October 5 – Arsenal have decided not to significantly expand the Emirates Stadium. Capacity will stay at about 60,704.
A working group led by chief executive Richard Garlick has been looking at potential expansion since 2024. The group has opted for smaller improvements, the club told supporters as much at a fan meeting.
“We shared a commitment to the continued evolution of Emirates Stadium, rather than a huge-scale masterplan, building on improvement we have made to date in partnership with our catering partner, Legends, the introduction of safe standing (this season in the Clock End, and next season in the North Bank), improving hospitality and retail experiences, and upgrading visitor experiences,” the club said.
Arsenal sells out every home game. But a major expansion would have meant playing ‘home’ games elsewhere.
It does leave them behind the neighbours next door though. Tottenham’s stadium, opened in 2019 and is built to host NFL games and concerts. It’s capacity is 62,850.
The Emirates is now only England’s seventh-biggest football ground. Wembley (90,000), Old Trafford (74,158), Tottenham (62,850), the London Stadium (62,500), the Etihad (61,470) and the expanded Anfield (61,276) are all bigger.
Contact the writer of this story at nick.webster@insideworldfootball.com