Arsenal FC is actively putting in ambitious plans to complete the Emirates Stadium uplift by a probable temporary relocation to Wembley. The capacity would be going well north of 70,000. It would, therefore, be the largest club ground in London.
The Expansion Vision
The operation’s goal is to increase the capacity of the Emirates Stadium well past the 70,000 mark. The present capacity is 60,704. Arsenal would, thus, reclaim its position as the largest club stadium in London. This pushes Tottenham to second and West Ham to third.
Driving Forces Behind the Plan
This expansion is commercially viable and comes as a desperate request from fan groups. The key considerations are:
- Massive Demand: With over 100,000 people listed on the season ticket waiting list, the call for stadium expansion is massive.
- Revenue Increase: Increasing the capacity should increase matchday income. This will support the club’s activity under financial criteria such as the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). On average, Arsenal’s consumption receipts for gate-entry are behind their rivals and can come in help that much from a major enlargement.
- A step toward Modernization: A “multi-functional and digital-first stadium” should host major concerts and events just like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the renovated Bernabéu.
Challenges and the Wembley Solution
The stadium located on a tight 17-acre site in a residential neighborhood that has a complex transport infrastructure. However, the project encounters big challenges. This would indeed be a large-scale renovation project. This means a prolonged dislocation period of Arsenal playing its home matches elsewhere could be necessary.
Wembley Stadium seems a more probable temporary home, operating under much the same arrangement under which Tottenham Hotspur were able to use Wembley for a little under two seasons during the build of their new stadium, for some £15 million. Arsenal, in any case, do have some precedent with matches at Wembley; Champions League matches were held there in the late 1990s and more recently FA Cup finals.
Current Status and Next Steps
The project is still in an investigative phase with no concrete thinkings or decision to take upon. The club has not yet applied for planning permission, which could take as long as five years. The experience of the Kroenke family in building the SoFi Stadium for Los Angeles is considered a tremendous advantage, while the appointment of real estate specialist Otto Maly to the board may indicate that a stronger team is now coming together to move this forward.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
