The Emirates Stadium opens the 2026‑27 Premier League season on Friday 21 August, when Arsenal host Coventry City under the lights — and a Friday night at the Emirates is one of the great introductions to English football. If it's your first visit, here's everything you need.

The basics

Home of Arsenal since 2006, when the club moved a few hundred meters from its historic Highbury home, the Emirates holds just over 60,000 and is one of the most comfortable big stadiums in Europe — steep enough to feel close, modern enough that sightlines are excellent almost everywhere.

Getting there

The stadium sits in Holloway, North London, and matchday is very much a public-transport occasion — there is effectively no parking, so don't drive.

  • Arsenal station (Piccadilly line) is the classic route: a short walk from the ground, but expect queues after the final whistle.

  • Highbury & Islington (Victoria line and Overground) is about a ten-minute walk and often the smarter exit after the match.

  • Finsbury Park (Victoria and Piccadilly lines, plus main-line rail) is a similar walk from the north side and spreads the crowd well.

A good local trick: arrive via Arsenal station, leave via Highbury & Islington, and let the crowds thin over a post-match drink in Islington's pubs along Upper Street.

Timing

Gates typically open well before kick-off. Aim to be at the ground an hour early — the walk from the station, security checks and finding your seat all take longer on busy nights.

Where to sit

The stadium bowl has three main levels. The lower tier puts you closest to the pitch and the noise; the upper tier offers superb elevated views and often better value; Club Level, the middle ring, adds padded seats and access to lounges — the comfortable choice if you're making an occasion of it. Behind-the-goal seats at the Clock End or North Bank bring the most atmosphere; halfway-line seats give the best view of the game itself.

Wherever you sit, check your ticket's entrance letter before you set off — the stadium is a full circle, and walking around it against the crowd takes time.

Matchday tips

  • The stadium is cashless — cards and phones only, inside and at the kiosks.

  • Travel light. Bag policies at Premier League grounds are strict; a small bag or none at all is the safe play — check the club's current policy before you go.

  • Eat before or after, not during. Holloway Road and Islington are full of far better food than any stadium concourse.

  • Stay for the walk out. The view of the illuminated bowl from the stadium bridges is the photo you came for.

Arsenal's home fixtures — starting with that season opener against Coventry — are on sale now. Pick your match, pick your tier, and see the Emirates for yourself.