especially for London fixtures or matches involving clubs with large travelling support.

Visiting supporters should follow the instructions issued by their own club and Arsenal before travelling, because away-ticket access and collection arrangements can differ by fixture. The away section is normally approached from the south-east side of the stadium, with supporters directed around the podium and bridge approaches by stewards and police. It is important not to assume that the shortest route from a Tube station will be the route used on the day, as crowd control outside the Emirates can change after full-time.

Inside, the view from the away end is generally good for a corner allocation, although the lowest rows are closer to pitch level and can feel flatter. The concourse is modern but can become very busy at half-time. Supporters who prefer to sit should also be aware that persistent standing can be common in away sections at Premier League grounds, particularly in the central rows of the allocation.

Getting There

By Road

From the North

From the north, most drivers will approach London via the M1 or A1 before joining the A406 North Circular and then working towards Holloway, Islington and the Emirates Stadium area. Driving close to the ground is not recommended on matchdays because local roads are busy and parking is heavily restricted. Away coaches should follow Arsenal's official coach parking guidance for Queensland Road and Hornsey Road where applicable.

From the South

From the south, drivers usually need to cross London using routes such as the A3, A23, A2, Blackwall Tunnel, South Circular, North Circular or central London routes depending on where they start. Driving close to the Emirates is not recommended on matchdays because local roads around Holloway, Drayton Park and Highbury are busy and parking restrictions are heavy. If travelling by coach, follow Arsenal's official coach parking guidance for Queensland Road and Hornsey Road.

From the East

From the east, drivers normally approach North London via the A12, A13, A406 North Circular, Blackwall Tunnel or local routes through Hackney, Stratford and Islington. Driving close to the Emirates is not recommended on matchdays because parking restrictions are heavy and local roads around Holloway, Drayton Park and Highbury become very busy. Arsenal list official coach parking at Queensland Road and Hornsey Road where applicable.

From the West

From the west, drivers usually approach North London via the M4, A40, A406 North Circular, Finchley Road or other routes towards Holloway and Islington. Driving close to the Emirates is not recommended on matchdays because controlled parking zones operate and local roads around Holloway, Drayton Park and Highbury become very busy. Arsenal list Queensland Road and Hornsey Road as coach parking sites where applicable, so organised coach travel should follow official guidance.

By Train

Arsenal, Holloway Road, Finsbury Park & Highbury and Islington

The Emirates is best reached by London Underground and rail rather than driving. Arsenal station on the Piccadilly line is the closest named Tube stop, with Holloway Road, Finsbury Park and Highbury and Islington also useful depending on route and crowd control. Drayton Park is close to the stadium but is normally closed on matchdays, so do not rely on it for football travel. Allow extra time after full-time because nearby stations can be held or queued.

Walking From Station

Arsenal Underground

Arsenal Underground station on the Piccadilly line is the closest practical stop for the Emirates Stadium and is only a short walk from the ground. On matchdays, follow the crowd and steward directions towards the stadium, but allow extra time because the station and surrounding streets can become very busy. Holloway Road may not always be suitable on matchdays, while Finsbury Park and Highbury and Islington are useful longer-walk alternatives.

By Air

London Heathrow, London City, Luton, Gatwick & Stansted

For supporters flying to Arsenal, the best London airport depends on flight availability and onward rail or Underground connections. Heathrow links into London by Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line and rail services, while London City, Luton, Gatwick and Stansted all require onward rail or Tube connections towards North London. Do not plan to drive from the airport to the Emirates unless necessary, as matchday parking around Holloway and Islington is heavily restricted.

Taxi / Public Transport

Islington Minicabs

Islington Minicabs operate across Islington and North London and can be used for pre-booked private hire around the Emirates Stadium area. On matchdays, avoid trying to collect directly from Holloway Road or immediately outside the ground after full-time, as traffic and crowd controls can make pickups difficult. Agree a clear pickup point slightly away from the stadium before the match.

Minicabs Hub Islington

Minicabs Hub advertise Islington taxi and minicab services covering local N1, N5 and N7 areas. This can be a useful pre-booked option for supporters needing a taxi after the match, but road closures, crowds and traffic around the Emirates can delay pickups. Consider walking towards a quieter road or a nearby station area before requesting collection.

TfL Buses Around Holloway Road and Emirates Stadium

Several TfL bus routes serve the Emirates Stadium area around Holloway Road, Blackstock Road, Seven Sisters Road and nearby stations. Useful routes commonly include services towards Finsbury Park, Highbury and Islington, Holloway, Crouch End, Camden, King's Cross and central London. On matchdays, local stops and roads can be crowded or temporarily affected, so check TfL live travel before setting off.

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Parking
Hornsey Road VIP Car Park

A pre-bookable event-day car park around a short walk from the Emirates Stadium. Useful if you need to drive to Arsenal, but book in advance and allow time for heavy traffic around Seven Sisters Road, Holloway and Drayton Park after full-time.

Queensland Road Matchday Parking

A matchday parking option close to the stadium area and often associated with event parking around the Emirates. Spaces should be pre-booked where available. This is not a turn-up-and-hope area, as Arsenal matchdays involve heavy restrictions and crowded local roads.

JustPark Emirates Stadium Spaces

A useful fallback for pre-booked private driveways and commercial spaces near the Emirates. Check walking distance carefully before booking and avoid relying on street parking around Islington, Holloway or Highbury on matchdays.

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Pubs
The Twelve Pins

A well-known Finsbury Park pub often used by football supporters before Arsenal matches. It is a practical option if arriving by Tube or rail into Finsbury Park, but it can get very busy and away colours may depend on the fixture.

263 Seven Sisters Road · N4 2DE

Away Fans Welcome
The Coronet

Large Wetherspoon-style pub on Holloway Road, useful for supporters who want a straightforward pre-match drink away from the tight streets immediately outside the Emirates. Arrive early and expect it to be busy on Arsenal matchdays.

338-346 Holloway Road · N7 6NJ

Away Fans Welcome
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Food
Xi'an Impression

Small but highly rated Chinese restaurant very close to Arsenal station and the Emirates. Best for early arrivals because it is compact and can get busy around matchdays.

117 Benwell Road · N7 7BW

Away Fans Welcome
Zia Lucia Holloway

Popular pizza restaurant on Holloway Road, useful before Arsenal matches if you want a proper sit-down meal rather than standard stadium food. Book or arrive early on matchdays.

157 Holloway Road · N7 8LX

Away Fans Welcome
Yard Sale Pizza Finsbury Park

Pizza takeaway/restaurant option near Finsbury Park, useful for supporters arriving by Tube or rail before walking to the Emirates. Good for a quicker casual meal before the game.

54 Blackstock Road · N4 2DW

Away Fans Welcome
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Hotels
Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park

Modern hotel close to Finsbury Park, making it a strong option for Arsenal away fans arriving by rail or Underground. It gives an easy onward walk to the Emirates without staying directly beside the stadium crowds.

240 Seven Sisters Road · N4 2HX

Travelodge London Manor House

Budget-friendly chain hotel north of the Emirates. Useful if you want a cheaper London base within a longer walk or short Tube/bus journey of Arsenal.

422 Seven Sisters Road · N4 2LX

DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross

Good London base around Angel and King’s Cross for supporters who want wider rail connections, food and nightlife after the match. Not beside the stadium, but practical by Tube or taxi.

60 Pentonville Road · N1 9LA

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Matchday Advice

The strongest advice for Emirates Stadium is to use public transport and arrive early. Arsenal station, Holloway Road, Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington and Drayton Park all serve the wider area, but crowd-control arrangements can mean some stations are exit-only, closed, or much slower after the match. Holloway Road in particular is not always the best post-match option, so it is worth planning a second station rather than simply following your phone.

The stadium has a wide podium and several major approach points, but queues build quickly close to kick-off because of ticket checks, bag searches and the volume of supporters entering from the same directions. If you want to visit The Armoury, take photos around the statues, or walk past the old Highbury site, give yourself proper time rather than treating it as a last-minute arrival.

For away fans, expect a heavily managed route around the stadium, especially for higher-risk fixtures. Police and stewards may hold or redirect crowds after full-time. Pubs around Holloway, Highbury and Finsbury Park can be very home-orientated on matchdays, so visiting supporters should check advice from their own club before choosing where to drink.

Tickets

Arsenal home tickets are among the hardest in English football to obtain through normal routes. For league fixtures, tickets made available to members are generally handled through Arsenal's membership and ballot system, with the official Ticket Exchange acting as the club-approved resale route when season-ticket holders or members cannot attend. General sale for Premier League fixtures is uncommon, so a neutral visitor should plan well ahead and use official club channels only.

For the best balance of view and comfort, neutral supporters are usually best looking at the East or West Stand areas, where the sightlines are excellent and the atmosphere is less intense than the blocks behind the goals. The North Bank and Clock End are better choices for supporters wanting a more vocal Arsenal experience, although availability is naturally limited. The blocks immediately beside the away allocation can be lively and are not the obvious choice for someone wanting a calm first visit.

Away tickets are sold by the visiting club, not by Arsenal, and are normally allocated according to that club's own loyalty-point or priority system. Travelling supporters should not buy in home areas, particularly for high-profile fixtures, as segregation is enforced and entry may be refused if away support is identified in home sections.

Stadium Rules

Emirates Stadium operates the usual Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory or abusive behaviour, and no alcohol consumption in view of the pitch. Supporters should follow the ticket terms and the instructions of stewards at all times.

Arsenal also operates a strict small-bag policy. Supporters are advised not to bring bags unless absolutely necessary, and bags larger than the permitted size may not be allowed into the stadium. All bags are subject to search, which can slow entry at busy times. There are no normal matchday storage facilities at the stadium, so luggage should be left elsewhere before travelling.

Digital ticketing, named-ticket checks and collection requirements can apply depending on the fixture and ticket type. If a supporter is asked to collect a ticket or provide identification, they should allow extra time and follow the specific instructions issued before the match.

Accessibility

Arsenal publishes a dedicated Emirates Stadium Access Guide for disabled supporters and visitors. The stadium has accessible viewing areas, accessible toilets, lifts and steward assistance, with specific arrangements depending on whether the supporter is in a home, away or hospitality area. Supporters with access requirements should contact Arsenal or their own club in advance rather than leaving arrangements until matchday.

For away supporters, accessible tickets and wheelchair spaces are normally handled through the visiting club's ticket office. The away-access arrangements can vary depending on allocation and competition, so travelling disabled supporters should check their ticket confirmation carefully, particularly entry point, lift use and companion-seat details.

The Emirates is a relatively modern stadium and is much easier to navigate than many older grounds, but the surrounding area can still be challenging because of crowds, bridges, station closures and post-match queues. Anyone who needs step-free travel should plan the whole journey, not just the stadium entry.

Stadium Tours

Arsenal offer regular Emirates Stadium tours. The main stadium tour is a self-guided experience with access to areas such as the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitchside, interview areas and the Arsenal Museum, subject to availability and matchday restrictions. Legend Tours and other premium tour formats are also offered on selected dates.

Tours should be booked in advance through Arsenal's official channels, especially during school holidays, weekends and around major fixtures. Matchday tours can be more restricted because parts of the stadium are in operational use. Visitors should also check bag rules and opening times before travelling, as tour arrangements are not always the same as normal matchday access.

Things To Do Nearby
Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum

The obvious football attraction for Arsenal away days. The Emirates Stadium Tour and museum are useful if you are arriving early or making a weekend of the trip. Check tour availability around matchdays before planning.

Emirates Stadium · N7 7AJ

Camden Market

One of North London’s best-known visitor areas, with food stalls, shops, bars and music culture. Useful before or after Arsenal if you want something away from the immediate stadium area.

Camden Lock Place · NW1 8AF

King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard

Regenerated King’s Cross area with shops, restaurants, canalside walks and bars. Practical for away fans arriving into King’s Cross or St Pancras before travelling to the Emirates.

King’s Cross · N1C

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