Arsenal is not building a new stadium. But is actively planning a major expansion of its current home, the Emirates Stadium, aiming to increase the capacity to around 80,000 seats. This design of the project to meet massive fan demand and secure the club’s financial future.
Key Aims
The table below outlines the key aspects of the planned expansion:
Aspect | Details
Project Type | Major expansion and renovation of the existing Emirates Stadium
Current Capacity | 60,704
Target Capacity | Around 80,000
Reported Cost | Approximately £500 million
Projected Timeline | Completion by 2028
The Drive for a bigger Emirates
The main driver for the expansion is unrivaled demand. The Emirates Stadium consistently sells out with a very long waiting list for season tickets. Expanding the capacity of the Emirates Stadium will provide the opportunity to substantially increase matchday revenue, which were already highest in English football based on the £137 million figure published for the 2023/24 season.
The Challenges and Inspiration
There are major challenges in extending the Emirates. The stadium is located on a constrained site, between railway tracks and residential buildings. One key challenge is to improve local transport infrastructure, particularly Holloway Road tube station, to accommodate bigger crowds.
Because of these complexities, the club is studying other world-class stadiums for inspiration. The will notably be the redevelopment of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal has also hired architects to explore design options, with a focus on improving the atmosphere by bringing fans closer to the pitch, addressing a common critique of the current bowl design.
Author’s Opinion
The key changes are not expected to commence until after the conclusion of the 2026/27 season. Likewise, on the back of the stallions, the club has already undertaken measures to improve the experience for fans, by advancing technology and hospitality improvements. The expansion is demonstrated by Kroenke ownership as a clear signal of further intentions to remain competitive as an Arsenal name on the pitch, and presumably off it, in the years to come.
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