Description
The Emirates Stadium or Ashburton Grove Stadium is located in London and is the main arena of Arsenal Football Club. At the moment, this stadium is considered the most modern in the English Premier League and can accommodate 60,361 spectators.
Previously, Arsenal's home matches were played at the Highbury Stadium, located in north London and having a seating capacity of 38,419. However, the club's management in the late 90s began to think about building a new, more modern and spacious stadium. The official opening of the Emirates Stadium took place on October 26, 2006.
The Emirates Stadium is shaped like a plate surrounded by four tiers of stands. There is a roof over the seats, while the stadium pitch remains in the open air. The upper and lower tiers are equipped with regular seats, while the middle tier, called the "club tier", offers more comfortable seats. Attendance at matches on the "club" tier is only possible with the purchase of a season ticket lasting from one to four years. It includes English Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and European Cup matches. Below the "club" level there are 150 boxes for 10, 12 and 15 people. A total of 2,222 spectators can be accommodated here. Visiting the VIP-zone of the stadium is available only by special invitation. There are also 250 seats designed for people with disabilities. For media representatives 215 seats are provided and there are 41 points with cameras for TV broadcasts. There are more than 250 public catering outlets within the stadium.
Some changes were made at Grove Stadium in 2009. White seats in the shape of a cannon were installed on the lower tier of bleachers. The Spirit of Highbury Hall has also been opened within the stadium, with images of all the players who have taken part in Arsenal matches at Highbury Stadium over 93 years. Around the stadium are 8 murals depicting four of the club's legendary players with their backs hugged. This gives the impression that these 32 legends are hugging the stadium. Inside the lower tier, there are 12 murals depicting legendary moments of Arsenal play. Statues of Herbert Chapman, Tony Adams and Thierry Henry are placed near the stadium as if watching over the new generations of the team.
The Emirates Stadium is rated fourth in the UEFA stadium rankings.